EU-wide network of pilot plants and testing facilities, improving SMEs and start-ups' access to scale-up

This program primarily targets innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and academic actors within the bio-based sector. The goal is to enhance their access to critical scale-up and testing infrastructure across Europe, fostering growth and commercialization. The program also aims to build capacity for researchers and integrate existing facilities into a cohesive, open, and sustainable EU-wide network, with a particular focus on addressing geographical disparities in access.

The program supports the development of an EU-wide network for bio-based processes, encompassing mapping existing infrastructures, fostering a collaborative community, and providing essential support services. It focuses on facilitating the scale-up and commercialization of bio-based innovations from research to market, with a strong emphasis on practical application and establishing long-term sustainability.

This Coordination and Support Action provides a grant to establish and manage a European network of bio-based pilot and testing facilities. The financial support extends to individual third parties through a cascading grants mechanism, designed to directly support scale-up efforts for SMEs and start-ups.

Applicants and beneficiaries must adhere to comprehensive conditions outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and specific CBE JU documents. These include strict rules for application submission, consortium composition, financial and operational capacity, ethical conduct, and security. Proposals must also ensure a viable business model for long-term sustainability of the network.

The application process involves electronic submission through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, followed by a single-stage evaluation by independent experts. The detailed criteria and timelines for evaluation and grant agreement preparation are provided in the General Annexes of the Horizon Europe Work Programme.

This program is established under the comprehensive framework of Horizon Europe, guided by specific regulations and operational documents that ensure its legal legitimacy, financial management, and adherence to EU policies for research and innovation.