The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has officially opened its 2025 call for project proposals, offering €172 million in funding to accelerate the development of sustainable, bio-based solutions across Europe
This funding is part of the European Union’s effort to support the circular bio-based industry, which is important in creating sustainable economic growth and reducing environmental impact. The call is open to all stakeholders within the circular bio-based sector, including farmers, companies, research organisations, and local authorities. Proposals must be submitted by 18 September 2025, 17:00 Brussels time.
Advancing bio-based solutions
The CBE JU 2025 funding is designed to support three key objectives within the circular bio-based sector:
- Accelerating innovation: The call hopes to push forward the development of new, innovative bio-based solutions.
- Market deployment of mature bio-based technologies: It will support the scaling up and commercialising of existing, proven solutions.
- Environmental performance: The focus is also on ensuring that bio-based systems operate with high environmental standards, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.
These objectives are addressed through 13 specific topics that cover a wide range of bio-based solutions. The total funding available for these topics is €172 million, with several issues seeing an increase in their budget as part of an amended work programme.
Areas of focus and funding allocation
The topics for 2025 are split across three categories: Innovation Actions (IA), Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA).
Innovation Actions (IA), including flagship projects, are focused on scaling up technologies and moving them from prototype to market replication. Among the most significant IA topics are:
- Urban-industrial symbiosis for bio-waste valorisation: €20 million
- Bio-based drop-ins/smart drop-in platform chemicals: €20 million
- Circular-by-design fibre-based packaging: €20 million
- Retrofitting of bio-refineries for higher-value bio-based products: €20 million
Research and innovation actions (RIA) focus on exploring the feasibility of new technologies, products, and processes. Topics in this category include:
- Sustainable macroalgae systems for innovative applications: €14 million
- Bio-based solutions to replace hazardous chemicals in textiles production: €14 million
- Scaling-up nutritional proteins from alternative sources: €14 million
Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) will focus on fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, with a specific budget of €1 million for developing new curricula and exchanging practices relevant to bio-based systems.
How to apply and who can participate?
The CBE JU welcomes a wide range of participants from various stakeholders, including companies, research institutions, and local authorities, to help scale up bio-based solutions.
Applications can be submitted electronically through the EU’s Funding & Tender Opportunities portal. The proposal submission process is outlined in detail on the call’s topic pages, and applicants are advised to review the Horizon Europe online manual for further guidance.
What’s new in 2025?
This year’s call has seen an increase in the overall budget to €172 million, with a corresponding update to the topics available for funding. Several new requirements have been introduced, and the submission deadline has been extended to 18 September 2025. Applicants are also encouraged to use the CBE JU’s new networking platform, which allows stakeholders to connect, share project ideas, and find potential partners.
What happens after submission?
Once the proposal submission deadline has passed, CBE JU will organise an evaluation process, during which external experts will assess the submitted projects. The proposals selected for funding will be announced by mid-February 2026. Successful applicants will enter the Grant Agreement Preparation phase, with final agreements expected to be signed by mid-May 2026.
For those looking to learn more or get involved, additional resources, including the CBE JU Info Day presentation, are available on the CBE JU website.
