BIOECONOMY GIANTS launches Open Call IΙ to scale up and pilot high-added value bio-based products
As partner of the BIOECONOMY GIATNS project, we are happy to announce that following the successful implementation of its first Open Call, the project has opened its second Open Call “Scaling up & Piloting”.
About Open Call II
Open Call II is looking for solutions that:
- Turn side streams into high-value bio-based products achieving commercial viability;
- Put primary producers at the heart of the value chain, creating fair, circular and collaborative business models;
- Build new partnerships between farmers, foresters, rural actors and bio-based industries;
- Optimise the use of secondary or underutilised biomass, improving circularity and resource efficiency;
- Create resilient bio-based value chains across agriculture, agri-food and forestry, with solutions that can respond to changing market and environmental conditions.
OC II helps promising cooperative and circular bioeconomy solutions within a TRL range 6-8 by providing them with the resources needed to expand their impact and achieve commercial viability.
Who can apply?
The Open Call is addressed to any legal entity, including but not limited to SMEs, large enterprises, universities, research and technology organisations, clusters and public bodies.
At least one primary producer (or related actor) falling into the following categories must be included in the consortium:
- Individual farms
- Large and small companies that produce and market their agri-food and forestry products
- Companies vertically integrated with full control over the contracted farms and forests
- Seed, nursery plant, and forestry seedling specialists
- Farmers’ cooperatives involved in primary products processing
- Forestry cooperatives
- Cooperatives of farmers owned by farmers and foresters (second-degree cooperatives)
- Producers’ organisations aiming to commercialise agricultural, agri-food, and forestry products
- Farmers’ and foresters’ organisations at regional level
The Open Call is addressed to consortia of 2 to 4 legal entities established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
Funding support
Through Open Call II, BIOECONOMY GIANTS will provide up to €70,000 per funded consortium (up to €60,000 per single participating legal entity), covering 100% of eligible costs as a lump sum. In total, 4 consortia will be funded for a 7-month implementation period, corresponding to a total budget of €280,000.
Selected projects will also receive:
- Personalised mentoring: one-on-one sessions with specialised experts for strategic advice
- Technical guidance: support from the BIOECONOMY GIANTS Technical Board (CIRCE, AINIA and EFI, and other expert organizations based on the consortia needs)
- Climate impact assessment: free-of-charge methodology, tools and expertise from Climate KIC
- Additional supporting services: technology information, patent updates and individualised technology mentoring
Applications are open until 31 December 2026 at 17:00 CET.
Full application details and supporting documents are available at BIOECONOMY GIANTS website
