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Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

Horizon Bioeconomy: Biotech Biorefineries

Funds one €20M industrial project that scales biotechnology into sustainable biorefineries and market-ready bio-based products.

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Europe has strong biotechnology research, but many promising processes do not reach industrial scale. This topic funds one large project that turns a biotech process into a working biorefinery and proves that the products can succeed in the market.

The project must use sustainably sourced bio-based feedstock and demonstrate a robust route at TRL 8. Biotechnology has to be the key enabling technol

Demonstrating at TRL 8 a sustainable, robust biomanufacturing route in which biotechnology is the key enabling technology, using sustainably sourced feedstock to produce chemicals, intermediates, polymers, ingredients or enzymes. The project must convert the biorefinery products into at least one business-driving end-product and validate it at TRL 6 or above in relevant market applications. It also covers value-chain participation, EU regulatory and safety assessment, and the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.22 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.22 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.30%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€170.8M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2026-IAFlag-01Source: ec.europa.eu