Harnessing the unique properties of marine organisms to deliver sustainable blue bio-based products

Overview

Funding for research and innovation projects that develop sustainable blue bio-based products using marine organisms, targeting industries such as textiles, construction, and bioplastics. Aims to replace hazardous chemicals with environmentally friendly alternatives while addressing regulatory and market challenges.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in eligible countries, including EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions. Applicants may include research institutions, universities, SMEs, large enterprises, and public bodies.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: 10,000,000 EUR per project.
• Funding is provided as a lump sum.
• Total budget and funding rate not specified.

What Is Funded

• Development of safe and sustainable blue bio-based products using biomolecules from marine organisms (e.g., adhesion agents, antifouling coatings, biosensors, enzymes).
• Use of synthetic and engineering biology approaches, digital technologies (AI/ML, bioinformatics), and cost-benefit assessments compared to conventional alternatives.
• Regulatory, market, and value chain analysis, including safety and environmental sustainability assessments.
• Proof-of-concept activities covering the innovation chain from research to development.
• Ethical and legal considerations for sustainable access to marine resources, including biodiversity preservation and benefit-sharing.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Activities must achieve TRL 4-5 by the end of the project.
• Projects may start at any TRL.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-04-16T22:00:00.000000Z
• Deadline: 2026-09-16T22:00:00.000000Z

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage application process.
• Proposals must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Post-Award Obligations

• Compliance with lump sum grant agreement requirements, including reporting and dissemination obligations.
• Ensuring data produced is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable).
• Engagement with relevant stakeholders and potential synergies with other EU-funded projects.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select non-associated countries with specific funding provisions.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Excludes applications in health biotechnology and biofuel/bioenergy to avoid overlap with other Horizon Europe clusters.
• Ethical considerations must be addressed for the harvesting or utilization of sentient marine animals.
• International cooperation, particularly with Latin America and Caribbean countries, is encouraged.
• Proposals should leverage European research infrastructures where relevant.