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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must position the consortium as the authoritative bridge connecting industrial bioeconomy innovators with formal EU policy mechanisms, specifically feeding structured environmental data into INCITE (IED 2.0 Sevilla process) and the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring Centre. The strategic core lies in establishing an active, multi-stakeholder expert forum across key industrial sectors (pulp & paper, bio-chemicals, plastics recycling, bioremediation) to systematically benchmark emerging techniques using standardized Environmental Footprint (LCA) and Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) methodologies. Success hinges on demonstrating immediate uptake by EU policymakers while avoiding scope pitfalls (strictly excluding food/feed, biofuels, and medical devices).
establish a forum of experts and stakeholders in the bioeconomy and in industrial bio-based systems, including representatives from academia, industry, and government. Members of the forum should be part of the project consortium and should cover, at least, the specific sectors as described in the bullet point below;
animate the work of the forum to: select and collect data on emerging techniques (as defined in Art. 3.14 of the IED 2.0) along the whole supply and value chain of industrial bio-based systems, on a worldwide basis, but especially those being tested or used in the EU and ACs. Assess their level of development and environmental performance, including their cost-effectiveness and trade-offs. Industrial bio-based systems in scope of this topic do not include food/feed, biofuels/bioenergy and health and medical devices;
align the selection, the collection of relevant data and the assessment of such techniques with the approach of the European Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE) and with the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring (Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy);
give emphasis on relevant emerging techniques including, but not limited to, specific sectors: i) pulp & paper and bio-based chemicals, including the treatments and further conversion of industrial residues and waste from these sectors, ii) mechanical and chemical recycling of bio-based plastic, iii) bioremediation applications - also enabled by biotechnology - to remediate and regenerate polluted ecosystems. The scope of bioremediation applications should include landfills and mining;
include data on climate change mitigation/adaptation and on the capacity for biodiversity protection and enhancement of the selected techniques, where relevant;
align the collection of life cycle assessment (LCA) information, according to the Environmental Footprint recommendation, and the methodological guidance of the voluntary Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) Framework [2] , where applicable;
integrate the collected information and data into the Sevilla process through INCITE and into the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring (Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy).
innovative circular industrial bio-based systems – including biotechnologies and biomanufacturing – within the EU bioeconomy are deployed to decrease the environmental footprint of industries, not harm biodiversity and address climate neutrality.
Advancing scientific understanding and innovative solutions for identifying, preventing and mitigating pollution aim to effectively protect human health and safeguard the environment, preserving cleaner water and seas, healthier air and soil, and resilient forests.
Innovative circular bio-based systems and biotechnologies are developed and made available to all stakeholders to progress towards the clean environment and zero-pollution ambition.
Farmers and other actors in the food chain are empowered to make informed decisions and to apply novel strategies to prevent, reduce and remediate pollution from agriculture and the food system, contributing to the zero-pollution ambition.
Effective solutions to remediate and decontaminate aquatic pollution are developed, made available and implemented contributing to reducing pollution to levels no longer considered harmful to the environment.
Zero-pollution Action Plan
highThe EU Action Plan: "Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil" sets key 2030 targets to reduce pollution at source, integrating zero pollution into all relevant EU policies. It aims to decouple industrial production from environmental degradation and toxic emissions.
Evaluators expect benchmarking systems to quantify pollutant emissions across the bioeconomy value chain and show how the framework supports industry in achieving zero-pollution targets across air, water, and soil.
Communication on boosting biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU
highThis communication (COM(2024) 137) outlines actions to foster an enabling environment for biotechnology and biomanufacturing in Europe, promoting competitiveness, modernization, and sustainable growth. It addresses regulatory pathways, market uptake, and robust sustainability assessment of bio-based innovations.
Evaluators expect proposals to align benchmarking methodologies with the European biotech and biomanufacturing ecosystem, demonstrating how environmental performance assessment enables industrial scalability and investor confidence.
EU Bioeconomy Strategy
highPromotes sustainable use of biological resources. Relevant for proposals involving bio-based materials or circular bioeconomy models in urban manufacturing.
If applicable, integration of bio-based solutions and alignment with bioeconomy strategy targets.
Commission Recommendation on Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) Framework
highThe Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/2510 establishes a European framework for defining criteria and evaluation procedures for safe and sustainable by design chemicals and materials. It covers safety aspects alongside comprehensive environmental sustainability assessment across the lifecycle.
