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 2025 call for submissions is open from 4 April to 17 September 2025.

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 2025

Innovation actions – flagship (IA-flagship)

• Urban-industrial symbiosis for bio-waste valorisation (€ 18 million)
• Bio-based drop-ins/smart drop-in platform chemicals, via cost-effective, sustainable and resource-efficient conversion of biomass (€ 20 million)
• Circular-by-design fibre-based packaging with improved properties (€ 18 million)
• Retrofitting of (bio)refineries industrial plants towards higher-value bio-based products (€ 20 million)

Innovation actions (IA)

• Sustainable macroalgae systems for innovative, added-value applications: cultivation and optimised production systems (€ 14 million)
• Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) bio-based solutions to replace hazardous conventional chemicals for textiles production (€ 13,5 million)
• Scaling-up nutritional proteins from alternative sources (€ 14 million)
• Cost-effective and robust continuous biotech bio-based processes (€ 15 million)
• SSbD bio-based polymers/copolymers unlocking new market applications (€ 13,5 million)

Research and innovation actions (RIA)

• Valorisation of untapped forest biomass (€ 7 million)
• Bio-based and biodegradable delivery systems for fertilising products to reduce microplastics pollution & promote soil health (€ 6 million)
• Alternative biomanufacturing routes for natural and synthetic rubber (€ 6 million)

Coordination and support actions (CSA)

• Develop and deploy new curricula and knowledge exchange practices relevant to bio-based systems (€ 1 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.