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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must leverage the unique physical, chemical, and biochemical properties of marine biomolecules to deliver high-value, non-health, and non-energy blue products (such as novel bio-adhesives, biosensors, or eco-coatings) at TRL 5. By integrating cutting-edge synthetic biology with AI/ML-driven bioinformatics, the project will establish a digitalized, high-efficiency biodiscovery pipeline that bypasses wild harvesting, ensuring absolute alignment with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSBD) framework.
TRL 2 → 5
develop safe and sustainable blue bio-based products, by exploring the use of the unique physical, chemical and biochemical properties of biomolecules from marine organisms (e.g., adhesion, structural organization, fluorescence, luminescence). Proposals in scope include novel adhesion agents or bonding products, biochemicals to replace hazardous chemicals, antifouling paintings and coatings, replacement for synthetic surfactants, biomarkers, biosensors, enzymes. Proposals aiming to develop molecules with important economic or societal impact are encouraged. The applications in health biotechnology, as well as the biofuel/bioenergy area are excluded, to avoid overlaps with Horizon Europe Clusters 1 and 5, respectively;
incorporate the use of synthetic and engineering biology approaches and foresee the necessary links with the digital technologies and tools (AI/ML, bioinformatics);
include the assessment of the costs and benefits compared to conventional alternatives in the market. Proposals should look into regulatory, market and value chain bottlenecks;
assess the safety, environmental sustainability and effectiveness of the developed bio-based products derived from marine environments compared to the equivalent material on the market;
develop recommendations for policy makers and industrial actors, considering the available scientifically sound assessment of risks and benefits of the developed solutions.
increased support on green bioprocessing, safe and sustainable blue bio-based products;
increased understanding of safety, effectiveness and regulatory bottlenecks of blue bio-based products;
increased commitment to biodiversity preservation and conservation ensuring that the biodiscovery of new compounds does not lead to unsustainable harvesting from the wild and promoting sustainable use of genetic diversity.
Improved climate change adaptation and mitigation through the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy and bioeconomy, underpinned by biotechnologies and sustainable industrial solutions, such as carbon capture and utilisation and recovery of materials, water and energy.
Industrial competitiveness, sustainability and strategic autonomy are improved through the development of safe, sustainable, circular and/or bio-based value chains. This is done by promoting the efficient and circular use of secondary materials and water, fostering the multi-functionality of forests, and ensuring the sustainable supply of critical resources from land and sea.
Living conditions for individuals and communities are improved through innovative, affordable and sustainable safe and sustainable by design products and services based on circular and/or bio-based solutions while demonstrating a reduction of environmental and climate pressures.
Advanced societal transformation based on a systemic approach, as well as people’s involvement and integration of social sciences and humanities for fair, safe, sustainable and circular value chains, sustainable consumption patterns, environmental justice, gender equality and social inclusion.
EU Green Deal
highThe EU Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable society, with a focus on sustainable food systems. This call aligns with the Green Deal’s goals by addressing the health impacts of diets and promoting resilient, inclusive food systems that support mental well-being.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate how the development of marine bio-based products minimizes environmental footprints, avoids marine pollution, and actively contributes to the EU's transition to a climate-neutral, circular economy.
EU Circular Economy Act
highLegal framework for circular economy, including waste reduction, product durability, and recycled content. Proposals should align with Act’s targets (e.g., 65% recycling rate by 2035).
Evaluators expect proposals to incorporate circular design principles, ensuring that marine bio-based products are biodegradable, recyclable, or designed to minimize waste throughout their lifecycle.
New EU bioeconomy strategy
highThe updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy aims to accelerate the transition from a fossil-based economy to a bio-based one, using renewable biological resources from land and sea to produce food, feed, materials, and energy. It emphasizes sustainable resource management, circularity, and innovation to address societal challenges like climate change, food security, and resource depletion.
Evaluators expect proposals to clearly demonstrate how they harness marine biological resources sustainably, ensuring that the extraction and processing of marine organisms do not compromise marine ecosystem health.
EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative
highThe EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative aims to boost the competitiveness and resilience of the European biotechnology sector by streamlining regulatory pathways, fostering investment, and scaling up bio-based production capacities.
Evaluators expect proposals to leverage advanced biomanufacturing techniques (e.g., metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, or advanced fermentation) to scale up the production of high-value marine bio-based compounds efficiently.
Safe and Sustainable by Design Framework
highPromotes safe and sustainable materials/processes. Proposals should integrate this framework into circular product/service design.
Evaluators expect proposals to apply the SSbD framework to ensure that marine-derived compounds and products are non-toxic, safe for human health, and environmentally benign throughout their lifecycle.
