BIONetZero Acceleration Programme – Call 1, Stage 1 (Ideation & Travel Grant). Access to stages 2-4 only via stage 1.

BIONetZero Call 1 Stage 1 offers an ideation and travel grant to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) developing biosolutions for net-zero technologies in agrifood and energy-intensive sectors. The call budget for Stage 1 is €60,000, with a maximum cumulative support of €60,000 per SME across all programme stages and a required co-financing rate of 25%. Opening date 09 April 2026 and single-stage application deadline 09 June 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time, applications submitted via the BIONetZero online platform in English with required annexes including a pitch deck. Participation in Stage 1 is mandatory to be eligible for Stages 2–4, selected SMEs must attend a mandatory kick-off and networking event in Denmark and progression to later stages is subject to separate competitive evaluation.

What it funds

Scope of Stage 1

Stage 1 supports SME participation in an ideation and travel package:refining biosolution concepts, strengthening technical and commercial roadmaps, and building European and international networks. Stage 1 excludes technology development and is a mandatory prerequisite to apply for later funding stages (Stage 2 Tech Grant, Stage 3 Implementation Grant, Stage 4 Internationalisation Booster). Progression to later stages is competitive and not guaranteed.

Funding and co-financing:Total funding allocated to this call is €60,000. SMEs may receive a maximum total of €60,000 in financial support across all BIONetZero stages. A co-financing rate of 25% applies to grants. Stage 1 focuses on ideation and travel; exact per-SME awards are determined during selection.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Applications must be submitted in English via the BIONetZero application platform and include required annexes (eg pitch deck). Only complete submissions before the deadline will be considered.

1. 1Mandatory participation in a kick-off and networking event in Denmark
2. 2Engage in structured networking, peer-learning and knowledge-exchange activities
3. 3Work with a designated BIONetZero Key Account Manager to define a development pathway

Evaluation is by the BIONetZero Evaluation Committee with external experts against criteria such as relevance, innovation, technological maturity, market potential, team capacity and alignment with project objectives. Apply through the BIONetZero application platform; read the SME Grant Package (Funding Handbook for Applicants) before applying ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1Further details, FAQs and the SME Grant Package are available on the BIONetZero website: foodbiocluster.dk

Opportunity Snapshot

Title:BIONetZero Acceleration Programme – Call 1, Stage 1 (Ideation & Travel Grant). Grant agreement: 101236412. Project acronym: BIONetZero. Full project name: Biosolutions for net-zero technologies for the agrifood and energy intensive industry ecosystems. Funding instrument: Financial Support to Third Parties (cascade funding) under the Single Market Programme (SMP) COSME cluster action SMP-COSME. Opening date: 09 April 2026. Deadline: 09 June 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Expected duration of participation for selected SMEs: 09 June 2026 to 31 July 2028. Total funding available for this call: €60,000. Maximum cumulative financial support per SME across all stages of BIONetZero: €60,000. Co-financing rate: 25% applies to all grants.

Purpose and Scope

Stage 1 is an ideation and travel grant designed to support Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in refining and positioning biosolution concepts, strengthening technical and commercial roadmaps, and building European and international networks. Stage 1 focuses on ideation, networking and preparation only and specifically excludes technology development activities. Participation in Stage 1 is mandatory to be eligible to apply for Stages 2–4, but acceptance into Stage 1 does not guarantee access to further funding.

Programme Structure and Progression

BIONetZero follows a four-stage cascade funding model. Progression to each subsequent stage is competitive and subject to separate evaluation and selection. The stages are: Stage 1: Ideation & Travel Grant (this call), Stage 2: Tech Grant targeting TRL 4–6, Stage 3: Implementation Grant targeting TRL 7–8, Stage 4: Internationalisation Booster. SMEs may receive up to €60,000 in total financial support across all stages.

Eligibility and Applicant Requirements

Eligible applicant types:Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Applicants must submit as an SME legal entity that meets the SME definition applicable under the Single Market Programme rules. Participation is open to SMEs that can demonstrate a biosolution targeting net-zero technologies applicable to agrifood and energy-intensive industry ecosystems and that can engage in networking, roadmap development and internationalisation activities.

