This funding call supports transnational, application-oriented research and development projects in industrial biotechnology under the Eureka “Biotech-Call for Network Projects”. On the German side, funding is provided under the framework programme “Future Technologies for the Industrial Bioeconomy” and focuses specifically on industrial biotechnology. The call is designed to accelerate the transfer of innovative biotechnological processes and products into industrial application through cooperation with European and international partner countries. It is closely aligned with the German Federal Government’s Hightech Agenda, which aims to strengthen competitiveness, value creation, and technological sovereignty, with biotechnology identified as one of the priority key technologies.

The call addresses the need for a modern, sustainable, and globally connected bioindustry. Given global market dynamics and geopolitical challenges, the call highlights the importance of cross-border collaboration between science and industry in order to reinforce resilience and technological sovereignty in value networks. Projects are expected to contribute to faster innovation uptake and to strengthen Germany as an innovation location. Funding is available for pre-competitive, application-oriented R&D projects in industrial biotechnology that are carried out in international Eureka cooperation and that include a significant contribution from SMEs.

The supported projects must address one or more of the thematic areas defined in the framework call “Future Technologies for the Industrial Bioeconomy”. These include sustainable bioprocesses for industry, novel bioeconomy-based products, and disruptive approaches in industrial bioeconomy. Examples of relevant project topics include the development of sustainable biotechnological production processes using renewable carbon sources such as biogenic residues, CO2, or secondary raw materials; the biotechnological production of platform and fine chemicals as substitutes for fossil-based products; process development for ingredients, additives, and innovative biofunctionalised products; and the development of new foods through precision fermentation or cell cultivation of animal cells.

A strong market and industry orientation is required. The products and/or processes developed should show high industrial relevance and exploitation potential. Projects must also clearly indicate the expected increase in technological maturity, specifying the TRL progression from the start of the project to its end. The call is primarily targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises. Collaborative projects involving SMEs together with scientific and/or industrial partners are possible, but consortia without SME participation on the German side are not eligible. A significant SME contribution is mandatory.

To be eligible, proposals must involve at least two partners from two different participating Eureka partner countries. In addition, the Eureka 70/30 rule applies, meaning that participants from one single country may not account for more than 70% of the total project costs. For German participants, the grant per partner should generally not exceed 500.000 € including any project lump sum for eligible university partners. The application procedure is two-stage: first, an English-language Eureka project proposal must be submitted electronically via the Eureka portal by 25 September 2026; second, selected German partners will be invited to submit a formal national funding application.

Opening: 31.03.2026

Next Deadline: 25.09.2026

This funding opportunity represents an early draft that has not yet been officially approved by the European Commission. It is expected that details of the calls will change until finalization. The final, approved version is expected to be published by End of 2025. This draft is provided for informational purposes and may be used to preliminarily form consortia and develop project ideas, but it is offered without any guarantee.