Bio-based drop-ins/smart drop-in platform chemicals, via cost-effective, sustainable and resource-efficient conversion of biomass

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Code: 36593 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-IAFlag-02 | Programme name: 23015 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025

Overall, bio-based platform chemicals, according to their chemical structure, can be classified as dedicated and drop-ins. Drop-in and smart drop-in chemicals are compatible with downstream value chains and thus have a theoretically lower market entry barrier compared to novel molecules. However, they have to face direct competition with their fossil-based counterparts, thus needing economies of scale and related large CAPEX investments to be competitive.

Bio-based and biodegradable delivery systems for fertilising products to reduce microplastics pollution & promote soil health

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Code: 36591 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-RIA-02 | Programme name: 23015 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025

The presence of microplastics in soil has been reported to alter soil organic matter content, pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon storage. It is estimated that 8000 tonnes of polymers are used annually in the EU in polymer coated fertilisers (PCF). PCF can be used as additives to improve physical properties of fertilisers or to produce slow/controlled release fertilisers (SRF/CRF). CRFs help synchronise nutrients release according to crop needs, increasing efficiency and reducing losses to the environment. Non-biodegradable plastics accumulate in the ecosystem, can be assimilated by animals and can be ultimately consumed as food by humans. Each year around 42000 tonnes of microplastics end up in the environment. Polymer coated fertilisers have been identified by FAO as high priority in terms of risk of microplastic release. Bio-based biodegradable polymers may be an alternative to conventional non-biodegradable plastics. However, more research is needed to develop such biodegradable delivery systems and validate them while assessing improvements associated to microplastics release prevention.

Alternative biomanufacturing routes for natural and synthetic rubber

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Code: 36588 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-RIA-03 | Programme name: 23015 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025

Rubber-based products have a wide array of applications such as automotive, construction, industrial, healthcare products and consumer goods. The market is roughly equally divided between natural rubber and fossil-based synthetic rubber.

Considering the future market developments and related sustainability issues, and the issue of EU strategic autonomy for critical raw materials, European rubber manufacturers are urgently looking for resource diversification, taking care about the sourcing impacts on deforestation and forest degradation, to comply with the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free products. The focus is on broadening the range of sustainable natural rubber sources and alternatives to fossil based synthetic rubber for the European bio-based industry.

Retrofitting of (bio)refineries industrial plants towards higher-value bio-based products

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Code: 36586 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-IAFlag-04 | Programme name: 23015 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025

Europe is home to many industrial facilities, that are currently redundant, under-exploited, or are becoming obsolete. Their infrastructures nonetheless represent a valuable asset that can contribute to European bioeconomy when converted to biorefineries – an approach exemplified in a number of large-scale projects across Europe. Benefits of exploiting existing plants include easier permits, reduction of CAPEX and other economic and technological benefits (e.g., shorter lead times, faster implementation, fewer production time losses and lower risks compared to fully greenfield plant construction). However, significant challenges are also related to such projects in terms of conversion of industrial equipment, establishing bio-based value chains and reskilling of the workforce. Both existing biorefineries and fossil-based industrial plants on brownfield are in scope of this topic as a target of the retrofitting action. Greenfield implementation is out of scope.

Sustainable macroalgae systems for innovative, added-value applications: cultivation and optimised production systems

Closed

Code: 36584 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-IA-01 | Programme name: 23015 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025

Whether exploiting its biomass or genetic potential, the aquatic environment may play a major role in a sustainable bioeconomy. It may help reduce pressure on land and contribute in a sustainable and more diverse manner with the supply of sustainable biomass for food, feed and other industry applications. Design and engineering principles for marine biorefining are less developed compared to biorefineries for terrestrial crops. The development of sustainable, stable and scalable cultivation technologies, as well as addressing sustainable and cost-efficient harvesting, product extraction and biorefinery processes, represent the main challenges of algal biotechnology for production of high-value or bulk products. At the same time, care must be taken to avoid any detrimental effect on marine ecosystems and biodiversity from macroalgae cultivation (especially when carried out in open environments), even contributing to their regeneration.

Scaling-up nutritional proteins from alternative sources

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Code: 36582 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-IA-03 | Programme name: 23015 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025

The overarching challenge of ensuring sufficient sustainable availability of proteins for human and animal nutrition is far from being solved. The shift towards sustainably sourced alternative proteins can contribute to building food system resilience. If the proteins are sourced locally, this can also reduce dependency on protein imports as highlighted in the European Protein Strategy. Many alternative protein sources already exist and increasing R&I efforts is needed to boost their uptake as a key nutritional food ingredient, while ensuring safety and acceptability to consumers/end-users. Previous R&I projects, dealing with alternative proteins, have been mainly focused on studying new production technologies, providing relevant contribution to developing new knowledge. There is still the need to foster innovation by scaling-up processes enabling to respond to end-user needs, decreasing production costs and improving circularity.

