Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking announces €170.7M for bio-based innovations

The 2026 work programme allocates €170.7 million to support new bio‑based innovations across 13 topics covering various Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). These topics range from breakthrough sustainable textiles and films and coatings for circular packaging, to biotech solutions boosting biorefinery competitiveness. The 2026 call for proposals will open on 23 April and close on 22 September 2026.

The programme fits within the CBE JU’s Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda and is aligned with the European Commission's Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy. By focusing on biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and circular value chains, the 2026 call topics translate these priorities into concrete actions, while building directly on the achievements from CBE JU’s expanding project portfolio. The topics also support the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal and the Competitiveness Compass aiming to reduce fossil dependency, improve resource efficiency and strengthen industrial competitiveness. 

An online information day will be held on 12 March 2026, followed by dedicated networking event in Brussels on 21 April. Interested stakeholders can also join the CBE JU networking platform to pitch their project idea and look for potential partners.

The 13 call topics

Flagship Innovation Actions (TRL 8)

• Boosting biorefinery competitiveness through biotech – €20M

• Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) bio-based alternatives for fertilising and/or crop protection products – €20M

• SSbD bio-based solutions for home and/or personal care – €20M

• Diversification of nutritional food ingredient sources for increased EU resilience and strategic autonomy – €20M

Innovation Actions (TRL 6-7)

• Biotech routes for valorisation of residual biomass – €14M

• Bio-based additives as alternatives to unlock and increase recyclability and/or biodegradability – €14M

• Bio-based chemicals and/or materials from woody residues – €14M

• High-performance, circular-by-design, bio-based thermosets – €14M

• Films and coatings for circular packaging – €14M

Research and Innovation Actions (TRL 5)

• Addressing separation and purification challenges in biorefineries – €6.5M

• SSbD bio-based polymers from alternative sources – €6.5M

• Breakthrough and sustainable bio-based textile fibres – €6.5M

Coordination and Support Actions

• Supporting industry in the switch to sustainable and circular bio-based products and processes – €1.2M

A complete overview of the topic descriptions and requirements is available in the CBE JU 2026 work programme. All call topics and full call documentation will also be published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. 

In addition to project funding, the CBE JU will carry out strategic activities in 2026, including CBE JU Stakeholder Forum 2026, the launch of a new public dashboard on project results, strengthened monitoring of private contributions and continued efforts to widen participation and mobilise investment.

Are you already exploring participation in this upcoming call and looking for partners? Contact Catalisti's Martijn Roosen at mroosencatalisti.be (mroosen[at]catalisti[dot]be)