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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must demonstrate the industrial-scale demonstration (reaching TRL 7) of safe and sustainable circular bio-based solutions, specifically valorising complex secondary bio-waste streams into high-value products in key sectors like packaging, textiles, or construction while strictly excluding bioenergy/biofuel conversion. Crucially, the approach must combine robust biotechnology and industrial symbiosis with a functional, interoperable 'digital marketplace' to ensure complete traceability, data-driven resource matching, and compliance with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
TRL 4 → 7
develop and deploy/scale-up safe and sustainable, circular and bio-based materials, products, processes and value chains, e.g. including but not limited to the construction, packaging, pulp and paper, textile sectors, or other bio-based consumer products, using upcycled and recycled resources incorporating secondary raw materials with minimal quality loss, aiming at best environmental performance, while increasing the uptake of recycled materials and preventing waste through repair, refurbishment, and reuse, and paying attention to environmental and health risks and trade-offs due to treated or impregnated bio-based materials, where relevant. Bioenergy/biofuels sector is not in scope, but synergies with this sector can be considered while respecting the cascading biomass valorisation principle and aiming at the industrial symbiosis;
develop innovative new, or upgraded existing, circular solutions to tackle complex bio-waste streams and create markets for bio-waste materials by transforming them into valuable secondary resources, while fostering urban/rural/coastal industrial symbiosis, providing data and digital tools and promoting a more efficient use of bio-based resources;
develop a ‘digital marketplace’, ensuring convergence with the digital technology, tools and applications, to enhance accessibility and traceability of bio-based resources, promoting efficient and sustainable resource management;
provide recommendations for the development of bio-based product value chains, based on the identified and analysed needs of stakeholders in terms of national and European regulations and standards, financial incentives, professional trainings, etc.
European industry’s competitiveness, decarbonisation, and strategic autonomy are enhanced through the development and deployment of safe, sustainable, circular and bio-based value chains;
improved climate change adaptation and mitigation and overall environmental sustainability, as well as higher resource efficiency, through application of biotechnologies and industrial symbiosis, and recovery of biological materials, water and energy.
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.
Commission communication on: Building the future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU
highThis Commission communication (COM(2024) 137) outlines strategic actions to promote biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU. It focuses on facilitating market access, streamlining regulatory pathways, fostering investment, and scaling innovative bio-based solutions across European industries.
Evaluators expect proposals to detail how novel bio-based upcycling or recycling technologies overcome scale-up and regulatory bottlenecks, directly advancing biomanufacturing competitiveness and industrial deployment.
European 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 will look for proposals that demonstrate how the project contributes to sustainable food production, reduces environmental footprints, and promotes equitable access to healthy diets, particularly in vulnerable groups.
EU Circular Economy Act
highThe proposed Circular Economy Act reinforces the transition away from linear consumption by establishing binding measures to create single markets for secondary materials and scale sustainable products. It emphasizes mandatory circularity criteria, high-value material recovery, and reduced waste generation.
Evaluators expect quantified circularity metrics, closed-loop or cascading recycling schemes, and demonstrations that secondary bio-based outputs meet high technical and environmental performance specifications.
EU bioeconomy strategy
highThe EU Bioeconomy Strategy and its action plan steer the deployment of a sustainable, circular bioeconomy across Europe. It promotes the cascading use of biological resources, biodiversity protection, and the substitution of fossil-based and non-renewable materials.
Evaluators look for explicit application of the cascading biomass principle, lifecycle sustainability assessments, and clear economic and environmental valorisation of bio-based side-streams and waste.
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
highRegulation (EU) 2024/1781 (ESPR) establishes a framework for ecodesign requirements to ensure products placed on the EU market are durable, repairable, recyclable, and resource-efficient. It introduces the Digital Product Passport (DPP) to track environmental footprint and material composition across value chains.
Evaluators expect proposals to integrate ecodesign principles into the development of circular bio-based products and explore Digital Product Passport compatibility or data tracking for recyclability.
EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative
highThis strategic initiative consolidates EU actions to accelerate the development, scale-up, and commercialization of bio-based products and processes. It fosters industrial symbiosis, public-private investments, and infrastructure to scale up biological technologies.
Evaluators look for concrete industrial scale-up roadmaps, cross-sectoral supply chain integration, and clear demonstration of TRL advancement in bio-based upcycling and biomanufacturing.
communication on safe and sustainable by design framework
highThe Commission Recommendation establishing a European assessment framework for safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) chemicals and materials encourages safety and environmental performance from early R&D. It provides a phased evaluation methodology covering hazardous properties, production safety, and lifecycle environmental impacts.
Evaluators expect an explicit commitment to applying the SSbD assessment methodology to any new bio-based materials, additives, or recycling processes developed in the project.
EU Biotech Act
mediumThe planned EU Biotech Act aims to create a streamlined, innovation-friendly regulatory framework for biotechnology across sectors. It focuses on accelerating commercialization, reducing administrative burdens, and securing EU technological sovereignty in biological solutions.
Evaluators look for clear analyses of relevant regulatory barriers and explicit suggestions or roadmaps for how innovative circular bio-based processes fit into future EU biotechnological regulatory standards.
Clean Industrial Deal
mediumThe Clean Industrial Deal focuses on decarbonizing energy-intensive European industries while safeguarding economic competitiveness and securing green supply chains. It promotes investments in clean technologies, circular business models, and high-value resource efficiency.
Evaluators expect clear evidence of how proposed bio-based recycling or upcycling pathways reduce carbon intensity and provide circular, cost-competitive alternatives to fossil feedstocks in industrial manufacturing.
SME Strategy
mediumThe SME Strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe supports small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting sustainable business models and innovative technologies. It facilitates access to finance, market entry, and capacity building for green innovation.
Evaluators expect concrete mechanisms demonstrating how bio-based SMEs and start-ups are integrated into the consortium and value chains, facilitating market uptake of upcycled bio-based products.
Start-ups and Scale-ups strategy
mediumThe EU initiative on start-ups and scale-ups aims to create a dynamic ecosystem that enables innovative entrepreneurs to start and grow their companies within Europe. It seeks to remove barriers to scaling, access to early-stage venture capital, and cross-border commercialization.
Evaluators expect clear commercial exploitation and scaling strategies, showing how emerging innovators and start-ups can scale high-value bio-recycling processes commercially within the EU.
EU Competitiveness Compass
mediumThe EU Competitiveness Compass sets strategic directions to strengthen European productivity, technological edge, and industrial resilience amidst global competition. It underscores innovation acceleration, clean tech industrialization, and closing productivity gaps.
Evaluators look for proposals demonstrating clear market competitiveness, business viability, and reduced dependence on critical raw or fossil materials through bio-based circular solutions.
European Chemicals Industry Action Plan
mediumThe European Chemicals Industry Action Plan supports the chemical sector's dual transition toward climate neutrality and safe, circular production. It addresses the phase-out of hazardous chemicals, the deployment of renewable feedstocks, and the advancement of chemical recycling technologies.
Evaluators expect to see how upcycling or chemical recycling of bio-based polymers/materials produces drop-in or novel high-performance building blocks without toxic substances.
European Water Resilience Strategy
mediumThe European Water Resilience Strategy addresses water scarcity, drought risk, and water quality degradation across European industries and ecosystems. It emphasizes water efficiency, circular water reuse, and the protection of freshwater resources.
Evaluators look for evidence that bio-based industrial processes (which often have high water footprints) minimize freshwater consumption, implement closed-loop water systems, and prevent water pollution.
EU biodiversity strategy for 2030
mediumAs 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
mediumRegulation (EU) 2024/1991 sets legally binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, forests, agricultural lands, and aquatic habitats across the EU. It requires Member States to put in place effective restoration measures covering at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030.