Eligible Applicant Types:Primary: SME. Secondary: consortia are not required for this stage; single SME applicants are expected. Academic or research organisations, large enterprises or NGOs are not listed as eligible lead applicants for the Stage 1 SME Grant under this call.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):The call is implemented under EU Single Market Programme funding. Applicants should be established in eligible countries under SMP FSTP rules, typically EU Member States and possibly associated countries. The call text and programme materials reference European and international networks, but the primary geographic eligibility is the EU/Single Market Programme area. Applicants should consult the BIONetZero SME Grant Package for the definitive list of eligible countries ¹.

Target Sectors and Themes:Target sectors: biosolutions for net-zero technologies relevant to agrifood and energy-intensive industry ecosystems. Thematic focus includes climate mitigation, bio-based technologies, circular bioeconomy, sustainable agrifood processes, and industrial decarbonisation through biotechnology and bio-based solutions.

Funding and Financial Conditions

Total call budget:€60,000. Note: This total refers to the Stage 1 budget for the call under the BIONetZero project. SMEs may receive a maximum total of €60,000 across all BIONetZero stages combined. A co-financing rate of 25% applies to all grants awarded under the programme, meaning beneficiaries must contribute 25% of the eligible project costs from their own or other sources. All awards are delivered under Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) rules.

Funding Type:Primary funding mechanism: grant delivered as Financial Support to Third Parties (cascade funding).

Application and Evaluation Process

Application method:Applicants must apply electronically via the BIONetZero application platform. Required steps: create a user profile on the platform, complete the online application form in English, and upload required annexes including a pitch deck. Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be evaluated. The submission model for this call is single-stage (one submission by the deadline). Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the BIONetZero SME Grant Package (Funding Handbook for Applicants) which contains detailed eligibility, activity and reporting rules.

Evaluation criteria:Applications will be evaluated by the BIONetZero Evaluation Committee with external experts. Key evaluation criteria include relevance of the problem addressed, quality and innovation level of the biosolution, technological maturity and feasibility, market potential and scalability, capacity and commitment of the SME team, and alignment with BIONetZero objectives.

Application Stages and Selection Steps:This call uses a single-stage submission. Selection in Stage 1 is required to be eligible for Stages 2–4, which themselves will have separate evaluation and selection. Overall applicants seeking funding through the full cascade should expect at least two major selection events: Stage 1 selection and subsequent stage evaluations. Therefore, the minimum number of stages applicants must pass to reach final large-scale funding is 2 (Stage 1 then competitive Stage 2 or beyond), but full programme progression may require 3 or 4 competitive selections depending on desired stage.

Mandatory Activities and Commitments for Selected SMEs

Selected SMEs will be required to:participate in a mandatory BIONetZero kick-off and networking event organised in Denmark; engage in structured networking, peer-learning and knowledge-exchange activities during Stage 1; work with a designated BIONetZero Key Account Manager (KAM) to develop a clear pathway for their biosolution. Stage 1 explicitly excludes technology development activities; it is focused on ideation, positioning and networking.

Technical and Project Maturity Expectations

Project stage expected:ideation and early concept-stage projects preparing to reach technology development stages. The Stage 1 activity does not fund R&D work but prepares SMEs to apply for Stage 2 Tech Grants which target TRL 4–6. Stage 3 targets TRL 7–8 implementation. Therefore, ideal Stage 1 applicants are teams with a biosolution concept, a preliminary technical or business roadmap and intent to scale or further develop to TRL 4+.

Templates and Application Materials

Applicants must complete the online application form and upload required annexes including a pitch deck. The precise application templates, forms and the full set of required annexes are published in the BIONetZero SME Grant Package (Funding Handbook for Applicants). The handbook contains: eligibility checklists, allowed and disallowed activities, financial templates, reporting templates, evaluation scoring grid, and terms and conditions for FSTP grants. Applicants are strongly encouraged to download and review the handbook and any published FAQs on the BIONetZero website prior to submission.

