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Strategic Analysis
This CBE JU Flagship action demands the commissioning of a first-of-a-kind commercial biorefinery delivering Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) bio-based fertilisers and/or crop protection solutions at TRL 8. Winning proposals must balance industrial-scale biomanufacturing viability and robust IKOP commitment (minimum 20% supported by BIC certificates) with comprehensive multi-actor field trials demonstrating agronomic equivalence and soil non-toxicity without microplastics.
TRL 6 → 8
Demonstrate (at TRL 8) the efficient industrial production of SSbD bio-based solutions as alternatives to current fertilising and/or crop protection products. Bioactive molecules and/or biotechnology solutions for bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulants and/or pest/disease control (e.g., bioherbicides, biopesticides, bioinsecticides), or a combination thereof, are in scope. Products in scope can be applicable at any crop(s) cycle stage.
Validate (at TRL 6 and above) at scale the produced bio-alternatives into the formulation of end-product(s) and test their agronomic efficiency, safety and sustainability to prove the achievement of similar or improved properties compared to defined benchmarks available in the market (synthetic and/or mineral). In case of bio-based fertilisers, put in place a solid production validation procedure to ensure reduced nutrient variability of the N/P/K content in end-products.
Test the developed product(s) with primary producers on the field (demo farms) for selected crops and monitor their effects on soil health and quality, as well as on water. Cover different climatic and soil conditions, taking into account different farming systems, including organic agriculture. If controlled release mechanisms are employed, the proposed innovations should avoid microplastics accumulation in soil.
As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA), ensure adequate involvement of all key actors in the value chains relevant for this topic and across the sustainable circular bio-based system, including primary producers to support the acceptance and adoption of developed products.
Address compliance with relevant EU regulatory frameworks related to manufacturing and entry-to-market of targeted bio-based alternative(s). This includes performing a sanitary and environmental risk assessment to prevent the introduction of harmful biological and/or chemical contaminants into soil, crops and the food chain, while also safeguarding human health and soil ecosystems. Include a task to identify potential regulatory gaps and provide recommendations to overcome potential bottlenecks.
Include a task to apply the SSbD framework, developed by the European Commission for the assessment of targeted bio-based product(s). For more information on the SSbD framework and criteria, refer to Safe and sustainable by design .
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.
Full industrial scale biorefinery and related value chain(s) for the sustainable production of bio-based fertilisers and/or crop protection solutions.
Increased availability of cost-competitive and SSbD bio-based alternatives for fertilising and/or crop protection products with suitable agronomic efficacy.
Reduced reliance on synthetic/mineral agricultural chemical products.
Increased EU strategic autonomy, resilience and competitiveness through a robust cooperation among bio-based industries and farmers.
Increased soil health, including minimising accumulation of microplastics and pollutants in soil and water, with positive effects on quality, security and resilience of food production in agriculture.
No expected impacts identified for this destination.
Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework
highThe Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, established under the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, provides a testing and assessment methodology for chemicals and materials throughout their lifecycle. It aims to integrate safety, circularity, energy efficiency, and low environmental footprints into the earliest design phases of chemical innovations.
Evaluators expect a robust operationalization of the Commission's SSbD assessment framework across the product development lifecycle. Proposals should present quantitative safety and environmental profiling, hazard screening, lifecycle sustainability assessments (LCSA), and clear design-stage substitution strategies for hazardous components.
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.
Farm to Fork Strategy
highThe Farm to Fork Strategy is a key component of the European Green Deal, aiming to make food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. It includes targets for reducing the environmental footprint of food production, improving animal welfare, and ensuring food security.
Proposals should show how they will contribute to the Farm to Fork Strategy's goals, particularly in terms of sustainable fisheries, reducing pollution, and ensuring safe and healthy seafood for consumers. Evaluators will look for solutions that enhance the resilience and sustainability of food systems.
Horizon Europe Mission 'A Soil Deal for Europe'
highThe Mission 'A Soil Deal for Europe' aims to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030 through establishing 100 living labs and lighthouses. It directly targets the reduction of soil pollution, restoration of soil organic matter, and minimization of nutrient loss to protect soil health and ecosystem services.
Evaluators expect applicants to demonstrate how novel fertilising and crop protection products prevent soil contamination, preserve soil microbial biodiversity, and support the Mission's target of achieving healthy European soils by 2030, ideally through field validation or living lab synergies.
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
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 score proposals against Flagship-specific eligibility and award criteria: mandatory separate Business Plan annex (with NPV, CapEx/OpEx, and realistic market penetration models), 20% minimum IKOP contribution backed by BIC certificates, and compliance with the 70-page limit. Under Excellence, evaluators will scrutinize feedstock sourcing under cascading use/food-first principles, strict operationalization of the European Commission's SSbD framework across all tiers, and robust field validation under a Multi-Actor Approach across diverse pedoclimatic zones. Under Implementation, a full Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) covering biomass logistics and field trials demonstrating zero microplastic accumulation will be vital for top marks.