Evaluators expect proposals to ensure that biological feedstock sourcing does not lead to habitat degradation or land-use competition, actively supporting ecological integrity and ecosystem preservation.
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
mediumCommon Agricultural Policy supports sustainable agriculture. Less relevant unless the proposal involves bio-based materials or food processing.
Only relevant for proposals with agricultural or bio-based components.
EU forest strategy for 2030
mediumThe EU Forest Strategy for 2030 provides a framework to protect, restore, and sustainably manage European forests. It highlights forest ecosystem services while supporting a circular bioeconomy built on sustainable wood and non-wood forest products.
Evaluators expect projects dealing with wood streams or forestry by-products to adhere to cascading-use principles and sustainable forest management rules.
Life Sciences Strategy
lowThe EU's initiatives in life sciences provide strategic frameworks to leverage genomics, bioinformatics, and biological data processing for sustainable agriculture, human health, and bio-industrial development. They emphasize open data sharing, cross-border research infrastructures, and technological sovereignty in biosciences.
Evaluators look for robust data governance models that bridge biological data, agronomic sensors, and life-science analytical tools to drive targeted research and evidence-based farm management.
European Ocean Pact
lowThe European Ocean Pact represents the EU's commitment to integrated ocean governance, reconciling ocean conservation with a sustainable blue economy. It reinforces commitments across marine protection, sustainable fisheries, and cross-border maritime management.
Evaluators look for holistic approaches linking sustainable seafood supply chains with broader ocean health, stakeholder stewardship, and alignment with maritime governance priorities.
EU strategy for outermost regions
lowThe EU Outermost Regions Strategy addresses the specific geographic, economic, and climatic vulnerabilities of EU remote regions. It promotes regional innovation, biodiversity preservation, and local circular bioeconomy activities to strengthen economic resilience.
Evaluators look for considerations of decentralized, small-scale bio-based solutions or applicability of circular processes to remote or outermost EU territories where waste and biomass management face unique logistical hurdles.
Specific requirements
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).
Entities established in China excluded
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination.
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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.
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
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 rigorously assess whether the consortium delivers real operational scale-up rather than lab-scale validation, looking for clear evidence of reaching TRL 7 across tangible value chains. They will score heavily on:
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 and deploy/scale-up safe and sustainable, circular and bio-based materials, products, processes and value chains, e.g. including but not limited to the construction, packaging, pulp and paper, textile sectors, or other bio-based consumer products, using upcycled and recycled resources incorporating secondary raw materials with minimal quality loss, aiming at best environmental performance, while increasing the uptake of recycled materials and preventing waste through repair, refurbishment, and reuse, and paying attention to environmental and health risks and trade-offs due to treated or impregnated bio-based materials, where relevant. Bioenergy/biofuels sector is not in scope, but synergies with this sector can be considered while respecting the cascading biomass valorisation principle and aiming at the industrial symbiosis; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2develop innovative new, or upgraded existing, circular solutions to tackle complex bio-waste streams and create markets for bio-waste materials by transforming them into valuable secondary resources, while fostering urban/rural/coastal industrial symbiosis, providing data and digital tools and promoting a more efficient use of bio-based resources; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3develop a ‘digital marketplace’, ensuring convergence with the digital technology, tools and applications, to enhance accessibility and traceability of bio-based resources, promoting efficient and sustainable resource management; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4provide recommendations for the development of bio-based product value chains, based on the identified and analysed needs of stakeholders in terms of national and European regulations and standards, financial incentives, professional trainings, etc. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1European industry’s competitiveness, decarbonisation, and strategic autonomy are enhanced through the development and deployment of safe, sustainable, circular and bio-based value chains; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2improved climate change adaptation and mitigation and overall environmental sustainability, as well as higher resource efficiency, through application of biotechnologies and industrial symbiosis, and recovery of biological materials, water and energy. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Synergies with Circular Bio-based Europe JU and New European BauhausSynergies with activities under the Circular Bio-based Europe (CBE) Joint Undertaking and the New European Bauhaus are strongly encouraged, while taking care to avoid overlaps. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Synergies with parallel topics on CCU, ecodesign, and seafood supplySynergy and cooperation are strongly encouraged with parallel topics HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-08 (CCU biotechnology application), HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-02 (construction products circularity), and HORIZON-MISS-2027-03-OCEAN-02 (seafood supply chain circularity). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Cooperation between all funded projects under this topicCooperation between all proposals funded under this topic should be foreseen as a specific task with an allocation of resources for synergies, building also on knowledge and results of completed and ongoing EU-funded projects. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Contribution of SSH disciplines and involvement of SSH expertsRequires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and involvement of SSH experts to produce meaningful societal impacts, including educational aspects and knowledge promotion across target groups. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5International cooperation encouragedInternational cooperation is explicitly encouraged in proposals submitted under this topic. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Involvement of EU outermost regionsThe destination supports unlocking the unique assets for research and innovation of the EU outermost regions, in line with the EU strategy for outermost regions. | · | · | 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 | |||
| POL1commission communication on: building the future with nature: boosting biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the euThis Commission communication (COM(2024) 137) outlines strategic actions to promote biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU. It focuses on facilitating market access, streamlining regulatory pathways, fostering investment, and scaling innovative bio-based solutions across European industries. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2european 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 |
| POL3eu circular economy actThe proposed Circular Economy Act reinforces the transition away from linear consumption by establishing binding measures to create single markets for secondary materials and scale sustainable products. It emphasizes mandatory circularity criteria, high-value material recovery, and reduced waste generation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4eu bioeconomy strategyThe EU Bioeconomy Strategy and its action plan steer the deployment of a sustainable, circular bioeconomy across Europe. It promotes the cascading use of biological resources, biodiversity protection, and the substitution of fossil-based and non-renewable materials. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5ecodesign for sustainable products regulationRegulation (EU) 2024/1781 (ESPR) establishes a framework for ecodesign requirements to ensure products placed on the EU market are durable, repairable, recyclable, and resource-efficient. It introduces the Digital Product Passport (DPP) to track environmental footprint and material composition across value chains. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL6eu biotechnology and biomanufacturing initiativeThis strategic initiative consolidates EU actions to accelerate the development, scale-up, and commercialization of bio-based products and processes. It fosters industrial symbiosis, public-private investments, and infrastructure to scale up biological technologies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL7communication on safe and sustainable by design frameworkThe Commission Recommendation establishing a European assessment framework for safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) chemicals and materials encourages safety and environmental performance from early R&D. It provides a phased evaluation methodology covering hazardous properties, production safety, and lifecycle environmental impacts. | · | · | 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).
Entities established in China excluded
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination.
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.
A proposal will be rejected at the eligibility check if it includes any legal entity established in China. Consortia must strictly vet their partner networks and affiliated entities to ensure full compliance with this geographic restriction before submission.
Source: Eligibility rules
Evaluators will heavily penalize proposals that position bioenergy or biofuels as the primary core process. The project must prioritize material upcycling with minimal quality loss and strictly adhere to the cascading biomass valorisation principle to pass the scope compliance assessment.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
Because this is a lump sum grant, the work package breakdown dictates the payment milestones. Evaluators will rigorously assess the transparency and realism of your resource allocation within the strict 45-page limit, making your deliverable strategy the make-or-break factor for financial feasibility.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
The call explicitly mandates the effective contribution of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) experts. This is not an optional add-on; SSH disciplines must be structurally embedded to drive educational promotion, societal impact, and the user-centric design of the required digital marketplace.
Source: Scope
Evaluators are instructed to look for real operational scale-up rather than lab-scale validation. To secure high scores, the proposal must provide concrete, tangible evidence that the circular bio-based solutions will achieve TRL 7 across actual industrial value chains by the end of the project.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
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