Funding for junior research groups in the natural and engineering sciences as well as information technology "BioCreative – Creative young researchers for the bioeconomy"
Funding of research-intensive junior research groups in natural, engineering, and information technologies for the sustainable bioeconomy. Submissions possible until 15.04.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for early-career research groups from the natural, information, and engineering sciences in research, development, and innovation projects that advance the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Investment costs
- Consumables
- Travel expenses
- Contract awards
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Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Place of business, branch, or other facility in Germany at the time of disbursement
- Project in application-oriented basic research with relevance to industrial implementation
- Doctoral examination of the group leader not more than 4 years ago
- Host institution provides the necessary working facilities
- Junior group leader is supported by at least one mentor
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Documents required for application
- Project outline
- Funding application (full proposal)
- Curriculum vitae of the group leader
- Proof of doctoral examination
- Budget plan
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Contribution to a sustainable bioeconomy
- Qualification and concept of the junior research group
Description
The funding initiative supports research-intensive junior research groups from the natural sciences, engineering, and information technologies in developing visionary concepts and methods for a sustainable bioeconomy. Companies and educational institutions based nationwide can receive grants for projects in application-oriented basic research. Funding covers personnel, investment, and consumable materials as well as travel expenses, contract awards, science communication, and networking activities. The funding amount ranges from 50% to 100% of eligible expenses, depending on the status of the recipient. A funding period of up to 60 months provides sufficient planning security to advance ambitious research projects. The head of the junior research group must have obtained their doctorate no longer than four years ago and receives professional support from at least one mentor.
A prerequisite for application is a German business location or branch at the time of disbursement. The research-leading institution provides the group with the necessary working facilities and ensures the industrial applicability of the results exclusively in Germany, the EEA, or Switzerland. Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, contribution to a sustainable bioeconomy, as well as the qualification and concept of the group. Project outlines must be submitted by April 15, 2024, 2025, or 2026 via the electronic application system easy-Online; successful outlines will be invited to submit a full application. Required documents include a project outline, the complete funding application, the CV of the group leader, proof of doctoral examination, and a detailed budget plan. Implementation is carried out in cooperation with the project management agency Jülich, which, as a certified service provider, supports the application process and ensures award procedures according to ISO standards.
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