Development of cell-free protein synthesis platforms for discovery and/or production of biologicals
EU funding for the development of cell-free protein synthesis platforms for the discovery and production of biologics. Submission deadline: 13.04.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for research and innovation activities aimed at the development and optimization of cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) platforms for the discovery and large-scale production of peptide and protein biologics, including GMP-compliant processes for clinical material.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Operating expenses (materials and consumables)
- Travel expenses
- Equipment costs
- Subcontracts/Subcontractors
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- General administrative costs (overheads exceeding the funding rate)
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Founders
Funding requirements
- Legal entity established in an EU Member State or associated country listed in Annex B
- Fulfillment of financial and operational capacity requirements according to Annex C of the Horizon Europe General Annexes
- No exclusion criteria according to the EU Financial Regulation and Horizon Europe General Annexes
Documents required for application
- Application form (Standard application form HE RIA)
- Financing plan
- Curricula vitae of project participants
- Technical project description
Evaluation criteria
- Excellence of scientific and technological innovation
- Impact and contribution to EU competitiveness
- Quality and efficiency of implementation and management
Description
The call supports research and development projects for the establishment and optimization of cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) platforms for the discovery and large-scale production of peptide and protein biologics. Under Horizon Europe, legal entities from EU member states and associated countries, including companies, educational institutions, start-ups, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are supported with a total budget of €6–8 million at 100%. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, consumables and equipment costs, travel expenses, and subcontracting. Ineligible costs include real estate acquisitions, retrospective costs, and excessive general administrative expenses. Proposals must be submitted by 13 April 2027 and withstand a rigorous evaluation process regarding scientific excellence, expected impact on EU competitiveness, and quality and efficiency of project implementation.
The focus is on the development of highly scalable, GMP-compliant processes for the production of clinical material with high purity and efficacy profiles, particularly for therapeutically relevant proteins with post-translational modifications. Innovative approaches from synthetic biology, such as generative AI methods for de novo design of biomolecules, are to be combined with CFPS technologies to maximize screening throughput and process flexibility. Projects addressing at least two of the following aspects will be funded: characterization of lysate quality attributes and their influence on process parameters, application of design techniques for novel proteins, and implementation of GMP standards. The expected results aim to make the European biopharma industry more resilient and competitive, provide decentralized production systems, and improve access to highly innovative medicines.
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