The call is relevant for cities and regions that are looking to explore the potential of AI and other digital technologies and tools in the bio-based sector and, next, focus on developing new capacities, high-quality tools and algorithms of AI and other digital technologies and tools to be demonstrated for the most promising (in terms of impact on environmental sustainability and competitiveness) applications of this sector. Today, the bio-based sector generates an unprecedented volume of data, driven by rapid advances in ‘-omics’ technologies, sensor integration, and the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

While bioinformatics solutions are already being used to some extent, much untapped potential remains. The objective of this call is to advance the use of AI and digital technologies to uncover new bio-based systems, optimize existing processes, and accelerate the development of cleaner, more efficient solutions. To acheive this, multi-actor Approach (MAA) and social innovation are encouraged, especially to address the societal concerns and perceptions on the role of AI in the bio-based innovation and broader bioeconomy (e.g., impacts on skills and job opportunities/risks). International cooperation is also encouraged, e.g. with countries mentioned in the EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing initiative communication, such as United States of America, Japan, South Korea, and India, for win-win outcomes and mutual benefits.

Any type of organisation can apply for Horizon Europe funding as long as they have the operational and financial capacity to carry out the tasks that they propose. For most calls for proposals, you must apply as a team of at least 3 partner organisations from 3 different EU or associated countries. At least one of the 3 partners must be from an EU country. In addition to these 3 partners, organisations from other countries might be able to join your consortium.

More information in the Horizon Europe programme guide. Further details or exceptions are listed on the pages of the call topics in the Funding & tenders portal.

The scope covers all relevant aspects of the contribution of AI/digital methodologies and tools capable of delivering the high sustainability gains (resource efficiency, circularity, climate neutrality etc), as well as enhance the European industrial competitiveness.

The proposals should demonstrate the upscaling from the current potential, align it to parallel actions on AI and other digital technologies and tools (e.g. database development, predictive capacities, EU-level initiatives (e.g. EU AI Act, Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative), and incorporate the systematic assessment of the risks and opportunities for the sector. Proposals should take into account the findings of the Global Resources Outlook 2024 of the International Resource Panel. Any risks to the ecosystems should be assessed and minimised, along the application of the Do-No-Significant-Harm (DNSH) principle. The action will serve to develop guidelines for the policy makers, industry and civil society, in an inclusive co-creation process.

The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 10.00 million. The Commission estimates that an EU contribution of around EUR 5.00 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts.

1. EC publishes calls for proposals on the funding and tenders portal
2. The call is open for an usual period of ca. 5 months where applicants can submit they proposal
3. Proposals can be single or two-stage application processes. A single stage application process requires the filling in of a structured proposal of max. 45 pages including objectives and innovation approach (excellence), tangible impacts that can be achieved through the project (impact) and the project planning and tasks (quality). If a two stage, the aforementioned would be the second stage application while the first is a simplified proposal of max 10 pages including only excellence and impact sections. These documents are to be uploaded to the portal in pdf format alongside filling in the respective parts of the portal with administrative information on the beneficiares, affiliated entities or others. All participants in a project need to possess a Partipant Identification Code (i.e. PIC number, a 9-digit number registered on ECAS). For more information, please see the work programme and the call documents.
4. Proposal submitted within the deadline will be evaluated by experts against evaluation criteria.
5. Winning proposals will be invited for signing a grant agreement with the EC.

Opening: 06 May 2025
 

Deadline: 17 Sep 2025