Nutrients produced by microorganisms utilising primarily CO2 from the air, with the support of biotechnology

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance research and innovation in nutrient production using genetically engineered microorganisms that capture CO2 from the air, with the support of modern biotechnology. It aims to strengthen the EU’s leadership and independence in innovative nutrient production, promote safer food systems, and encourage the creation of new start-ups in biotechnology-driven food production. The focus is on developing efficient bioreactors, sustainable business models, and scaling up promising biotechnologies. Projects should foster collaboration among European regions and promote international cooperation, particularly with Africa and the United States.

• Projects must follow the specified format and page limits in the application guidelines.
• They must use a multi-actor approach, involving stakeholders such as researchers, SMEs, start-ups, and policy makers.
• Participants must be from eligible countries as defined by the program.
• Applicants must demonstrate strong financial and operational capacity.
• Proposals should include collaboration tasks with other funded projects and connect with Regional Innovation Valleys for bioeconomy and food systems.
• Synergies with European research infrastructures and international partners are encouraged.

Examples:

• A project developing a new bioreactor for CO2-based nutrient production, involving SMEs, academic researchers, and local authorities.
• An initiative to scale up precision fermentation technology in Central Europe, with a partnership between a start-up, a food company, and a research institute.
• A cross-border collaboration between European and African organizations to adapt CO2-based nutrient production for local food systems.

• Personnel costs for researchers, technicians, and project managers
• Equipment and materials directly related to the project
• Costs for testing and scaling up bioreactors or fermentation systems
• Travel and accommodation for project meetings and collaboration activities
• Subcontracting specific research or technical tasks
• Costs for stakeholder engagement and dissemination of results
• Project management and administrative expenses
• Costs for establishing links with Regional Innovation Valleys and other projects
• Expenses related to international cooperation activities
• Other direct costs necessary for project implementation

Restrictions: Details on eligible expenses may be subject to further conditions in the official program guide and annexes.

• Budget for this Call: 12.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 6.000.000€

• Projects must apply a multi-actor approach, engaging a range of stakeholders such as researchers, SMEs, start-ups, policy makers, and civil society.
• Applicants must be based in eligible countries as defined by the program.
• Applicants must demonstrate both financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• Proposals must follow specific requirements set out in the topic description.
• Collaboration with other funded projects and Regional Innovation Valleys is required.
• Active involvement of private companies, especially SMEs and start-ups, is necessary.
• International cooperation is encouraged, particularly with African and U.S. partners.