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 TRL 8) the efficient industrial production of SSbD bio-based solutions as alternatives to current fertilising and/or crop protection products. Bioactive molecules and/or biotechnology solutions for bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulants and/or pest/disease control (e.g., bioherbicides, biopesticides, bioinsecticides), or a combination thereof, are in scope. Products in scope can be applicable at any crop(s) cycle stage. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Validate (at TRL 6 and above) at scale the produced bio-alternatives into the formulation of end-product(s) and test their agronomic efficiency, safety and sustainability to prove the achievement of similar or improved properties compared to defined benchmarks available in the market (synthetic and/or mineral). In case of bio-based fertilisers, put in place a solid production validation procedure to ensure reduced nutrient variability of the N/P/K content in end-products. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Test the developed product(s) with primary producers on the field (demo farms) for selected crops and monitor their effects on soil health and quality, as well as on water. Cover different climatic and soil conditions, taking into account different farming systems, including organic agriculture. If controlled release mechanisms are employed, the proposed innovations should avoid microplastics accumulation in soil. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA), ensure adequate involvement of all key actors in the value chains relevant for this topic and across the sustainable circular bio-based system, including primary producers to support the acceptance and adoption of developed products. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Address compliance with relevant EU regulatory frameworks related to manufacturing and entry-to-market of targeted bio-based alternative(s). This includes performing a sanitary and environmental risk assessment to prevent the introduction of harmful biological and/or chemical contaminants into soil, crops and the food chain, while also safeguarding human health and soil ecosystems. Include a task to identify potential regulatory gaps and provide recommendations to overcome potential bottlenecks. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Include a task to apply the SSbD framework, developed by the European Commission for the assessment of targeted bio-based product(s). For more information on the SSbD framework and criteria, refer to Safe and sustainable by design . | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Ensure 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 | |||
| EO1Full industrial scale biorefinery and related value chain(s) for the sustainable production of bio-based fertilisers and/or crop protection solutions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Increased availability of cost-competitive and SSbD bio-based alternatives for fertilising and/or crop protection products with suitable agronomic efficacy. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Reduced reliance on synthetic/mineral agricultural chemical products. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Increased EU strategic autonomy, resilience and competitiveness through a robust cooperation among bio-based industries and farmers. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO5Increased soil health, including minimising accumulation of microplastics and pollutants in soil and water, with positive effects on quality, security and resilience of food production in agriculture. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Multi-actor approach involving key circular bio-based value chain actorsEnsure adequate involvement of all key actors in the value chains relevant for this topic and across the circular bio-based system, including primary producers, to support acceptance and adoption of developed products. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Application of the European Commission Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) frameworkInclude a task to apply the European Commission's SSbD framework and criteria for the assessment of targeted bio-based product(s). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Sanitary and environmental risk assessment and regulatory gap analysisPerform a sanitary and environmental risk assessment to prevent harmful biological or chemical contaminants in soil, crops, and food, and include a task to identify potential regulatory bottlenecks and gaps. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Synergies with Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and BBI/CBE JU projectsEnsure complementarities with past and ongoing R&I projects addressing similar challenges, including those funded under Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe (Cluster 6 and other clusters), and BBI JU/CBE JU. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| No expected impacts in this call. | |||
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1safe and sustainable by design frameworkThe Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, established under the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, provides a testing and assessment methodology for chemicals and materials throughout their lifecycle. It aims to integrate safety, circularity, energy efficiency, and low environmental footprints into the earliest design phases of chemical innovations. | · | · | 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 |
| POL3farm to fork strategyThe Farm to Fork Strategy is a key component of the European Green Deal, aiming to make food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. It includes targets for reducing the environmental footprint of food production, improving animal welfare, and ensuring food security. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4mission a soil deal for europeThe Mission 'A Soil Deal for Europe' aims to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030 through establishing 100 living labs and lighthouses. It directly targets the reduction of soil pollution, restoration of soil organic matter, and minimization of nutrient loss to protect soil health and ecosystem services. | · | · | 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.
Proposals must include a mandatory separate Business Plan annex detailing NPV, CapEx/OpEx, and realistic market penetration models. Evaluators will rigorously score this document, meaning the commercial viability of the TRL 8 biorefinery is weighted just as heavily as its technical execution.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
A proposal will fail evaluation if it does not secure a minimum 20% IKOP contribution backed by BIC certificates. Consortium leads must secure these certifications early, as this financial commitment is a hard gate for Flagship viability.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Top marks in the Implementation criterion require a full Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) that explicitly covers biomass logistics. Furthermore, field trials must conclusively demonstrate zero microplastic accumulation in soils, which is a critical scoring driver if controlled release mechanisms are employed.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The call mandates a strict Multi-Actor Approach (MAA) requiring the direct involvement of primary producers. Proposals that fail to include farmers or agricultural cooperatives to conduct demo farm field trials across diverse pedoclimatic zones will be heavily penalized under Excellence.
Source: Scope
Under the Excellence criterion, evaluators will heavily scrutinize the biorefinery's feedstock sourcing strategy. Proposals must explicitly prove adherence to cascading use and food-first principles, ensuring the industrial-scale biomanufacturing does not compete with global food security.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
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