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Bio-based drop-ins/smart drop-in platform chemicals, via cost-effective, sustainable and resource-efficient conversion of biomass

This funding call aims to establish a full-scale biorefinery for producing bio-based drop-in platform chemicals through cost-effective, sustainable, and resource-efficient methods. The initiative focuses on the industrial-scale production of bio-based chemicals that can directly replace fossil-based counterparts, ensuring compatibility with existing downstream value chains. The project should address key factors such as energy and resource efficiency, process safety, and economic feasibility while promoting the cascading use of biomass.

The call aligns with the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the EU Industrial Strategy, and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, emphasizing environmental sustainability, circularity, and reduced fossil dependency. The successful project will foster strategic autonomy and competitiveness within the European chemical industry, reduce biomass import dependency, and create new job opportunities.

Applicants should demonstrate TRL 8 at the project’s conclusion and validate bio-based chemicals in market-relevant applications at TRL 6 or higher. Proposals should integrate the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework and comply with regulatory requirements.

Multi-actor collaboration is essential, requiring partnerships across the value chain, including industry, SMEs, academia, and research organizations. Additionally, projects must explore synergies with other funding instruments and Horizon Europe initiatives.

Opening: 04-04-2025
Deadline(s): 17-09-2025

Expected Outcome

• Establishment of a sustainable and large-scale production system for bio-based drop-in chemicals.
• Availability of bio-based products that meet technical and market performance standards.
• Strengthened competitiveness and strategic autonomy for the European chemical sector.
• Reduced reliance on fossil feedstocks and minimized biomass import dependency.
• Increased investments and skilled job creation in the bio-based sector.
• Enhanced environmental sustainability in bio-based production processes.
• Implementation of circular economy principles and reduced process waste.
• Demonstration of bio-based chemicals integrated into market-relevant applications.
• Compliance with EU regulations and sustainability criteria.
• Contribution to the EU Bioeconomy and Industrial Strategies.

Scope

• Establishment of a full-scale biorefinery for bio-based drop-in platform chemicals.
• Development of cost-effective, robust, and sustainable large-scale production processes.
• Integration of energy-efficient and resource-efficient methodologies, including cascading biomass use.
• Targeting bio-based chemicals that are non-toxic and sustainable.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory frameworks.
• Incorporating the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework.
• Demonstrating downstream application and market validation of the produced chemicals.
• Addressing strategic autonomy by reducing fossil feedstock dependency.
• Promoting synergies with existing Horizon Europe projects.
• Encouraging multi-actor collaboration across industry, SMEs, research, and academia.