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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal under HORIZON-JU-CBE-2026-IA-01 must demonstrate robust, industrial biotechnology routes (TRL 5 to 6) converting complex residual biomass streams into high-value chemicals, polymers, or functional ingredients using an energy-efficient cascading approach. Proposals must feature a legally anchored Multi-Actor Approach engaging upstream biomass managers alongside downstream industrial end-users, supported by a credible business case, strict safety/contaminant barrier validation, and compliant 15% BIC IKOP matching.
TRL 5 → 6
Demonstrate (at least TRL 6) efficient biotechnology based processes to convert residual biomass streams into bio-based chemicals, intermediates, polymers, materials, ingredients [1] and/or enzymes. The topic focuses on processes in which biotechnology is the key enabling technology; the integration of supporting unit operations based on technologies other than biotechnology is in scope. Optimisation of selected cells, enzymes and/or microorganisms, including microbiomes, is also in scope. The feedstock in scope includes: Forestry and agricultural residues and/or side streams from the processing of forestry and agricultural biomass (including livestock-based ones such as manure and animal byproducts),
residues from aquatic biomass, including from fisheries, micro/macro algae production and aquaculture,
urban and/or industrial bio-based waste and side-streams (including food industry waste and side-streams, cellulose from post-consumer and post-industrial waste, urban biowaste and sewage sludge, and other bio-based waste/side-streams from industrial operations including wood and pulp and paper industry),
mixed streams from the above.
Integrate optimised biomass pretreatment/fractionation processes tailored to selected residual biomass and optimise (energy)-efficient separation and/or purification process step(s) across the value chain. The valorisation of by-products and side streams across the value chain via the cascading approach is in scope.
Validate (at TRL 5 and above) conversion (or use) of biorefinery product(s) into end-products proving to fulfil market requirements for selected applications sectors.
Address resource efficiency and circularity. When pursuing circular models, ensure that neither pathogens nor contaminants are injected back in the loop, to avoid negative effects on human health and the environment.
Under the multi-actor approach (MAA), ensure the sufficient involvement of feedstock producers/managers for residual feedstock supply.
Optimise logistic models (including sourcing, storage and transport) of residual feedstock, minimising distances and costs. Ensure seamless integration with biomass providers, while promoting win-win business models.
Perform a risk assessment on impacts, potentially deriving from the use of biotechnology, on human safety, biodiversity as well as environmental safety and identify adequate mitigation measures. Assess the adequacy of policy and regulatory means to manage these risks and provide recommendations to overcome potential identified bottlenecks.
Ensure complementarities with past and ongoing R&I projects addressing similar challenges, including projects funded under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe (under Cluster 6 and other Clusters of Horizon Europe) and BBI JU/CBE JU projects.
Increased added value of residual biomass for biorefinery applications.
Availability of a wider portfolio of sustainable bio-based products via industrial biotech.
Robust, scalable and efficient biotech process(es) applicable to residual biomass.
No expected impacts identified for this destination.
EU initiative on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing
highAdopted in March 2024, the Communication on Building the future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU identifies actions to overcome bottlenecks and foster innovation across healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotech.
Evaluators expect proposals to directly address market deployment, scaling up novel bioprocesses, reducing regulatory hurdles, and enhancing circular bio-based value chains in line with European competitiveness.
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.
Circular Economy Act
highThe "Circular Economy Act" refers to the legislative and policy framework stemming from the EU's Circular Economy Action Plans. It aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by promoting sustainable product design, reducing waste, increasing recycling and reuse, and fostering circular business models across key value chains.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how their advanced manufacturing processes contribute to circularity. This includes aspects like resource efficiency, waste reduction, use of secondary raw materials, design for longevity, repairability, or recyclability, and the development of circular business models within the manufacturing context.
EU Life Sciences Strategy
mediumThe EU strategic vision for life sciences aims to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and resilience in biomedical, industrial, and agricultural technologies by linking research excellence to commercial scale-up.
Proposals should showcase how biotechnological advancements contribute to sustainable industrial transformation, technology transfer, and high-value product generation.
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.
EU Biotechnology Act
mediumAnnounced as part of the 2024 Commission communication, the forthcoming EU Biotech Act aims to create an innovation-friendly, harmonised regulatory framework for biotechnology across the single market to facilitate market entry and investment.
Evaluators expect applicants to demonstrate awareness of emerging EU regulatory frameworks for biotech, addressing regulatory readiness, intellectual property pathways, and standardisation.
European Chemical Industry Action Plan
lowThe "European Chemical Industry Action Plan" is not a recognized standalone overarching policy document or strategy published by the European Commission. While the EU has various policies impacting the chemical industry, such as the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, a distinct "Action Plan" with this specific title as an official EU policy is not identifiable.
As this is not a recognized standalone EU policy, evaluators would not specifically expect proposals to reference an "European Chemical Industry Action Plan." However, proposals related to the chemical industry should align with broader EU policies like the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the European Green Deal, and industrial strategies.
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).
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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.
described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in section 2.2.3 Calls for proposals in the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026
Application form templates
Please use the application form that you will find in the Submission System.
