C4B Open Call – Get Ready to Apply

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The C4B project (Circular Bio-Based Business Models to create high-value bio-based products in integrated value chains – GA 101135323) is launching its Open Call 2026 to support real-world applications of fair and sustainable bio-based business models across Europe.

This call aims to help innovative ideas move from concept to practice, contributing to the development of a circular and competitive European bioeconomy.

  • Opening Date: 1st June 2026
  • Closing Date: 14th August 2026 at 17:00 CET
  • Total Budget: € 480,000
  • Max Funding per Project: € 60,000
  • Expected Duration: up to 12 months
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If you were unable to attend the Info Day held on 7 May, “Open Call 2026 – Opportunities for Financial Support”, you can find below the document shared during the event.
docs Download PPT
You can watch the event recording here.
slow_motion_video Video recording

Who can apply?

The Open Call is addressed to a wide range of stakeholders across the bioeconomy, including:

  • Groups of farmers, foresters and primary producers
  • Biorefinery SMEs
  • Agricultural and forestry industry actors
  • Bio-based industry stakeholders
  • Sector organisations
  • Multi-actor partnerships

Scope of the Call

The Open Call will support projects that are ready to:

  • Test and validate innovative business models
  • Integrate sustainability, fairness and circularity from the outset
  • Demonstrate scalability in real regional contexts

Reference documents

To start preparing your application, have a look at the following reference documents.
docs Download the Open Call

Please download the proposal template, complete all required sections, and submit the final document through the application form before the deadline.
Make sure all information is accurate and complete before submission.

docs Download the Proposal Template

Explore the circular bio-based business models developed by the C4B project (draft version subject to internal review) and identify the most suitable framework for your pilot proposal.
docs Discover the C4B Business Models

Why apply?

This is an opportunity to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions and contribute to the transition towards a circular bio-based economy in Europe.
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FAQ

Yes, proposals can indicate a shorter implementation period, but those indicating an implementation period longer than 12 months will be considered ineligible.

Yes, some transversal activities, listed in Section 7.3 of the Open Call (i.e. reporting, management meetings, etc.), are foreseen for all use-case projects, to ensure alignment and interaction with C4B partners, actions and objectives. Such activities must be included and properly mentioned in the overall proposal, in the respective section of the application form. For more information, see Section 2.4 and 7.2 of the Open Call.

Applicants may apply either as a single legal entity or as a consortium of up to 3 legal entities, provided all eligibility conditions are met.

No. A legal entity may participate in only one proposal under this Open Call, whether as a single applicant or as a consortium member. If a legal entity is involved in more than one application, all affected proposals will be declared inadmissible.

Yes. Applicants should clearly indicate which C4B business model their proposal builds on and explain how the pilot will validate, adapt, replicate or assess its feasibility in a specific context. Note: additional information and details, including reference documents on C4B business models, will be added in the coming weeks on this page.

Applicants must provide specific, task‑linked descriptions of how the lump sum will be used. Generic entries such as “personnel costs” or “travel costs” are not sufficient.
For “personnel costs” indicate:

  • Which roles will work on the project (e.g., technician, project manager).
  • How much time they will dedicate.
  • On which tasks they will work (refer to task numbers).

Example: “Technician (2 people) for feedstock sampling and analysis – Tasks 2–3.”
For “Travel costs”, specify:

  • Destination,
  • Number of trips,
  • Who travels,
  • Purpose of the travel.

Example: “Two trips to processing facility (Region X) for coordination meetings – Project manager.”
For “ Equipment, Consumables, or Other Costs”, briefly describe:

  • What will be purchased or rented,
  • Which task it supports,
  • Why it is needed.

Example: “Consumables for feedstock testing (Task x).”

Questions & Support

Do you have questions about the call or would you like to assess the eligibility of your project idea? Contact us, we will help you identify the opportunities best suited to your needs.
mail c4bopencall@apre.it

Become an Evaluator

Support the selection of innovative bio-based projects and contribute to the development of a fair and sustainable European bioeconomy.

We are looking for qualified experts to assess applications submitted under the C4B Open Call 2026.

Apply as an Evaluator

Funded by the European Union

Funded by the European Union, under Grant Agreement N° 101135323. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.