CBE JU has published its work programme for 2026, announcing EUR 170.7 million in funding for calls for project proposals to accelerate sustainable and competitive bioinnovation solutions across Europe. The programme is aligned with the CBE JU’s Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, as well as the Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy recently presented by the European Commission, which highlights the importance of biotechnology, biomanufacturing and circular value chains for Europe’s industrial resilience and competitiveness. The themes of the 2026 call reflect these priorities, while building directly on the achievements of the CBE JU’s growing project portfolio.
The 2026 work programme includes 13 thematic areas, ranging from industry-leading biorefineries to research activities that strengthen feedstock diversification, circular design, biotechnology dissemination and market uptake.The 2026 call for proposals will open on 23rd April and close on 22 September 2026.
Leading innovation actions (TRL 8)
- 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 (TRL 6-7)
- 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 (TRL 5)
- 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
- Supporting industry in the switch to sustainable and circular bio-based products and processes – €1.2 million
Together, these investments will accelerate safe and sustainable biomanufacturing routes, bring bio-based ingredients and materials to market, reinforce value chain cooperation with primary producers and support regional economic development. The topics also contribute to the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal and the Competitiveness Compass objectives to reduce fossil dependency, improve resource efficiency and strengthen industrial competitiveness.