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
CBE JU Call for proposals 2026
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
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 cross-check compliance against CBE JU specific conditions: (1) meeting the mandatory 15% IKOP contribution supported by valid BIC membership certificates; (2) authentic implementation of the Multi-Actor Approach involving feedstock producers in co-designing logistics and win-win business models; (3) demonstration at TRL 6 showing biocatalyst robustness against batch feedstock variability, alongside validated downstream application at TRL 5+; and (4) complete Life Cycle Sustainability Assessments (LCSA) ensuring zero pathogen/contaminant recycles under the cascading principle.
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 | |||
| SC1Demonstrate (at least TRL 6) efficient biotechnology based processes to convert residual biomass streams into bio-based chemicals, intermediates, polymers, materials, ingredients [1] and/or enzymes. The topic focuses on processes in which biotechnology is the key enabling technology; the integration of supporting unit operations based on technologies other than biotechnology is in scope. Optimisation of selected cells, enzymes and/or microorganisms, including microbiomes, is also in scope. The feedstock in scope includes: Forestry and agricultural residues and/or side streams from the processing of forestry and agricultural biomass (including livestock-based ones such as manure and animal byproducts), | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2residues from aquatic biomass, including from fisheries, micro/macro algae production and aquaculture, | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3urban and/or industrial bio-based waste and side-streams (including food industry waste and side-streams, cellulose from post-consumer and post-industrial waste, urban biowaste and sewage sludge, and other bio-based waste/side-streams from industrial operations including wood and pulp and paper industry), | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4mixed streams from the above. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Integrate optimised biomass pretreatment/fractionation processes tailored to selected residual biomass and optimise (energy)-efficient separation and/or purification process step(s) across the value chain. The valorisation of by-products and side streams across the value chain via the cascading approach is in scope. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Validate (at TRL 5 and above) conversion (or use) of biorefinery product(s) into end-products proving to fulfil market requirements for selected applications sectors. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Address resource efficiency and circularity. When pursuing circular models, ensure that neither pathogens nor contaminants are injected back in the loop, to avoid negative effects on human health and the environment. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8Under the multi-actor approach (MAA), ensure the sufficient involvement of feedstock producers/managers for residual feedstock supply. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC9Optimise logistic models (including sourcing, storage and transport) of residual feedstock, minimising distances and costs. Ensure seamless integration with biomass providers, while promoting win-win business models. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC10Perform a risk assessment on impacts, potentially deriving from the use of biotechnology, on human safety, biodiversity as well as environmental safety and identify adequate mitigation measures. Assess the adequacy of policy and regulatory means to manage these risks and provide recommendations to overcome potential identified bottlenecks. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC11Ensure complementarities with past and ongoing R&I projects addressing similar challenges, including projects funded under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe (under Cluster 6 and other Clusters of Horizon Europe) and BBI JU/CBE JU projects. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Increased added value of residual biomass for biorefinery applications. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Availability of a wider portfolio of sustainable bio-based products via industrial biotech. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Robust, scalable and efficient biotech process(es) applicable to residual biomass. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Multi-Actor Approach involving residual feedstock producers and managersUnder the multi-actor approach (MAA), proposals must ensure sufficient involvement of feedstock producers/managers for residual feedstock supply, ensuring seamless integration and promoting win-win business models. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Synergies with Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and BBI JU/CBE JU projectsEnsure complementarities with past and ongoing R&I projects addressing similar challenges, including projects funded under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe (Cluster 6 and other Clusters) and BBI JU/CBE JU. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Biotechnology risk assessment for human, environmental, and biodiversity safetyPerform a risk assessment on impacts potentially deriving from the use of biotechnology on human safety, biodiversity, and environmental safety, identify adequate mitigation measures, and assess regulatory/policy frameworks. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| No expected impacts in this call. | |||
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1eu initiative on biotechnology and biomanufacturingAdopted in March 2024, the Communication on Building the future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU identifies actions to overcome bottlenecks and foster innovation across healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotech. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2eu 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 |
| POL3circular economy actThe "Circular Economy Act" refers to the legislative and policy framework stemming from the EU's Circular Economy Action Plans. It aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by promoting sustainable product design, reducing waste, increasing recycling and reuse, and fostering circular business models across key value chains. | · | · | 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.
A proposal failing to secure and document a 15% In-Kind Contribution to Operational Activities (IKOP) will fail the CBE JU specific conditions check. You must legally anchor this contribution and provide valid BIC membership certificates within the consortium to pass the rigorous evaluator cross-check.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The Multi-Actor Approach is strictly defined for this call: you must integrate upstream feedstock producers or biomass managers directly into the consortium. Their role cannot be passive; they must actively co-design the logistics models and win-win business cases to ensure reliable residual feedstock supply.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Evaluators will scrutinize the safety of your circular loops. You must deliver a complete Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) that explicitly proves your cascading approach injects zero pathogens or contaminants back into the environment or human health cycles.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The scale-up expectations are asymmetric across the value chain. Your core biotechnological conversion process must reach TRL 6 and demonstrate robustness against batch feedstock variability, whereas the downstream validation of the resulting biorefinery products only requires TRL 5.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Beyond technical scale-up, the proposal must perform a dedicated risk assessment on the use of biotechnology and formulate concrete policy recommendations. Evaluators expect these recommendations to directly address regulatory bottlenecks and support the implementation of the forthcoming EU Biotechnology Act.
Source: Scope
Nothing to show for this call yet.