Unlocking the potential of algae for a thriving European blue bioeconomy

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Programme Category

EU Competitive Programmes

Programme Name

Horizon Europe (2021-2027)

Programme Description

Horizon Europe is the European Union (EU) funding programme for the period 2021 – 2027, which targets the sectors of research and innovation. The programme’s budget is around € 95.5 billion, of which € 5.4 billion is from NextGenerationEU to stimulate recovery and strengthen the EU’s resilience in the future, and € 4.5 billion is additional aid.

Programme Details

Identifier Code

HORIZON-CL6-2021-CIRCBIO-01-09

Call

Unlocking the potential of algae for a thriving European blue bioeconomy

Summary

Proposals under this Call will support the development of algae-based greener aquatic industrial products/processes and/or environmental services sustaining the health of aquatic ecosystems for a healthy planet and people.

Detailed Call Description

Applicants should carry out activities along the following lines of research:

  • Demonstrate viable concepts to enable the cost-effective cultivation and processing of algae into circular bio-based products and/or environmental services (e.g. medical, cosmetics, fine and speciality chemicals, remediation). The integration with food/feed production or with other processes (such as water treatment, crop and livestock farms and carbon sequestration) could be considered if it adds to the economic, environmental and social viability of the whole concept.
  • Scale-up the production of algae products and bring them closer to market by addressing key challenges such as (i) optimising strains’ biology (including if relevant associated microbiomes) and the mechanisms regulating cell performance for rapid growth and high yields of novel valuable compounds; (ii) pest and disease control; (iii) standardising the product and production lines; (iv) post-harvest treatment and storage; (v) assessing risks of escape of propagules with the potential to affect local genetic biodiversity; and (vi) securing the safety of the selected applications. The efficiency and capacity of production systems should also be improved. Demonstrate downstream processing and fractionation of components that enable the practical implementation of multiproduct algal biorefineries.
  • Establish European strategic development plans for the proposed algae farming that address biodiversity and ecosystems considerations. Key factors such as the carrying capacity of the European seas and the availability and use of land/light/energy should be considered; Provide estimates of the market demand for algae products and of the market structure.
  • Quantified assessment of environmental benefits and risks of algae farming and products, including a comparison with land-based products. Assessment of possible ecosystem services of algae farming.

Call Total Budget

€18,00 million

Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan

70%

EU contribution per project: €9,00 million

Thematic Categories

  • Environment and Climate Change
  • Fisheries/ Aquaculture and Maritime Policy
  • Research, Technological Development and Innovation
  • Water - Management of Water Resources

Eligibility for Participation

  • Fishermen, Aquaculturists, Owners of Vessels
  • Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
  • State-owned Enterprises
  • Training Centres

Call Opening Date

22/06/2021

Call Closing Date

06/10/2021

National Contact Point(s)

Research and Innovation Foundation
29a Andrea Michalakopoulou Street, 1075 Nicosia
T.Th. 23422, 1683 Nicosia
+357 22205000
Email: support@research.org.cy

George Christou
Contact Phone: 22 205 030
E-mail: gchristou@research.org.cy
Website: https://www.research.org.cy/

Charalambos Papatryfonos
Contact Phone: 22 205 016
E-mail: cpapatryfonos@research.org.cy
Website: https://www.research.org.cy/

(Publish Date: 17/09/2021-for internal use only)

EU Contact Point

European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation

https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/research-and-innovation_en#contact