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Strategic Analysis
To present a winning proposal for HORIZON-JU-CBE-2026-IA-01, the consortium must demonstrate integrated biotech-enabled value chains that valorize complex residual biomass streams into high-value bio-based products at TRL 6. Key winning factors include delivering a robust Multi-Actor Approach (@SC8) that secures feedstock supply contracts with biomass producers, validating industrial bioprocess safety and safety-by-design (@SC10), and proving market compliance of end-products (@SC6).
TRL 4 → 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.
No expected impacts identified for this destination.
EU initiative on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing
highThe Communication on Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU (COM(2024) 137) sets out measures to foster innovation, facilitate market access, and scale up biomanufacturing capacity across Europe. It emphasizes regulatory simplification, technology transfer, and sustainable bio-based transitions.
Evaluators expect proposals to clearly articulate how biotech routes scale up efficiently, overcome regulatory or commercial bottlenecks, and contribute to industrial modernization and sustainability.
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.
EU Biotechnology Act
highThe proposed European Biotechnology Act aims to streamline and harmonize the regulatory framework for biotech developments across the EU. It focuses on removing regulatory obstacles, enhancing intellectual property protections, and fostering investment in bio-based solutions.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate awareness of relevant regulatory pathways, safety standards, and potential bottlenecks, showing how proposed bioprocesses can navigate compliance to achieve deployment.
EU Circular Economy Act
highLegal framework for circular economy, including waste reduction, product durability, and recycled content. Proposals should align with Act’s targets (e.g., 65% recycling rate by 2035).
Demonstrable compliance with Circular Economy Act requirements, particularly in waste management and material efficiency.
EU Life Sciences Strategy
mediumThe EU Strategy for Life Sciences aims to reinforce Europe's leadership in biological research and industrial application across health, agriculture, and bio-industries. It focuses on streamlining scientific translation, strengthening supply chain resilience, and supporting innovative biological technologies.
Evaluators look for proposals that demonstrate clear research-to-market pathways, highlighting how biological processes offer sustainable industrial alternatives and strengthen European competitiveness.
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.
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.
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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 specifically inspect whether the proposal goes beyond lab-scale strain or enzyme optimization to deliver an end-to-end, integrated process demonstration at pilot/demo scale (@SC1). They will check if the feedstock sourcing model (@SC9) is economically viable and compliant with cascading principles (@SC5), and whether risk assessments regarding pathogens, contaminants, and environmental safety (@SC7, @SC10) are rigorously embedded into the workplan.
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 |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Multi-Actor Approach for feedstock involvementProposals must apply the Multi-Actor Approach (MAA) to ensure sufficient involvement of feedstock producers and managers for residual feedstock supply. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Synergies with Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and CBE JU projectsProposals must ensure 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 safety and environmental risk assessmentProposals must perform a risk assessment on potential impacts of biotechnology on human safety, biodiversity, and environmental safety, identify mitigation measures, and assess regulatory frameworks. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Pathogen and contaminant safety in circular modelsWhen pursuing circular models, proposals must ensure that neither pathogens nor contaminants are re-injected into the loop, avoiding negative impacts on human health and the environment. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| No expected impacts in this call. | |||
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1eu initiative on biotechnology and biomanufacturingThe Communication on Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU (COM(2024) 137) sets out measures to foster innovation, facilitate market access, and scale up biomanufacturing capacity across Europe. It emphasizes regulatory simplification, technology transfer, and sustainable bio-based transitions. | · | · | 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 |
| POL3eu biotechnology actThe proposed European Biotechnology Act aims to streamline and harmonize the regulatory framework for biotech developments across the EU. It focuses on removing regulatory obstacles, enhancing intellectual property protections, and fostering investment in bio-based solutions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4eu circular economy actLegal framework for circular economy, including waste reduction, product durability, and recycled content. Proposals should align with Act’s targets (e.g., 65% recycling rate by 2035). | · | · | Sign up to track |
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).
4 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.
To satisfy the Multi-Actor Approach requirement, the consortium must actively integrate primary feedstock producers or waste managers. Evaluators will specifically scrutinize the proposal for an economically viable feedstock sourcing model that optimizes logistics and secures supply contracts, rather than treating biomass provision as a passive external dependency.
Source: Scope
Evaluators are explicitly instructed to check whether the proposal moves beyond lab-scale strain or enzyme optimization. You must deliver an integrated process demonstration at TRL 6 that seamlessly connects tailored biomass pretreatment, biotech conversion, and downstream purification steps.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
When valorizing complex residual streams, the workplan must embed a rigorous risk assessment for pathogens and contaminants. Evaluators will verify that your circular model includes concrete mitigation measures to guarantee these hazards are not injected back into the loop.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The proposal must actively evaluate the adequacy of current regulatory frameworks to manage biotech risks and propose solutions for identified bottlenecks. Evaluators expect a clear demonstration of how the bioprocess navigates compliance pathways to achieve deployment, directly supporting the EU Biotechnology Act.
Source: Underlying policies
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.
Residual biomass streams from agriculture, forestry, or biowaste suffer from inconsistent quality and fragmented supply chains, hindering continuous bio-refining operations (@SC3, @SC9).
Efficient separation and purification of bio-based chemicals and intermediates from fermentation broths often face technical bottlenecks and elevated energy consumption (@SC5).
Re-injecting urban, industrial, or agricultural waste streams into circular bioeconomy loops risks reintroducing pathogens or chemical contaminants (@SC7, @SC10).
Agricultural, forestry, aquatic, and industrial waste producers who supply residual biomass streams and co-design logistical and business models (@SC8, @SC9).
Bio-based industry actors and end-users operating scale-up facilities and downstream processing lines (@SC1, @SC6).
Researchers in industrial biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, and environmental safety who will benefit from open-access scientific findings and open data (@SC11).
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
Diverts residual biomass and organic side-streams from incineration or landfill into circular industrial manufacturing, increasing resource efficiency (@EO1, @SC5).
Replaces fossil-based chemicals, polymers, and ingredients with biotechnology-derived products, reducing life-cycle GHG emissions (@EO2, @SC1).