Evaluators expect proposals to incorporate SSbD hierarchical assessment steps into the environmental benchmarking methodology, particularly regarding toxicity, material circularity, and environmental footprints.
Commission Recommendation on the use of the Environmental Footprint methods
highCommission Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279 promotes the use of Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and Organisation Environmental Footprint (OEF) methods to measure and communicate the lifecycle environmental performance of products and organizations. It provides standardized calculation rules to avoid greenwashing.
Evaluators expect clear methodological adherence to PEF/OEF rules and Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs) as the baseline standard for measuring lifecycle impacts in the benchmarking system.
Industrial and Livestock Rearing Emissions Directive
mediumThis directive (primarily the Industrial Emissions Directive, IED, 2010/75/EU, and its proposed revision) aims to prevent and control pollution from large industrial installations and intensive livestock rearing. It requires permits based on Best Available Techniques (BAT) to minimize emissions to air, water, and soil, promoting a high level of environmental protection.
Proposals should consider how managed aquifer recharge (MAR) techniques could contribute to mitigating water pollution originating from intensive livestock rearing or other rural industrial activities, thereby supporting the objectives of this directive. This could involve using MAR to treat runoff, manage nutrient loads, or improve water quality impacted by such emissions, demonstrating how MAR contributes to cleaner water resources in rural areas.
Clean Industrial Deal
mediumThe "Clean Industrial Deal" refers to the industrial dimension of the European Green Deal, aiming to make European industry more sustainable, competitive, and resilient. It focuses on decarbonization, circularity, resource efficiency, and the development of clean technologies and products, while ensuring a level playing field and supporting innovation.
Proposals should demonstrate how their advanced manufacturing solutions contribute to the green transition of industry, for example, by reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency, enabling circularity, or developing clean technologies. Alignment with the EU's climate and environmental objectives and enhancing industrial competitiveness are key.
Specific requirements
Topic-specific consortium
Many CSA topics require a broader consortium than the general-annex minimum. The call-specific Eligibility and admissibility conditions override the general annex.
Restricted beneficiary type
Many CSA calls are reserved for specific beneficiary types (national funding agencies, research infrastructures, standards bodies). Check the call.
Coordination/support activities only
CSA funds coordination, networking, policy support, dissemination, training. Not research activities per se.
Gender Equality Plan
GEP eligibility criterion applies to public bodies, research organisations, higher education institutions from MS/AC.
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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 CSA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE CSA)
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 examine four primary elements:
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 | |||
| SC1establish a forum of experts and stakeholders in the bioeconomy and in industrial bio-based systems, including representatives from academia, industry, and government. Members of the forum should be part of the project consortium and should cover, at least, the specific sectors as described in the bullet point below; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2animate the work of the forum to: select and collect data on emerging techniques (as defined in Art. 3.14 of the IED 2.0) along the whole supply and value chain of industrial bio-based systems, on a worldwide basis, but especially those being tested or used in the EU and ACs. Assess their level of development and environmental performance, including their cost-effectiveness and trade-offs. Industrial bio-based systems in scope of this topic do not include food/feed, biofuels/bioenergy and health and medical devices; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3align the selection, the collection of relevant data and the assessment of such techniques with the approach of the European Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE) and with the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring (Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4give emphasis on relevant emerging techniques including, but not limited to, specific sectors: i) pulp & paper and bio-based chemicals, including the treatments and further conversion of industrial residues and waste from these sectors, ii) mechanical and chemical recycling of bio-based plastic, iii) bioremediation applications - also enabled by biotechnology - to remediate and regenerate polluted ecosystems. The scope of bioremediation applications should include landfills and mining; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5include data on climate change mitigation/adaptation and on the capacity for biodiversity protection and enhancement of the selected techniques, where relevant; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6align the collection of life cycle assessment (LCA) information, according to the Environmental Footprint recommendation, and the methodological guidance of the voluntary Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) Framework [2] , where applicable; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7integrate the collected information and data into the Sevilla process through INCITE and into the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring (Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1innovative circular industrial bio-based systems – including biotechnologies and biomanufacturing – within the EU bioeconomy are deployed to decrease the environmental footprint of industries, not harm biodiversity and address climate neutrality. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Multi-stakeholder expert forum integration within consortiumProposals must establish an active forum of experts and stakeholders in industrial bio-based systems (academia, industry, government), whose members must be part of the project consortium. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Alignment with INCITE and the Sevilla processAlign the selection, data collection, and assessment of emerging techniques with the European Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE) and feed results into the Sevilla process. