Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) SBIR Program

Biotech routes for valorisation of residual biomass is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the implementation of the EU initiative on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing and the EU Life Sciences Strategy as well as the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the Clean Industrial Deal, the European Chemical Industry Action Plan, the upcoming EU Biotechnology and Circular Economy Acts. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Increased added value of residual biomass for biorefinery applications. Availability of a wider portfolio of sustainable bio-based products via industrial biotech. Robust, scalable and efficient biotech process(es) applicable to residual biomass. Scope: Diversifying biomass feedstock resources for bio-based products is key to contribute to resilience and strategic autonomy of bio-based operations. Industrial biotechnologies have showcased that they can play a key role to address residual biomass into valuable bio-based products. However, scaling up from research to demo scale requires addressing systemic and technical challenges. This entails the integration of adequate pretreatment and conversion processes, tailored to the targeted residual biomass and its composition variability, in order to achieve high yield, titre and selectivity. At the same time, it requires that these processes are scalable and sustainable. Moreover, effective logistics are needed to mobilise the residual biomass, requiring cooperation with primary producers, waste management operators and other biomass providers. Proposals under this topic should: Demonstrate (at least TRL 6) efficient biotechnology based processes to convert residual biomass streams into bio-based chemicals, intermediates, polymers, materials, ingredients [1] and/or enzymes. The topic focuses on processes in which biotechnology is the key enabling technology; the integration of supporting unit operations based on technologies other than biotechnology is in scope. Optimisation of selected cells, enzymes and/or microorganisms, including microbiomes, is also in scope. The feedstock in scope includes: Forestry and agricultural residues and/or side streams from the processing of forestry and agricultural biomass (including livestock-based ones such as manure and animal byproducts), residues from aquatic biomass, including from fisheries, micro/macro algae production and aquaculture, urban and/or industrial bio-based waste and side-streams (including food industry waste and side-streams, cellulose from post-consumer and post-industrial waste, urban biowaste and sewage sludge, and other bio-based waste/side-streams from industrial operations including wood and pulp and paper industry), mixed streams from the above. Integrate optimised biomass pretreatment/fractionation processes tailored to selected residual biomass and optimise (energy)-efficient separation and/or purification process step(s) across the value chain. The valorisation of by-products and side streams across the value chain via the cascading approach is in scope. Validate (at TRL 5 and above) conversion (or use) of biorefinery product(s) into end-products proving to fulfil market requirements for selected applications sectors. Address resource efficiency and circularity. When pursuing circular models, ensure that neither pathogens nor contaminants are injected back in the loop, to avoid negative effects on human health and the environment. In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026 [2] , proposals under this topic should: Under the multi-actor approach (MAA), ensure the sufficient involvement of feedstock producers/managers for residual feedstock supply. Optimise logistic models (including sourcing, storage and transport) of residual feedstock, minimising distances and costs. Ensure seamless integration with biomass providers, while promoting win-win business models. Perform a risk assessment on impacts, p Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Applied and industrial chemistry, Bioprocessing technologies (industrial processes relying on biological agents to drive the process) biocatalysis, fermentation, Industrial bioengineering, Industrial biotechnology, bio-based chemicals, bio-based ingredients, bio-based materials, bio-based polymers, bio-based products, bio-conversions, biotechnology, STEP-Biotech

Bio-based additives as alternatives to unlock and increase recyclability and/or biodegradability is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the implementation of the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the Chemical Industry Action Plan. They will provide solutions in line with the objectives of the EU legislation on waste but also the Horizon Europe Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030" in particular to Objective 2: "Prevent and eliminate pollution of our oceans, Seas and waters” as well as the Horizon Europe Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, in particular objectives “Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration”. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Wider availability of bio-based additives targeting high functional properties, stability and compatibility with polymers/matrices. Contribution to improved circularity of end products in relevant market sectors. Potential replicability into other industrial sectors to widen market opportunity. Reduction or avoidance of environmental impacts related to life cycle of additives and additive-containing materials and/or products. Scope: While additives are often necessary to confer specific properties to materials and/or products, their presence can hinder their circular EoL (including – depending on the application – recycling and/or biodegradation). Risks upon recycling and biodegradation encompass the release into the environment of harmful substances, e.g., release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic metals, microplastics. Proposals under this topic should: Demonstrate (at least at TRL 6) innovative processes for the synthesis of bio-based SSbD additives that: Enable a circular EoL for materials and/or products that are currently not recyclable and/or not biodegradable, or Improve circularity of materials and/or products, e.g., by requiring resources/energy efficient and safe conditions for recycling or facilitating biodegradation. In the context of this topic, circular EoL includes recycling and/or biodegradation. Justify the choice of the proposed solution(s) in addressing existing bottlenecks in the circular EoL of targeted materials and/or products including where embedded additives play a fundamental role in hindering circularity. Provide alternative solutions that prevent the release of harmful chemicals during the product life cycle (including from products produced from recyclates) of materials and/or products, while enabling the relevant EoL options. Application of the demonstrated bio-based additives could be relevant for bio-based, partly bio-based or non-bio-based end products. Demonstrate (at least at TRL 6) the compatibility and processability of SSbD bio-based additives within the formulation/manufacturing of materials and/or products. Validate the technical performances of materials/products incorporating the novel bio-based additive(s) and proving to fulfil market requirements for selected application sector(s). Target at least two distinct market sectors in cooperation with end-users. If targeting biodegradability of end-products, assess that the additives, as well as the end-product, biodegrade safely in different environments (soil and water) according to existing EU/International standards, methods and protocols. If targeting recyclability as the EoL, test and validate it, including assessing the effect of the additives on the waste management system (encompassing sorting, separation and recycling). Any recycling route is in scope: mechanical, chemical, organic, enzymatic (including their possible combination). In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026 [1] , proposals under this topic should: As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA) approach, involve waste management, product manufacturers, brand owners and consumers Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Applied and industrial chemistry, Bioprocessing technologies (industrial processes relying on biological agents to drive the process) biocatalysis, fermentation, Industrial biotechnology, Polymers and plastics, bio-based additives, bio-based materials, bio-based products, bio-degradation, biotechnology, circularity, recycling, safe and sustainable by design, STEP-Biotech