1. 1Create a user profile on the BIONetZero application platform
2. 2Complete the online application form in English
3. 3Prepare and upload required annexes, including a pitch deck and any requested financial documents
4. 4Submit the complete application before the single-stage deadline (09 June 2026, 17:00 Brussels time)

Reporting, Obligations and Additional Information

Detailed rules on eligible and non-eligible activities, financial conditions, reporting obligations and the evaluation and selection process are available in the BIONetZero SME Grant Package. Questions related to the call may be submitted through contact channels listed on the BIONetZero website. Individual feedback on draft applications will not be provided.

Structured Answers to Classification Questions

Eligible Applicant Types:Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) only as lead beneficiaries for Stage 1. The call is explicitly for SMEs and is part of a cascade funding model delivering grants to third parties.

Funding Type:Grant via Financial Support to Third Parties (cascade funding) under the Single Market Programme (SMP/COSME).

Consortium Requirement:Single applicant expected for Stage 1; a consortium is not required. The stage focuses on individual SMEs receiving support and working with a Key Account Manager. Future stages may permit or require different structures but Stage 1 is for single SME participants.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):Applicants must be established in countries eligible under the SMP FSTP rules, principally EU Member States and any associated countries as specified in the Grant Package. The call targets European SMEs and participation will build European and international networks.

Target Sector:Biosolutions for net-zero technologies in agrifood and energy-intensive industries; bioeconomy, climate mitigation, biotechnology applied to industrial decarbonisation and sustainable food systems.

Mentioned Countries:Denmark is explicitly mentioned as the host country for the mandatory kick-off and networking event. The broader geographic scope is Europe/EU.

Project Stage:Idea and early-stage concept/ideation; preparation for technology development. Stage 1 does not fund technology development; it prepares applicants for Stage 2 which targets TRL 4–6.

Funding Amount:Total available for this Stage 1 call is €60,000. Individual SME award sizes are not specified in the call text; however, SMEs may receive up to €60,000 in total across all BIONetZero stages. Co-financing rate is 25%.

Application Type:Single-stage open call submitted via the BIONetZero online application platform. The call is open for submission from the opening date until the deadline.

Nature of Support:Monetary grants (financial support) to SMEs combined with non-monetary services: mandatory networking event, Key Account Manager support, structured peer-learning and knowledge-exchange activities. Thus beneficiaries receive both money and non-monetary services.

Application Stages:The call itself is single-stage for submission. However, the programme includes four competitive stages across which SMEs may progress. To obtain larger implementation funding applicants must pass subsequent competitive evaluations. From the perspective of this call there is one submission stage; overall programme progression requires passing additional selection events for Stages 2–4.

Success Rates:The call documentation does not publish explicit success rates or number of Stage 1 awards. Applicants should assume selection is competitive and subject to the evaluation criteria. Exact success rate information, number of grants to be awarded and per-beneficiary amounts should be checked in the BIONetZero SME Grant Package or via the programme contact point.

Co-funding Requirement:Yes. A co-financing rate of 25% applies to all grants. Beneficiaries must provide or secure 25% of eligible project costs from own resources or other sources.

How to Prepare a Competitive Application

Recommended components to include in the application and annexes based on published evaluation criteria: a concise pitch deck demonstrating the problem addressed and the innovative biosolution; evidence of technological feasibility and current TRL; a clear technical and commercial roadmap showing milestones and intended pathway to TRL 4+; market analysis and scalability potential; description of the SME team, roles, competencies and commitment; plan for networking and internationalisation activities; realistic budget and demonstration of the required 25% co-financing; and a short plan describing expected outcomes from participation in Stage 1 and how it will position the SME for Stage 2.

1. 1Application form (online, in English) — follow form sections and answer evaluation criteria directly
2. 2Pitch deck — problem, solution, value proposition, TRL and evidence, business model and market potential
3. 3Team description and CVs of key team members showing capacity and commitment
4. 4Roadmap and milestones — technical and commercial development plan and timing
5. 5Budget summary showing requested grant, co-financing and eligible cost items
6. 6Declarations and any requested legal/financial annexes as specified in the Grant Package

Contacts and Further Information

Primary information source and updates:BIONetZero website foodbiocluster.dk. The BIONetZero SME Grant Package (Funding Handbook for Applicants) contains definitive eligibility, templates and details. Questions may be submitted via contact details on the BIONetZero website; individual feedback on draft applications will not be provided.

