Proposals should:

1. Develop and apply a toolbox of technologies to identify, characterise and sustainably exploit the microbiomes and their genetic and metabolic diversity relevant for the bio-based sectors. Develop the related microbiome-based bioprocesses, e.g. to enable industrial manufacturing of high-value bio-based substances or materials (excluding biofuels/bioenergy applications), at sufficiently large scale, or for the environmental protection applications (e.g. decomposition of persistent and hazardous contaminants or industrial, municipal waste and residues).
2. Identify and characterise the key environmental and safety aspects, and potential impacts, while adhering to the binding EU and international regulatory framework.
3. Outline the scale-up production processes for novel bio-based innovations that are necessary to reach a critical mass for a given application, to achieve economies of scale, address different market segments and potential applications, etc. This includes addressing process and product safety, including occupational and consumer safety aspects, taking into account best international practice and initiatives.
4. Ensure the transparent and inclusive engagement of all actors, including industry and SMEs, the scientific community, regulatory institutions, and broader civil society, including NGOs, to ensure the necessary impact and awareness.
5. Where relevant, proposals should seek links with and capitalise on the results of past and ongoing research projects, including on food systems, health and industrial value chains, as related to microbiomes.