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Strategic Analysis
This Innovation Action (IA) topic seeks to develop and demonstrate advanced biotechnologies for efficient carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), converting gaseous carbon into valuable non-food/feed/biofuel industrial feedstocks. A winning proposal must clearly articulate the scientific and technological breakthroughs in life sciences-based CCU, coupled with a robust business case, comprehensive sustainability assessment, and a clear path to market, including the feasibility of spin-off creation.
TRL 4 → 7
Based on programme defaults
develop and test innovative and effective life sciences-based technologies, either synthetic biology and/or living microorganisms, to concentrate, purify and convert gaseous carbon efficiently into suitable feedstock to produce products. Products in scope exclude food/feed and biofuels/syngas;
perform a preliminary assessment of the environmental impacts, the social and economic viability and business case of the developed technologies, including their scalability and the identification of markets for their output bio-based products;
demonstrate one or more technology(ies) among those developed and tested, with the highest environmental, economic and social sustainability;
evaluate and disseminate the replication potential of the demonstrated solution(s), including technical and economic/financial recommendations for SMEs and industrial operators in general;
assess the feasibility of establishing a spin-off to implement the results from the best technology(ies) demonstration.
innovative and improved purification and conversion of gaseous carbon is developed and scaled up to provide feedstock for industrial processes promoting circularity and climate neutrality;
advanced industries – applying life sciences technologies and biotechnology - contribute to the climate-neutrality objective.
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
highEU Clean Industrial Deal
highIndustrial Strategy
highSafe and Sustainable by Design Framework
highEU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification (CRCF) Regulation
highThe EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification (CRCF) Regulation establishes a Union framework for certifying high-quality carbon removals. It aims to boost the uptake of carbon removal activities by providing a transparent and credible system for verifying their climate benefits, including industrial carbon capture and utilisation/storage.
Proposals should demonstrate how their biotechnology application for CCU aligns with the principles and requirements of the CRCF Regulation, particularly regarding the robust quantification, monitoring, and verification of carbon removal or utilisation. Evidence of how the project contributes to high-quality carbon removal credits or products derived from captured carbon will be crucial.
European Life Sciences Strategy
highThe 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.
Proposals should clearly articulate how their biotechnology application for CCU contributes to advancing European life sciences, demonstrating scientific excellence, innovation potential, and the capacity to translate research into industrial applications. Emphasis on ethical considerations, responsible innovation, and potential for economic impact within the life sciences sector will be valued.
Biotech Act
highWhile there isn't a single "Biotech Act" in the EU, this likely refers to the ongoing efforts and legislative proposals, such as the EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative, aimed at fostering a competitive and sustainable biotechnology sector in Europe. It seeks to streamline regulatory processes, boost investment, and ensure ethical and safe development of biotechnologies.
Proposals should demonstrate how their biotechnology application for CCU aligns with the EU's strategic objectives for biotechnology, including contributing to regulatory clarity, fostering innovation, and ensuring the safe and sustainable deployment of biotech solutions in industrial processes. Emphasis on market uptake and competitiveness will be important.
EU Bioeconomy Strategy
highEU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative
highThe EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative aims to boost the development and deployment of biotechnologies and biomanufacturing across various sectors. It focuses on accelerating innovation, addressing regulatory hurdles, fostering skilled talent, and ensuring the EU's strategic autonomy and competitiveness in this critical technological field.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how their biotechnology application for CCU aligns with the objectives of the EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative. This includes showcasing innovative biotech solutions, outlining pathways for industrial scale-up and market deployment, addressing skills gaps, and contributing to the EU's leadership in sustainable biomanufacturing.
EU Competitiveness Compass
mediumEuropean Chemicals Industry Action Plan
mediumEcodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
mediumEU Startup and Scaleup Strategy
mediumEU Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructure
mediumThe EU Strategy on Research and Technology Infrastructure aims to ensure Europe has world-class research infrastructures accessible to researchers across various disciplines. It supports the development, upgrade, and optimal use of these infrastructures to foster scientific excellence, innovation, and industrial competitiveness.
Proposals should demonstrate how they will leverage existing or contribute to the development of relevant research and technology infrastructures for their biotechnology application for CCU. This could include access to specialized labs, pilot plants, or data platforms, and how these infrastructures will accelerate research, development, and eventual industrial deployment.
EU Circular Economy Act
mediumSME Strategy
mediumThe EU SME Strategy aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their green and digital transitions, fostering their growth, innovation, and competitiveness. It focuses on reducing regulatory burdens, improving access to finance, and supporting SMEs in adopting sustainable business models and technologies.
Proposals should demonstrate how they involve and benefit SMEs in the development and deployment of biotechnology applications for CCU. This could include SME participation in the consortium, clear plans for technology transfer to SMEs, or how the project's outcomes will create new opportunities for SMEs in the CCU value chain.
Sustainable Blue Economy
lowRelevant 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).
Demonstration of blue economy synergies, such as water reuse in coastal farming or desalination for irrigation. Quantification of economic and environmental benefits is encouraged.
European Ocean Pact
lowEuropean Water Resilience Strategy
lowEU Strategy for Outermost Regions
lowNew European Bauhaus
lowEU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
lowAs 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.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing ecological resilience, especially in the context of forest ecosystems and soil health. Specific attention to how living labs can support biodiversity monitoring and restoration in forests and natural lands is crucial.
Nature Restoration Regulation
lowCAP
lowEU Forest Strategy for 2030
lowRegulation on a Forest Monitoring Framework
lowDirective on Soil Monitoring and Resilience
lowThe proposed Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience aims to achieve healthy soils across the EU by 2050. It establishes a framework for monitoring soil health, identifying degraded soils, and implementing measures for their restoration and sustainable management, addressing issues like erosion, compaction, and contamination.
