HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024-IA-02 Sustainable micro-algae as feedstock for innovative, added-value applications
Updated on 17.06.2024
Proposals are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:
- implementation of (environmentally and economically) sustainable micro-algae-based biorefinery processes;
- availability of a broader range of micro-algae-based products meeting market requirements;
- social acceptance of circular bio-based solutions and products;
- decreased energy, water, nutrients and (in general) resource requirements for micro-algae production and processing with respect to state-of-art;
- improved environmental impact with respect to fossil- and/or bio-based state-of-the-art counterparts (if existing).
Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions
The call is relevant for cities and regions that are looking to valorise sustainable micro-algae as feedstock for bio-based applications. Projects need to address the need for upscaling production technologies, including downstream separation and purification, to cover mid-price range products, and thereby contribute to increasing the market penetration of micro-algae derived chemicals and products. To achieve this project should apply a multi-actor approach by ensuring adequate involvement of all key actors in the relevant value chains, including and users and consumers.
Applicant criteria
All stakeholders of the bio-based industries ecosystem including public authorities can apply for CBE JU funding. CBE JU calls for project proposals are open to any legal entity, be it private or public, for-profit or not-for-profit organisation, including:
- large companies;
- small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs);
- research and technology organisations (RTOs);
- universities;
- associations.
Eligible projects/themes
Proposals should demonstrate optimised production, harvesting and product extraction from micro-algae, cyanobacteria or other phototrophic bacteria. There is no specific sectorial scope for the end-products, as long as they consist of ingredients and intermediates in the medium price range for which process technologies exist, but currently are not cost-competitive enough to meet market demands.
Amount of funding
Total indicative budget EUR 15 million. It is estimated that a contribution of EUR 7.5 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts.
Application process
Cities and regions can apply for funding through the following steps. Cities and regions have to select the relevant call and draft a proposal with the required details. With the CBE JU networking platform, cities and regions can find partners to build a consortium. The proposal can be submitted using the funding and tender opportunities portal using an EU login. All the members of the consortium must have a nine-digit Participant Identification Code (PIC) to apply for funding. Draft your project proposal in the submission service section of your topic page. This link becomes available when the call opens. Fill in all the required information and submit the proposal before the call deadline.
Deadlines
Call launch: 24 April 2024
Call deadline: 18 September 2024 17:00 CET
<5 000
large 500 000-200 000, medium 200 000-50 000, and small cities 50 000-5 000
large metropolitan area >1.5 million, metropolitan area 1.5 million-500 000
predominantly urban regions, intermediate and predominantly rural regions, refer to TERCET typology NUTS 3 region
e.g. commercial, residential, service, industrial
