BIONetZero Open Call 2026: Up to €60,000 for SMEs and Startups Developing Bio-Based Solutions
The BIONetZero Open Call 2026 is now accepting applications from innovative SMEs and startups developing bio-based solutions that support the transition to a greener, more resilient, and climate-neutral economy.
Co-funded by the European Union under the SMP-COSME-2024-CLUSTER programme, BIONetZero aims to accelerate the development, validation, scaling, and commercialization of biosolutions for the agrifood and energy-intensive industries. The initiative seeks to strengthen European industrial competitiveness, reduce dependency on critical raw materials, and support net-zero production goals.
Through a structured accelerator programme, selected companies will receive financial support, expert mentorship, networking opportunities, investor exposure, and access to a pan-European innovation ecosystem.
The programme is designed for companies that already have a validated concept and are looking to advance technologies from prototype stage toward commercial deployment and international market expansion.
Funding Available
BIONetZero offers funding through a four-stage support pathway:
Stage 1: Ideation Stage (Travel Grant)
Support for networking, knowledge exchange, and participation in the mandatory BIONetZero kick-off programme.
- Funding: Up to €3,500 per SME
- Includes participation in networking and ecosystem-building activities
Stage 2: Tech Grant
Support for testing, validation, and prototype development activities.
- Funding: Up to €15,000 per SME
Stage 3: Implementation Grant
Support for scale-up activities, technical adaptation, product refinement, and market readiness.
- Funding: Up to €40,000 per SME
Stage 4: Internationalisation Booster
Additional support for selected companies entering international markets outside Europe.
- Funding: Up to €5,000 per SME
Maximum Funding
- Total support per company: Up to €60,000
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to:
- Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
- Innovative startups
- Technology developers
- Bioeconomy innovators
- Agrifood technology companies
- Clean technology businesses
Applicants must be legally established in an eligible country and developing innovative biosolutions with clear commercial potential.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be legally established in a country participating in the Single Market Programme (SMP), including:
European Union Member States
All EU member countries including:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
European Economic Area (EEA) Countries
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
Associated Countries
Including:
- Ukraine
- Turkey
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Kosovo
- Other countries associated with the Single Market Programme
Applicants should verify their country's participation status before applying.
Technology Scope
Projects must focus on innovative biosolutions relevant to:
Agrifood Industries
Examples include:
- Sustainable food production
- Bio-based ingredients
- Circular food systems
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Waste valorisation
- Alternative proteins
- Sustainable packaging
- Precision agriculture
Energy-Intensive Industries
Examples include:
- Bio-based materials
- Industrial biotechnology
- Green manufacturing solutions
- Resource efficiency technologies
- Circular economy innovations
- Renewable biological feedstocks
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
Eligible biosolutions must be at:
- TRL 4: Technology validated in laboratory environment
- TRL 5: Technology validated in relevant environment
- TRL 6: Technology demonstrated in relevant environment
- TRL 7: System prototype demonstrated in operational environment
- TRL 8: System complete and qualified
Early-stage concepts and fully commercialised solutions are not eligible.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Qualify as an SME under the EU SME definition
- Be legally established in an eligible SMP country
- Develop a bio-based product, process, or service
- Operate within the agrifood or energy-intensive industry sectors
- Be able to provide mandatory 25% co-financing
- Participate in the mandatory kick-off programme in Denmark
- Meet all legal, financial, and compliance requirements
Programme Benefits
Beyond financial support, participants receive:
- Dedicated Key Account Manager (KAM) support
- One-on-one mentoring
- Access to industry experts
- Business development support
- Investor engagement opportunities
- Matchmaking with technology providers
- International networking opportunities
- Commercialisation guidance
- Market access support
Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Pitch Deck
Applicants must prepare a pitch deck covering:
- Problem statement
- Proposed solution
- Market opportunity
- Business model
- Commercial potential
- Team capabilities
Step 2: Complete Online Application
Applications require:
- Company information
- Team information
- Technology details
- Funding requirements
- Upload of mandatory pitch deck
Step 3: Evaluation
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Innovation potential
- Market relevance
- Technical maturity
- Team capability
- Scalability
- Contribution to net-zero objectives
Step 4: Kick-off Participation
Selected companies must attend the mandatory programme kick-off in Denmark.
Participation is a prerequisite for progression to later funding stages.
Mandatory Co-financing Requirement
All grant stages require:
- Minimum 25% co-financing from participating companies
Applicants should ensure sufficient financial capacity before applying.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 June 2026 (17:00 CET)
- Results Notification: July 2026
- Mandatory Kick-off Programme: 7–10 September 2026
- Programme Duration: September 2026 – Summer 2028
- Second Cohort Expected: Early 2027
Click HERE to visit the official website