Proposals would only be relevant if they demonstrate a direct link between the biotechnology application for CCU and soil health, for example, through the sustainable use of by-products that improve soil quality or through land-use considerations for associated biomass production. Otherwise, this policy is generally not a primary focus for CCU projects.
Vision for Agriculture and Food
low1. Admissibility conditions — Proposal page limit and layout 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.
2. Eligible Countries — 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 .
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds — are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes — are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual .
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement — described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5. 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 HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) Lump Sum MGA Call-specific instructions Detailed budget table (HE LS) Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide 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 Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will prioritize the innovation and effectiveness of the proposed life sciences-based CCU technologies, their efficiency in converting gaseous carbon into suitable feedstocks, and their scalability to TRL 7. Crucially, the proposal must present a thorough preliminary assessment of environmental, social, and economic viability, a strong business case, and a clear strategy for market uptake, including the replication potential for SMEs and the assessment of spin-off establishment. Alignment with EU Green Deal objectives and industrial strategies will be highly valued.
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 | |||
| SC2develop and test innovative and effective life sciences-based technologies, either synthetic biology and/or living microorganisms, to concentrate, purify and convert gaseous carbon efficiently into suitable feedstock to produce products. Products in scope exclude food/feed and biofuels/syngas; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3perform a preliminary assessment of the environmental impacts, the social and economic viability and business case of the developed technologies, including their scalability and the identification of markets for their output bio-based products; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4demonstrate one or more technology(ies) among those developed and tested, with the highest environmental, economic and social sustainability; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5evaluate and disseminate the replication potential of the demonstrated solution(s), including technical and economic/financial recommendations for SMEs and industrial operators in general; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6assess the feasibility of establishing a spin-off to implement the results from the best technology(ies) demonstration. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1innovative and improved purification and conversion of gaseous carbon is developed and scaled up to provide feedstock for industrial processes promoting circularity and climate neutrality; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2advanced industries – applying life sciences technologies and biotechnology - contribute to the climate-neutrality objective. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| 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 clean industrial dealDirectly 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). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3industrial strategySupports EU industrial transformation toward sustainability and digitalization. Proposals should align with strategy’s focus on clean and competitive industries. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4safe and sustainable by design frameworkPromotes safe and sustainable materials/processes. Proposals should integrate this framework into circular product/service design. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5eu carbon removals and carbon farming certification (crcf) regulationThe EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification (CRCF) Regulation establishes a Union framework for certifying high-quality carbon removals. It aims to boost the uptake of carbon removal activities by providing a transparent and credible system for verifying their climate benefits, including industrial carbon capture and utilisation/storage. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL6european life sciences strategyThe 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. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL7biotech actWhile there isn't a single "Biotech Act" in the EU, this likely refers to the ongoing efforts and legislative proposals, such as the EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative, aimed at fostering a competitive and sustainable biotechnology sector in Europe. It seeks to streamline regulatory processes, boost investment, and ensure ethical and safe development of biotechnologies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL8eu bioeconomy strategyPromotes sustainable use of biological resources. Relevant for proposals involving bio-based materials or circular bioeconomy models in urban manufacturing. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL9eu biotechnology and biomanufacturing initiativeThe EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative aims to boost the development and deployment of biotechnologies and biomanufacturing across various sectors. It focuses on accelerating innovation, addressing regulatory hurdles, fostering skilled talent, and ensuring the EU's strategic autonomy and competitiveness in this critical technological field. | · | · | 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).
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. The steps below fill in as it takes shape, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
Step 1 of 2 · Build your concept
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
Industrial processes are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating innovative solutions for carbon capture and utilisation to achieve climate neutrality targets.
Industries face challenges in sourcing sustainable, circular, and non-food/feed-competing feedstocks for the production of bio-based products, hindering the transition to a circular bioeconomy.
Despite research advancements, there is a gap in demonstrating and scaling up innovative biotechnological CCU solutions to TRL 7, preventing their widespread adoption by industrial operators and the creation of new value chains.
Companies in sectors with significant gaseous carbon emissions or those seeking sustainable bio-based feedstocks, including chemical, materials, and manufacturing industries, particularly SMEs looking for innovative solutions.
Enterprises specializing in synthetic biology, microbial engineering, and industrial biotechnology, interested in developing, scaling, and commercializing CCU solutions.
European and national authorities responsible for climate, industrial, and circular economy policies, benefiting from evidence-based solutions for green transition.
Academics, researchers, and R&D institutions working on carbon capture, biotechnology, and sustainable industrial processes, benefiting from new knowledge and demonstrated technologies.
Entities interested in funding innovative green technologies, particularly those with spin-off potential and strong business cases in the circular bioeconomy.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
The project will contribute to climate change mitigation by significantly reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions through efficient carbon capture and conversion into valuable products.
By developing and demonstrating safe, sustainable, and circular bio-based value chains through CCU, the project will enhance the competitiveness and strategic autonomy of European industries.
The project will foster the efficient and circular use of gaseous carbon as a secondary material, reducing reliance on virgin resources and promoting a more circular economy.
By capturing and utilising gaseous carbon, the project will contribute to a reduction of environmental and climate pressures, leading to improved air quality and living conditions for communities.
The project will promote the creation of new businesses, such as spin-offs, and provide technical and financial recommendations for SMEs, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the advanced bioeconomy sector.
Through dissemination and knowledge transfer, the project will contribute to advanced societal transformation by increasing capacity and awareness regarding sustainable and circular value chains and biotechnologies.