Sustainable Blue Economy
highRelevant for proposals exploring water reuse, coastal agriculture, or marine-based irrigation solutions (e.g., desalination, fog harvesting). Proposals should align with blue economy principles (e.g., circular water use, biodiversity conservation).
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate how the utilization of marine organisms supports coastal communities, creates green-blue jobs, and preserves marine biodiversity and ecosystem services.
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
highAs a key pillar of the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It sets ambitious targets for expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing pesticide use, and tackling other drivers of biodiversity loss.
Evaluators expect proposals to ensure that any sourcing of wild marine organisms is strictly regulated, sustainable, and does not threaten endangered species or vulnerable marine ecosystems.
EU Algae Initiative
highThe EU Algae Initiative aims to unlock the potential of algae in Europe by supporting the growth of a sustainable algae industry, increasing consumer awareness, and addressing regulatory barriers to food, feed, and material applications.
Evaluators expect proposals focusing on algae to demonstrate how they scale up cultivation, improve processing efficiency, and develop high-value applications (e.g., cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials) to support the initiative's targets.
EU Competitiveness Compass
mediumHighlights the need for EU industrial leadership in green and digital transitions. Proposals should demonstrate how circular urban manufacturing enhances competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
Evaluators expect proposals to show how scaling up marine biotechnology and bio-based products secures European leadership in high-value industrial sectors and reduces strategic dependencies on imported raw materials.
EU Clean Industrial Deal
mediumDirectly referenced in the call title, emphasizing clean and circular industrial practices. Proposals must show how urban manufacturing contributes to the Deal’s goals (e.g., decarbonization, resource efficiency).
Evaluators will look for concrete pathways showing how marine bio-based manufacturing processes reduce industrial carbon footprints and replace fossil-based inputs with clean, biological alternatives.
EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy
mediumSupports innovation and entrepreneurship in circular economy. Proposals should engage startups/SMEs in developing and scaling circular solutions.
Evaluators expect to see clear business models and commercialization pathways that involve blue biotech startups and SMEs to accelerate the market uptake of marine bio-based innovations.
Industrial Strategy
mediumSupports EU industrial transformation toward sustainability and digitalization. Proposals should align with strategy’s focus on clean and competitive industries.
Evaluators expect proposals to address the scalability of marine biotechnology processes, demonstrating how they can be integrated into existing industrial value chains to replace fossil-based alternatives.
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
mediumMandates sustainable product design, durability, and recyclability. Proposals must align with ecodesign requirements for circular products.
Evaluators expect proposals to address the product lifecycle, demonstrating that the developed marine bio-based products meet high standards of durability, safety, and low environmental impact during use and disposal.
SME Strategy
mediumThe EU SME Strategy aims to foster a supportive environment for small and medium-sized enterprises to lead the twin green and digital transitions, reduce administrative burdens, and improve access to finance and markets.
Evaluators expect proposals to actively involve innovative marine biotech SMEs in the consortium, providing them with clear roles in technology validation, market analysis, or business development.
European Ocean Pact
mediumThe Pact aims to protect and restore marine ecosystems, including through sustainable fisheries and pollution reduction. The project must address marine species decline and propose solutions for ocean health.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate that the harvesting or cultivation of marine organisms (e.g., algae, microbes, invertebrates) does not disrupt local marine food webs or degrade marine habitats.
European Life Sciences Strategy
mediumThe European Life Sciences Strategy aims to strengthen Europe's leadership in life sciences and biotechnology, fostering innovation, research excellence, and the translation of scientific discoveries into societal benefits. It emphasizes ethical considerations, data sharing, and the development of cutting-edge technologies.
Evaluators expect proposals to utilize state-of-the-art life science methodologies (such as genomics, proteomics, or bioinformatics) to discover and characterize novel marine biomolecules with high industrial potential.
Nature Restoration Regulation
mediumMandates restoration of degraded ecosystems. Relevant if the proposal includes nature-based solutions or biodiversity offsets.
Evaluators expect proposals to show how marine bio-based activities (such as restorative aquaculture of seaweed or shellfish) can actively contribute to restoring degraded marine and coastal habitats.
EU Biotech Act
mediumThe "EU Biotech Act" refers to proposed legislative initiatives aimed at streamlining and supporting the biotechnology sector in the EU, often discussed in the context of the Communication on Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing. It seeks to create a more predictable and innovation-friendly regulatory environment for biotechnological products and processes, including those in agriculture and food.
Evaluators expect proposals to address regulatory compliance and safety standards for novel marine-derived ingredients, facilitating smoother pathways to market approval within the EU.