SSbD bio-based solutions to replace hazardous conventional chemicals for textiles production

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Code: 36580 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-IA-02 | Programme name: 23015 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025

The EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles announced actions along the textiles value chain to increase circularity and sustainability. The European consumption of textiles has the fourth highest impact on climate change and the environment, after the food sector, housing and mobility. Conventional textiles production is one of the most resource intensive and polluting industries. Many textiles’ functionalities and properties can currently only be achieved through processing with chemistry that has been identified as hazardous or of potential concern. This includes, for instance, coatings such as PFAs, heavy-metal-rich dyes and fixing agents, solvents, and surfactants. Moreover, fossil-based polymers, e.g., PVC and PU, have widespread use in coated fabrics but they are under scrutiny for the potential adverse effects (due to their additives), and high health & safety impacts in their production phase, use, and end of life. Overall, adequate substitutes of hazardous substances need to be demonstrated and introduced into textile value chains, including considering any challenges in the case of potential remanufacturing and textiles-to-textiles recycling. There is a potential to demonstrate innovative bio-based chemicals and processes to substitute currently used hazardous chemicals.

Cost-effective and robust continuous biotech bio-based processes

Closed

Code: 36578 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-IA-04 | Programme name: 23015 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025

Many bio-based chemicals/products are manufactured via biotech batch or fed-batch processes at commercial scale, which despite being easier to be controlled and scaled-up, often result into lower productivity, higher equipment downtime and increased costs. Continuous biotech processes could represent promising emerging alternatives in biorefineries targeting high productivity and reduced costs. Despite having achieved significant advancements in some cases, there are still challenges to overcome towards scaling-up, such as: contamination risks, genetic instability of cells, maintaining simultaneously high production titer, productivity and yield, lack of capability of further downstream processing (DSP) to handle flow and concentration variations from upstream process, advanced monitoring and control.

SSbD bio-based polymers/copolymers unlocking new market applications

Closed

Code: 36576 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-IA-05 | Programme name: 23015 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025

There is a strong annual growth rate in the global market share of bio-based polymers and co-polymers; albeit still representing a small fraction of the total market volumes. There is a need to scale up the most promising and innovative solutions to demonstrate the safe, sustainable, cost-competitive, and circular production of bio-based (co)polymers with high bio-based content and adequate performances. This is essential to unlock market opportunities in sectors where bio-based polymers are currently underrepresented. Bio-based polymers and/or co-polymers are in scope.

Development and Promotion of Internationally Competitive Innovative Products and Services by Existing Enterprises (INNOVATE)

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Code: 36568 | Identifier Code: INNOVATE/0525 | Programme name: 2799 | Start submission calls: 29/05/2025 | End submission calls: 09/09/2025

The objective of the «Development and Promotion of Internationally Competitive Innovative Products and Services by Existing Enterprises (INNOVATE)» Programme is to support existing enterprises from all activity sectors, that will invest in research and innovation, for the development of competitive innovative products or services with quick global market penetration prospects. Moreover, the Programme facilitates the mobility of private investment funds for the support of rapid development innovative enterprises.

Open Access Research Infrastructures

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Code: 36563 | Identifier Code: OPENINFRA/0625 | Programme name: 13602 | Start submission calls: 02/06/2025 | End submission calls: 01/07/2025

The “Open Access Research Infrastructures” Programme aims to the creation of research infrastructure that will be used for the implementation of research activities by the Host Organisation and other entities in the research and innovation ecosystem. The aim of the Call is to acquire equipment for research, experiments, and testing, with a view to strengthening research capabilities and promoting innovation. The Host Organisation will provide access to the equipment acquired under the Project in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner to other entities in the ecosystem.

Proof of Concept for Technology / Knowhow Applications

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Code: 36558 | Identifier Code: CONCEPT/0525 | Programme name: 2799 | Start submission calls: 26/05/2025 | End submission calls: 01/08/2025

The “Proof of Concept for Technology / Knowhow Applications” Programme aims at the preliminary investigation of possible industrial applications of a technology/knowhow.

Development of Internationally Competitive Innovative Products and Services by STARTUPS (SEED)

Closed

Code: 36548 | Identifier Code: SEED/0525 | Programme name: 2799 | Start submission calls: 28/05/2025 | End submission calls: 12/09/2025

The objective of the “Development of Internationally Competitive Innovative Products and Services by STARTUPs (SEED)” Programme aims to support the rapid development of dynamic and innovative STARTUPs which intend to develop internationally competitive products or services, as well as to mobilize private investment funds for this purpose.