Key Dates:Opening date: 09 April 2026. Submission deadline: 09 June 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. Expected participation period for selected SMEs: 09 June 2026 to 31 July 2028.

Summary and Practical Explanation

This opportunity is a targeted EU-funded cascade funding call to support European SMEs developing biosolutions that contribute to net-zero transitions in agrifood and energy-intensive industry ecosystems. Stage 1 is an ideation and travel grant that provides small-scale monetary support (within the call budget) combined with structured non-financial support such as a mandatory in-person kick-off and networking event in Denmark, Key Account Manager coaching, and peer-learning activities. Stage 1 is mandatory for SMEs wishing to be considered for subsequent BIONetZero stages that provide larger technology and implementation grants, but selection into Stage 1 does not automatically result in later-stage funding. Applicants must apply through the BIONetZero online platform, provide required annexes including a pitch deck, and accept that grants are subject to a 25% co-financing requirement and the overall cap of €60,000 per SME across all programme stages. For precise eligible countries, award sizes, templates and submission checklists consult the BIONetZero SME Grant Package and the programme website BIONetZero Website ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1The BIONetZero SME Grant Package (Funding Handbook for Applicants) and the programme website contain definitive lists of eligible countries, application templates, budget models, and the full set of terms and conditions. Applicants must consult these documents prior to submission: foodbiocluster.dk

This opportunity provides Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) with access to Stage 1 of the BIONetZero Acceleration Programme, focusing on ideation, networking, and preparation for biosolutions aimed at net-zero technologies in agrifood and energy-intensive industry ecosystems. Participation in Stage 1 is a mandatory prerequisite for accessing funding in Stages 2-4 through a four-stage cascade funding model.

Programme Overview

The BIONetZero project (Grant Agreement 101236412), co-funded under SMP-COSME, supports SMEs in developing biosolutions to reduce dependency on critical inputs and technologies for net-zero production. Stage 1 emphasises refining biosolution concepts, strengthening technical and commercial roadmaps, and building European and international networks, without including technology development activities.

The programme structure includes:Stage 1 (Ideation & Travel Grant), Stage 2 (Tech Grant, TRL 4-6), Stage 3 (Implementation Grant, TRL 7-8), and Stage 4 (Internationalisation Booster). Progression to later stages requires additional evaluation and selection; acceptance into Stage 1 does not guarantee further funding.

Eligibility and Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants are Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) developing biosolutions for net-zero technologies in agrifood and energy-intensive sectors. Applications are submitted under Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) rules of the Single Market Programme (SMP). Detailed eligibility criteria are in the BIONetZero SME Grant Package (Funding Handbook for Applicants).¹

Key Dates and Duration

Opening Date:09 April 2026.

Deadline:09 June 2026, 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage submission).

Expected Duration:From 09 June 2026 to 31 July 2028.

Funding Details

Total funding available for this call:€60,000. SMEs may receive a maximum total of €60,000 across all stages of the BIONetZero programme. A co-financing rate of 25% applies to all grants.

Application Process

1. 1Create a user profile on the BIONetZero application platform.
2. 2Complete the online application form in English.
3. 3Upload required annexes, including a pitch deck.
4. 4Submit complete applications before the deadline via the platform.

Applications are evaluated by the BIONetZero Evaluation Committee with external experts based on: relevance of the problem addressed, quality and innovation of the biosolution, technological maturity and feasibility, market potential and scalability, SME team capacity and commitment, and alignment with BIONetZero objectives. Outcomes are notified via the platform and email.

Obligations for Selected SMEs

• Participate in the mandatory BIONetZero kick-off and networking event in Denmark.
• Engage in structured networking, peer-learning, and knowledge-exchange activities.
• Work with a designated BIONetZero Key Account Manager (KAM) to develop a biosolution pathway.

Additional Resources

Consult the BIONetZero SME Grant Package for details on eligible/non-eligible activities, financial conditions, reporting, and procedures.¹ Further information, FAQs, and updates are on the BIONetZero website: BIONetZero Website. Submit questions via website contacts; no individual feedback on drafts. Primary opportunity page: EU Funding Portal.

Footnotes

1. 1BIONetZero SME Grant Package (Funding Handbook for Applicants) available via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and BIONetZero website.