EU strategy on research and technology infrastructures
mediumThis strategy emphasizes the importance of world-class research and technology infrastructures (RTIs) for advancing scientific excellence, fostering innovation, and supporting industrial competitiveness in Europe. It aims to optimize the use, development, and accessibility of RTIs across various scientific domains, including those relevant to the bioeconomy and marine research.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate active collaboration with European marine research infrastructures (such as EMBRC or marine stations) to access biological resources, screening platforms, and analytical equipment.
New European Bauhaus
lowLinks sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion in urban development. Proposals can leverage Bauhaus principles for circular design and community engagement.
Evaluators will look for creative applications of marine bio-based materials (e.g., in design, packaging, or architecture) that combine sustainability with aesthetic and functional value.
European Water Resilience Strategy
lowThe Strategy aims to improve water resilience, including through ecosystem restoration and pollution reduction. The project could address freshwater species decline and propose solutions for water quality and quantity.
Evaluators expect proposals to show how marine bio-based processing facilities minimize freshwater consumption and prevent the discharge of harmful effluents into aquatic environments.
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described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf]].
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators will prioritize the clear exclusion of health biotechnology and biofuels to prevent overlaps with Clusters 1 and 5. They will look for a robust, quantitative comparison of the developed marine products against conventional market alternatives regarding cost, safety, and environmental footprint. Additionally, proposals must demonstrate a concrete strategy to prevent unsustainable wild harvesting, showcasing sustainable cultivation or synthetic biology scaling methods.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1develop safe and sustainable blue bio-based products, by exploring the use of the unique physical, chemical and biochemical properties of biomolecules from marine organisms (e.g., adhesion, structural organization, fluorescence, luminescence). Proposals in scope include novel adhesion agents or bonding products, biochemicals to replace hazardous chemicals, antifouling paintings and coatings, replacement for synthetic surfactants, biomarkers, biosensors, enzymes. Proposals aiming to develop molecules with important economic or societal impact are encouraged. The applications in health biotechnology, as well as the biofuel/bioenergy area are excluded, to avoid overlaps with Horizon Europe Clusters 1 and 5, respectively; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2incorporate the use of synthetic and engineering biology approaches and foresee the necessary links with the digital technologies and tools (AI/ML, bioinformatics); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3include the assessment of the costs and benefits compared to conventional alternatives in the market. Proposals should look into regulatory, market and value chain bottlenecks; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4assess the safety, environmental sustainability and effectiveness of the developed bio-based products derived from marine environments compared to the equivalent material on the market; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5develop recommendations for policy makers and industrial actors, considering the available scientifically sound assessment of risks and benefits of the developed solutions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1increased support on green bioprocessing, safe and sustainable blue bio-based products; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2increased understanding of safety, effectiveness and regulatory bottlenecks of blue bio-based products; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3increased commitment to biodiversity preservation and conservation ensuring that the biodiscovery of new compounds does not lead to unsustainable harvesting from the wild and promoting sustainable use of genetic diversity. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Access and Benefit Sharing of Marine ResourcesProposals must properly consider legal aspects linked to securing clear access to marine resources, including related infrastructures and bio-resources banks and collections, their sustainable use, and access and benefit sharing aspects. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Ethical Evaluation of Sentient Marine AnimalsThe harvesting or utilization of sentient marine animals, including invertebrates, must be carefully evaluated to ensure that ethical and moral considerations are adequately addressed. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Synergies with European Research InfrastructuresProposals are encouraged to consider, where relevant, the data, expertise and services offered by European research infrastructures, such as EMSO ERIC, EU-OPENSCREEN, ELIXIR, EMBRC ERIC, and IBISBA. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4FAIR Data PrinciplesEfforts should be made to ensure that the data produced in the context of this topic is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Stakeholder InvolvementProposals should ensure adequate involvement of all relevant stakeholders to maximize the impact and use of the developed products, including but not limited to economic and financial actors. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6International CooperationInternational cooperation, for example with Latin America and Caribbean countries, is encouraged. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Synergies with Horizon Europe CL6, CBE JU, and SBEPProposals are expected to establish synergies and links with relevant projects funded under the Horizon Europe CL6 Work Programmes 2021-2025, the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), and the Sustainable Blue Partnership (SBEP). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Improved climate change adaptation and mitigation through the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy and bioeconomy, underpinned by biotechnologies and sustainable industrial solutions, such as carbon capture and utilisation and recovery of materials, water and energy. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Industrial competitiveness, sustainability and strategic autonomy are improved through the development of safe, sustainable, circular and/or bio-based value chains. This is done by promoting the efficient and circular use of secondary materials and water, fostering the multi-functionality of forests, and ensuring the sustainable supply of critical resources from land and sea. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Living conditions for individuals and communities are improved through innovative, affordable and sustainable safe and sustainable by design products and services based on circular and/or bio-based solutions while demonstrating a reduction of environmental and climate pressures. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Advanced societal transformation based on a systemic approach, as well as people’s involvement and integration of social sciences and humanities for fair, safe, sustainable and circular value chains, sustainable consumption patterns, environmental justice, gender equality and social inclusion. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1eu green dealThe EU Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable society, with a focus on sustainable food systems. This call aligns with the Green Deal’s goals by addressing the health impacts of diets and promoting resilient, inclusive food systems that support mental well-being. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2eu circular economy actLegal framework for circular economy, including waste reduction, product durability, and recycled content. Proposals should align with Act’s targets (e.g., 65% recycling rate by 2035). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3new eu bioeconomy strategyThe updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy aims to accelerate the transition from a fossil-based economy to a bio-based one, using renewable biological resources from land and sea to produce food, feed, materials, and energy. It emphasizes sustainable resource management, circularity, and innovation to address societal challenges like climate change, food security, and resource depletion. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4eu biotechnology and biomanufacturing initiativeThe EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative aims to boost the competitiveness and resilience of the European biotechnology sector by streamlining regulatory pathways, fostering investment, and scaling up bio-based production capacities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5safe and sustainable by design frameworkPromotes safe and sustainable materials/processes. Proposals should integrate this framework into circular product/service design. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL6sustainable blue economyRelevant for proposals exploring water reuse, coastal agriculture, or marine-based irrigation solutions (e.g., desalination, fog harvesting). Proposals should align with blue economy principles (e.g., circular water use, biodiversity conservation). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL7eu biodiversity strategy for 2030As a key pillar of the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It sets ambitious targets for expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing pesticide use, and tackling other drivers of biodiversity loss. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL8eu algae initiativeThe EU Algae Initiative aims to unlock the potential of algae in Europe by supporting the growth of a sustainable algae industry, increasing consumer awareness, and addressing regulatory barriers to food, feed, and material applications. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
5 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
Evaluators are explicitly instructed to prioritize the clear exclusion of health biotechnology and biofuels to prevent overlaps with Clusters 1 and 5. Any ambiguity or dual-use framing that leans toward pharmaceuticals or bioenergy will severely jeopardize the proposal's scoring.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The project must establish a biodiscovery pipeline that ensures absolute alignment with the EU Biodiversity Strategy. Evaluators will specifically look for a concrete strategy to prevent unsustainable wild harvesting, meaning the consortium must heavily rely on sustainable cultivation or synthetic biology scaling methods.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Proposals cannot merely claim environmental benefits; evaluators require a robust, quantitative comparison of the new marine products against conventional market alternatives. This must comprehensively cover cost, safety, and environmental footprint, necessitating rigorous LCA, TEA, and SSBD methodologies.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The scope explicitly mandates incorporating synthetic and engineering biology approaches linked with digital technologies like AI/ML and bioinformatics. A traditional, purely empirical biodiscovery approach will be deemed out of scope; the consortium must include strong computational and digital biology expertise.
Source: Scope
Because this is a lump sum grant targeting a TRL 5 endpoint, the financial risk is tied directly to deliverable completion. The consortium must carefully structure the work packages around the scale-up and validation milestones of the bio-based products, ensuring that the largest payment installments are tied to achievable, verifiable TRL 5 demonstrations.
Source: Eligibility rules
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. There is no set order: start wherever your project starts. The sections below mirror what the conversation produces, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
Extracting high-value biomolecules directly from marine wild sources is economically unviable and ecologically destructive, creating a bottleneck for industrial scale-up.
The absence of clear regulatory pathways and standardized Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSBD) data for marine organisms delays market entry and commercial adoption.
Industrial actors and SMEs looking to commercialize novel marine-derived biochemicals, coatings, adhesives, and biosensors.
EU and national authorities responsible for chemical safety, marine conservation, and bioeconomy regulations (e.g., ECHA, DG MARE).
Researchers in marine biology, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, and green chemistry who will benefit from open-access datasets and novel methodologies.
Downstream manufacturers in maritime, packaging, and consumer goods seeking sustainable alternatives to hazardous synthetic chemicals.
The long-term impacts your project should drive, and the policies they serve.
Replacement of fossil-based and hazardous chemicals with high-performing, biodegradable marine-derived alternatives, reducing industrial environmental footprints.
Ensuring biodiscovery does not lead to wild overharvesting by utilizing synthetic biology, digital tools, and sustainable aquaculture scaling methods.
Providing scientifically sound policy recommendations and risk-benefit assessments to streamline the market approval of safe blue bio-based products.