PRIMA – Section 1 – Farming Systems in the Nexus 2025 Topic 1.2.1-2025 (IA) Enhancement of Sustainable Farming Systems within Mediterranean Wetlands for Conservation and Coexistence

Closed

Code: 36531 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.2.1 - 2025 | Programme name: 2933 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 15/07/2025

Aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal and EU Nature restoration law, and the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, the initiative to enhance wetland restoration in the Mediterranean serves as a catalyst for achieving the EU’s climate goals outlined for both 2030 and 2050. It aligns with the Union for the Mediterranean’s Greener Med Agenda 2030, which underscores the pivotal role of wetlands in furnishing vital ecosystem services for the region’s environmental well-being and economic advancement. Wetlands are regions where water influences the environment, fostering a unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity.

PRIMA Section 2 Multitopics 2025

Closed

Code: 36528 | Programme name: 2933 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 08/07/2025

The topics that have opened under the present call are the following:

• Thematic Area 1 – Water management in the Nexus: Topic 2.1.1-2025 (RIA) Enhancing Policy Development through Impact-Driven Water Footprint and Virtual Water Concepts in the Mediterranean Region.
• Thematic Area 2 – Farming systems in the Nexus: Topic 2.2.1-2025 (RIA) Upscaling Agroecology Practices at the Farm Level in the Mediterranean
•  Thematic Area 3 – Food value chain: Topic 2.3.1 – 2025 (RIA) Towards a Plant-Based Alternative Protein products Transition in the Mediterranean Region.

Section 1 Food Value-chain in the Nexus 2025 – Topic 1.3.1 (IA) Transforming Mediterranean Food Systems: Empowering Consumers for Sustainable Diets

Closed

Code: 36526 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.3.1 - 2025 | Programme name: 2933 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 15/07/2025

Contributing to the European Green Deal priorities, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system, and the EU’s climate goals for 2030 and 2050, this approach emphasizes initiatives that introduce the Mediterranean diet and organic products in schools, aiming to instill healthy eating habits in children from a young age.The strategy should integrate innovative technologies and methods to boost consumer awareness and engagement through educational campaigns. Key components include leveraging existing initiatives and digital tools, promoting policy dialogue, and fostering partnerships between consumers and researchers. Focusing on social innovation and consumer behaviour, participatory methods such as living labs are essential for facilitating meaningful and sustainable dietary shifts.

Section 1 – Water management in the Nexus 2025 Topic 1.1.1-2025 (IA) – Upscaling Nature Based Solutions for sustainable water management to address extreme events in the Mediterranean

Closed

Code: 36524 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.1.1-2025 | Programme name: 2933 | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 15/07/2025

Aligned with the priorities of the European Green Deal, including the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, as well as the EU climate adaptation and mitigation ambitions for 2030 and 2050, successful proposals will focus on scaling up Nature-based Solutions (NBS). These solutions will enhance water security and improve the management of water-related risks amidst a changing climate, emphasising principles such as green, blue, and circular approaches (e.g., Natural Water Retention Measures, NWRMs) to mitigate the impacts of extreme events and water pollution.

Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 1

Closed

Code: 36522 | Identifier Code: I3-2025-INV1 | Programme name: 16401 | Start submission calls: 22/05/2025 | End submission calls: 13/11/2025

The objective of the I3 Instrument is to support interregional innovation investments by offering consortia of innovation actors from the quadruple helix ecosystems – (=the quadruple helix model emphasizes the importance of four key actors in innovation systems: academia, industry, government, and society) – the necessary financial and advisory support to bring their innovations to a mature level, ready for commercialisation and scale-up, while bridging and reducing the innovation divide in Europe with a strong cohesion policy focus of integrating all regions and in particular the less developed regions into European value chains.

Strand 1 seeks to increase the competitiveness and the resilience of EU value chains on the basis of interregional cooperation and shared smart specialisation areas.

CEF 2 Energy – Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest

Closed

Code: 36520 | Identifier Code: CEF-E-2025-PCI-PMI | Programme name: 3569 | Sub-program: Connecting Europe Facility – Energy Infrastructure | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

Both, studies and works, topics under this call aim to enable PCIs and PMIs to be implemented within the framework of the deployment of trans-European networks in the energy sector. In particular, the call shall contribute to supporting energy infrastructure PCIs and PMIs that have significant socio-economic benefits and ensure greater solidarity among Member States, but which do not receive adequate financing from the market. The objective of studies and works is to support and contribute to the implementation of PCIs and PMIs.

This call covers the following topics:

• CEF-E-2025-PCI-PMI-WORKS
• CEF-E-2025-PCI-PMI-STUDIES

Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys

Closed

Code: 36517 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-EIE-2025-02-CONNECT-02 | Programme name: 2939 | Sub-program: European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) | Start submission calls: 14/05/2025 | End submission calls: 15/10/2025

The aim of this topic is to foster the creation of efficient, open, inclusive and interconnected European innovation ecosystems in line with the New European Innovation Agenda, notably in thematic/technological areas (including deep tech) that will be critical for EU value chains.