Biotechnology application for CCU

The funding announced under Horizon Europe is aimed at companies, start-ups, and research institutions in the EU and Associated Countries that develop biotechnological processes for the purification and utilization of gaseous carbon sources and intend to bring them to market maturity. With a funding amount of up to €6 million per project and a funding rate of 70%, personnel expenses, material costs, subcontractor services, travel, as well as equipment and material costs are covered. A prerequisite is registration and validation via the EU Participant Register (PIC) as well as the formation of a consortium with at least three independent partners from different member states. Applications must be submitted by 22 September 2027, 5 p.m. Brussels time. The selection will be based on the degree of innovation of the biotechnological approach, economic and social sustainability, and relevance for the target market and circular economy.

The objective is the scaling of processes that efficiently purify, convert, and make gaseous CO₂ available as a raw material for industrial processes. Following an open market and stakeholder consultation, design, prototyping, and validation will be implemented in several phases. Solution concepts will be developed and tested in parallel by multiple providers and evaluated based on best-value-for-money criteria. Subsequently, demonstrators must be operated in real plant environments, and potentials for follow-up projects, standardization, spin-off formations, and market entry must be comprehensively analyzed. By funding innovative bio-based carbon capture and utilization systems, the program contributes to the circular bioeconomy, energy security, and climate neutrality and supports companies on the path to sustainable processes and technologies.