Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking  

The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) is a €2 billion European public private partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC). For the 2021-2031 period, it aims to develop and promote a strong and open European bio-based industrial sector that will significantly reduce society’s dependence on fossil-based products, help the EU meet its climate goals, and lead to a strong, resource-efficient and competitive bio-based industries. 

FI Group helps you with a clear project plan to make your ideas succeed and supports you with a strategy to secure the necessary funding.    

What is the purpose of the grant?  

The Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) is the successor of the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU). Operational from 2014 to 2020, BBI JU aimed to accelerate the deployment of bio-based products in Europe, while CBE JU continues this mission with a stronger focus on sustainability and circularity. 

The purpose of CBE-JU is to fund projects in research, demonstration and industrial deployment and stimulate collaboration among various actors across Europe and along the value chains: from biomass producers and waste managers to researchers and down-stream processing industries. 

Who can submit an application?  

All stakeholders of the bio-based industries ecosystem – farmers, consumer brands, companies, research organisations and local authorities, to name just a few – are invited to apply for CBE JU funding. CBE JU calls for project proposals are open to any legal entity, be it private or public, for-profit or not-for-profit organisation, including: 

• Large companies 
• Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) 
• Research and technology organisations (RTOs) 
• Universities 
• Associations 

How much funding is there?  

For the 2024 work program, a total of €213 M is available. 

Which costs are eligible?    

• Personnel costs: Salaries, benefits, and social security contributions for personnel directly involved in the project. 
• Subcontracting costs: Costs paid to subcontractors for specific services or tasks related to the project. 
• Purchase costs: Costs of materials, equipment, software, and other physical goods needed for the project. 
• Travel and subsistence costs: Travel and accommodation expenses for project-related activities (following specific CBE JU guidelines). 
• Other direct costs: Any other direct costs essential for project implementation, excluding ineligible costs mentioned in the Grant Agreement. 

Additional points: 

• In-kind contributions (IKOP): While not directly funded, a minimum percentage of the total project cost needs to be from in-kind contributions from beneficiaries. The specific percentage varies depending on the project type (IA-demo or IA-flagship). 

How do I apply for funding and what are the deadlines?  

Contact one of our expert consultants who can further support you in analysing, preparing and submitting your application.   

• DEADLINE: You can submit a for CBE-JU from 24 April 2024 to 18 September 2024.  

CBE-JU can be a significant opportunity to advance your bio-based innovation. However navigating the ideal consortium building, ensuring alignment with CBE-JU’s strategic research and innovation agenda (SRIA) as well as EU’s bioeconomy strategy can be daunting.  

FI Group has 20 years of experience in supporting clients secure grants and wants to support you in understanding and exploiting the available R&D+I opportunities. Our experts are at your disposal to analyze your project. Together we will take the next steps in your innovative (project) growth.