€170.7 million for bio-based innovation in Europe

The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has announced €170.7 million in funding through its 2026 Annual Work Programme, aimed at accelerating sustainable and competitive bio-based solutions across Europe. The programme supports the development of new circular value chains, strengthens industrial resilience, and advances the transition away from fossil-based resources

The 2026 Work Programme introduces 13 targeted topics, covering a broad range of actions from industrial flagship biorefineries to research and innovation projects. Priority areas include Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) bio-based solutions, diversification of nutritional food ingredient sources, valorisation of residual biomass, and improved efficiency of biorefineries. Together, these topics address key challenges related to resource efficiency, biotechnology scale-up, and market uptake

Calls for proposals are expected to open on 23 April 2026 and close on 22 September 2026, accompanied by dedicated information and networking events to support applicants. Alongside funding, CBE JU will roll out additional strategic activities, including stakeholder engagement initiatives and enhanced monitoring of project results, to maximise impact across the European bioeconomy.

For projects such as MARMADE, this announcement highlights the growing strategic importance of circular, bio-based innovation in Europe and the strong policy momentum supporting sustainable food, feed, and industrial solutions.

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Full details on the €170.7 million CBE JU 2026 Work Programme, priority topics, and upcoming calls are available on the official CBE JU website.