HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-IAFlag-02 Bio-based drop-ins/smart drop-in platform chemicals, via cost-effective, sustainable and resource-efficient conversion of biomass
Updated on 21.05.2025
Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:
- Establishment of a full-scale biorefinery and related value chain(s)for the sustainable largescale production of bio-based drop-in platform chemicals.
- Availability of bio-based products meeting market and technical performance requirements, hence also facilitating the market uptake of bio-based solutions.
- Significantly improved sustainability, strategic autonomy, resilience and competitiveness of the European chemical industry and with impact also in other downstream sectors.
- Reduction of the fossil feedstock dependence of chemicals production and minimise biomass imports dependencies of the bio-based industries.
- New skilled job opportunities and investments in the bio-based sectors.
Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions
The call is relevant for cities and regions that are looking to develop a Circular Solution around bio-based drop-ins/smart drop-in platform chemicals, via cost-effective, sustainable and resource-efficient conversion of biomass. The flagship call requires projects to contribute to the establishment of a full-scale biorefinery and related value chain(s)for the sustainable largescale production of bio-based drop-in platform chemicals. Projects should consider up and downstream processes and therefore should implement the multi-actor approach to ensure adequate involvement of all key value chain actors, including B2B-end consumers and feedstock providers.
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 cost-effective, robust, sustainable, and resource-efficient, large-scale production processes for obtaining bio-based drop-in (including smart drop-in) platform chemicals at end TRL: 8. Both upstream and downstream process aspects are in scope. The cascading valorisation of secondary biomass and residual streams is also in scope.
Amount of funding
The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 20 million. It is estimated that a contribution of EUR 20 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 9-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: 3 April 2025
Call deadline: 18 September 2025 17:00 CET
<5 000
predominantly urban regions, intermediate and predominantly rural regions, refer to TERCET typology NUTS 3 region
e.g. commercial, residential, service, industrial