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Integration with EU Bioeconomy Monitoring CentreIntegrate collected information and assessment data into the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring (Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Alignment with Environmental Footprint and SSbD frameworksAlign collection of life cycle assessment data with the Environmental Footprint recommendation and the voluntary Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework guidance. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5International cooperation on emerging techniques data collectionInternational cooperation is encouraged, particularly for collecting data on emerging techniques across worldwide supply and value chains. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Synergies with Horizon Europe Cluster 6 and Cluster 5 projectsProposals are encouraged to build synergies with projects funded under bioeconomy topics in current and past Cluster 6 work programmes, as well as biofuels/bioenergy best practice projects in Cluster 5. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Engagement with EU outermost regionsR&I actions under the destination are encouraged to unlock the unique assets of the EU outermost regions, in line with the EU strategy for outermost regions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Advancing scientific understanding and innovative solutions for identifying, preventing and mitigating pollution aim to effectively protect human health and safeguard the environment, preserving cleaner water and seas, healthier air and soil, and resilient forests. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Innovative circular bio-based systems and biotechnologies are developed and made available to all stakeholders to progress towards the clean environment and zero-pollution ambition. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Farmers and other actors in the food chain are empowered to make informed decisions and to apply novel strategies to prevent, reduce and remediate pollution from agriculture and the food system, contributing to the zero-pollution ambition. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Effective solutions to remediate and decontaminate aquatic pollution are developed, made available and implemented contributing to reducing pollution to levels no longer considered harmful to the environment. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1zero-pollution action planThe EU Action Plan: "Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil" sets key 2030 targets to reduce pollution at source, integrating zero pollution into all relevant EU policies. It aims to decouple industrial production from environmental degradation and toxic emissions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2communication on boosting biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the euThis communication (COM(2024) 137) outlines actions to foster an enabling environment for biotechnology and biomanufacturing in Europe, promoting competitiveness, modernization, and sustainable growth. It addresses regulatory pathways, market uptake, and robust sustainability assessment of bio-based innovations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3eu 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 |
| POL4commission recommendation on safe and sustainable by design (ssbd) frameworkThe Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/2510 establishes a European framework for defining criteria and evaluation procedures for safe and sustainable by design chemicals and materials. It covers safety aspects alongside comprehensive environmental sustainability assessment across the lifecycle. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5commission recommendation on the use of the environmental footprint methodsCommission Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279 promotes the use of Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and Organisation Environmental Footprint (OEF) methods to measure and communicate the lifecycle environmental performance of products and organizations. It provides standardized calculation rules to avoid greenwashing. | · | · | 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.
Topic-specific consortium
Many CSA topics require a broader consortium than the general-annex minimum. The call-specific Eligibility and admissibility conditions override the general annex.
Restricted beneficiary type
Many CSA calls are reserved for specific beneficiary types (national funding agencies, research infrastructures, standards bodies). Check the call.
Coordination/support activities only
CSA funds coordination, networking, policy support, dissemination, training. Not research activities per se.
Gender Equality Plan
GEP eligibility criterion applies to public bodies, research organisations, higher education institutions from MS/AC.
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.
Proposals must explicitly cover pulp and paper, bio-chemicals, bio-plastics recycling, and bioremediation for landfills and mining. Any inclusion of food/feed, biofuels, or medical devices violates strict topic exclusions and will severely penalize the evaluation score.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The consortium must act as an authoritative bridge to formal EU policy mechanisms. Evaluators will penalize proposals that lack clear, operational pathways to feed structured environmental data directly into INCITE and the Sevilla process under the revised Industrial Emissions Directive.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Generic life cycle assessments are insufficient for this call. The benchmarking methodology must strictly operationalize the EU Environmental Footprint recommendation and the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, explicitly quantifying trade-offs between climate mitigation and biodiversity preservation.
Source: Scope
The call mandates the creation of a multi-stakeholder expert forum to harvest worldwide data on emerging techniques. Members of this forum—spanning academia, industry, and government—must be formally included in the project consortium rather than treated as an external advisory board.
Source: Scope
This is a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) utilizing a lump-sum funding model, which imposes a strict 28-page limit for Part B. The work plan must avoid primary lab R&D and instead structure clear payment milestones around coordination, benchmarking, and policy support deliverables.
Source: Eligibility rules
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