CBE-JU: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) is a €2 billion public-private partnership between the European Commission and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) for the period of 2021-2031. CBE JU is building on the previous success of BBI JU (2014-2020), where SMEs played a key role (40% participation). Today, the European bio-based industry sector is worth €700 billion. In this article you will read everything you need to know before applying to the CBE JU research grant.

CBE JU has published its Annual Work Programme for 2026, including information about the next call for project proposals. €170.7 million will be dedicated to advancing competitive circular bio-based industries in Europe across 13 topics.

“Advancing the circular bio-based innovations across Europe for a sustainable future”

What is the aim of CBE JU?

The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) is an innovation programme of the European Union that aims to strengthen circular bio-based industries by accelerating the innovation process and market deployment of bio-based innovative solutions. The partnership aims to fund projects across Europe that support research and innovation while helping mature and novel solutions reach industrial and commercial scale.

As part of the EU’s research funding program Horizon Europe, CBE JU addresses current challenges faced by the bioeconomy, including technological, regulatory, market, and investment barriers. By reducing risks for circular bio-based production plants, strengthening collaboration across value chains, and engaging a wide range of stakeholders, the programme seeks to improve environmental performance, support sustainable growth, and contribute to Europe’s climate neutrality objectives.

Who can apply?

CBE JU funding is open to a broad range of stakeholders across the bio-based industries ecosystem. Eligible applicants include any public or private legal entity, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, such as large companies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research and technology organisations, universities, associations, as well as actors like farmers, consumer brands, and local or regional authorities.

Projects must be submitted by a consortium that includes at least one independent legal entity established in an EU Member State, and at least two other independent legal entities established in different Member States or in Associated Countries. This requirement ensures cross-border collaboration along the bio-based value chain.

CBE JU, Funding opportunities 2026

The CBE-JU 2026 work programme has been released. Call titles and the requested EU contribution are listed below.

• Call opening: 23 April 2026

• Deadline (full proposal): 22 September 2026

• Indicative budget: EUR 170.7 million

Innovation Actions, flagship (IA-flagship), TRL 8

• Boosting biorefinery competitiveness through biotech, €20M

• Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) bio-based alternatives for fertilizing 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 (IA), 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 (RIA), 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 (CSA)

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

CBE-JU General Overview

Programme period: 2021-2031

Total programme budget: €2 billion

Total budget for the first call: €120M

Next deadline: 22 September 2026

TRL: 3-8 (depending on type of action)

Subsidy: €3M – 14M

Funding rate: 60-100% (indirect costs: 25% flat rate)

Consortium composition:

• At least one independent legal entity established in a Member State, and
• At least two other independent legal entities each established either in a different Member State or an Associated Country.

Proposal length: RIA max. 45 pages

IAs: max. 70 pages

Learn more about the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and read the 2026 CBE JU Work Programme

About Catalyze

Catalyze is an innovation consultancy offering services to develop effective strategy, procure (non-) dilutive funding, ensure successful project delivery, and more, for clients working in the fields of life sciences & health, and green & sustainable innovations. Driven by a belief that the most meaningful innovations deserve the best chance to succeed, Catalyze has established itself as a key player in the innovation ecosystem, headquartered in Amsterdam and operating worldwide. To date, Catalyze has raised more than €1 billion in funding for its clients, built a network ecosystem of more than 2500 partners, and manages a €300M+ project portfolio.