A new call under the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has been launched for 2026. With a budget of € 170.7 million, this European funding programme offers opportunities for consortia working on innovative, sustainable and circular bio-based solutions. The call is part of the Horizon Europe programme and aims to strengthen the European bioeconomy.

Broad support for bio-based innovation and scale-up

The CBE JU is a public-private partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), with the objective of developing a competitive and sustainable bioeconomy. The programme supports projects that convert biomass and residual streams into new materials, products and applications, thereby reducing dependence on fossil resources.

The 2026 call focuses on the entire innovation chain, from research and development to demonstration and large-scale industrial deployment. Key themes include feedstocks, processing technologies and bio-based end products.

13 topics across the full value chain

The call consists of 13 topics, divided across different project types:

• Innovation Actions – flagship (IA-flagship)
• Innovation Actions (IA)
• Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)
• Coordination and Support Actions (CSA)

The topics range from biotechnological applications and biorefineries to circular materials, sustainable textile fibres and bio-based solutions for agriculture, packaging and consumer products.

Budget and timeline

The CBE JU 2026 call is open from 23 April 2026 until 22 September 2026. A total budget of € 170.7 million is available and will be distributed across the 13 topics. See more information about the budget per topic here.

Organisations from across Europe, including businesses, research institutions and public authorities, are eligible to participate in international consortia. Collaboration across the value chain is a key requirement.

Opportunities for Dutch organisations in 2026

The CBE JU call presents strong opportunities for Dutch companies and knowledge institutions active in areas such as:

• Bio-based materials and chemistry
• Circular production processes
• Agri-food innovation
• Sustainable textiles and packaging solutions

Given the scale and competitiveness of this European programme, thorough preparation is essential. This includes forming a strong consortium, clearly defining project impact and aligning with the strategic priorities of the CBE JU.

Would you like to explore whether your project idea fits this call? Or do you need support with consortium building and preparing a strong application? Our specialists are happy to assist. Get in touch via info@hezelburcht.com, call 088 495 20 00 or complete the contact form to schedule an introduction.

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