Promotion of the Use and Construction of Demonstration Plants for the Industrial Bioeconomy

The funding program “Support for the Use and Construction of Demonstration Plants for the Industrial Bioeconomy” nationwide supports start-ups, companies of all sizes, as well as public and research institutions in transferring bio-based processes and products from the laboratory scale to industrial practice. The goal is the scaling and testing of innovative processes on demonstration plants to replace fossil raw materials, promote circular economy, and measurably reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By establishing model regions, a sustainable infrastructure is created that connects companies and science and strengthens regional innovation clusters. Eligible for funding are, in addition to start-ups and SMEs, also large companies, universities, research institutes, as well as management and innovation agencies, provided all requirements such as having a business location in Germany, proof of the required technology readiness level (TRL), and cooperation agreements are met.

The funding is provided as a non-repayable grant with a project duration of up to 36 months and a funding rate between 45% and 100% of eligible expenses, including personnel, material and construction costs, technical infrastructure, consulting services, and feasibility studies. Up to €2.2 million can be applied for per project. Submission is two-stage: first a project outline by fixed deadlines (modules A, B, and D each by April 15 and October 15; module C for the first time by October 15, 2025), followed by a formal full application via easy-Online. Approval criteria include technology readiness, degree of innovation, sustainability aspects, and scalability. This program offers an effective financing opportunity to advance the transfer of bio-based processes into industrial implementation and to establish long-term cross-sector value creation networks.