Are you working on the development of bio-based products? Good news: the successful European programme Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) will be succeeded by Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU). This means new funding opportunities for bio-based innovations. The programme falls under Horizon Europe and runs from 2021 to 2031. The CBE JU 2026 call for submissions is open from 23 April 2026 to 22 September 2026.

What can CBE JU mean for you and Europe?

You are able to receive a subsidy from CBE JU which allows you to realize your bio-based innovation. This also reduces the financial risk of your project. Moreover, with your innovation, Europe will be one step closed to becoming a cleaner, more sustainable and circular society. Renewable bio-based products and materials are an important link in the transition to climate neutrality.

For whom is this programme?

CBE JU brings together all kinds of parties from the bio-based industry; from farmers to researchers. Private and public partnerships will be able to submit a proposal for CBE JU.

Objectives of CBE JU 2021-2031

The new programme aims to:

• Accelerate the innovation process and the development of innovative bio-based solutions;
• Accelerate the market application of existing mature and innovative bio-based solutions;
• Ensure a high level of environmental performance of industrial bio-based systems.

Call topics 2026

In total, there will be € 170.7 million available in 2026, divided among multiple topics:

Innovation actions – flagship (IA-flagship)

• Boosting biorefinery competitiveness through biotech (€ 20 million)
• Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) bio-based alternatives for fertilising and/or crop protection products (€ 20 million)
• SSbD bio-based solutions for home and/or personal care (€ 20 million)
• Diversification of nutritional food ingredient sources for increased EU resilience and strategic autonomy (€ 20 million)

Innovation actions (IA)

• Biotech routes for valorisation of residual biomass (€ 14 million)
• Bio-based additives as alternatives to unlock and increase recyclability and/or biodegradability (€ 14 million)
• Bio-based chemicals and/or materials from woody residues (€ 14 million)
• High-performance, circular-by-design, bio-based thermosets (€ 14 million)
• Films and coatings for circular packaging (€ 14 million)

Research and innovation actions (RIA)

• Addressing separation and purification challenges in biorefineries (€ 6.5 million)
• SSbD bio-based polymers from alternative sources (€ 6.5 million)
• Breakthrough and sustainable bio-based textile fibres (€ 6.5 million)

Coordination and support actions (CSA)

• Supporting industry in the switch to sustainable and circular bio-based products and processes (€ 1.2 million)

Support with your application

Hezelburcht has extensive experience in supporting European applications. We have supported consortia both in putting together a consortium and in writing and submitting a successful application. Do you also need support in applying for funding for your project? Or would you like to discuss the possibilities of CBE JU with a specialist? Please contact us via 088 495 20 00 or info@hezelburcht.com for an introductory meeting.