BIONetZero Open Call 2026: Grants for innovative SMEs in agrifood and energy-intensive industries

Solutions that combine biology and technology to accelerate the green transition (Source: Novo Nordisk Foundation). In other words, biotechnological solutions and products that utilize biological systems, e.g. enzymes, microorganisms and bio-based raw materials, to address challenges across different industries and contribute to lowering the carbon footprint and strengthening resilience and self-sufficiency in Europe.

Who can apply?

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups from EU Member States and Single Market Programme-eligible countries
• Operating and/or developing pre-commercial biosolutions (TRL 4–8) for agriculture, food, or energy-intensive industries
• Committed to attending the kick-off networking event (for the first cohort of companies: September 7 – 10, 2026, Denmark)

 What can be funded?

BIONetZero can fund activities that directly support the development, testing, validation, or market readiness of your biosolution.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Prototype development, testing & validation (lab or pilot scale)
• Feasibility studies & data collection
• Scale-up adaptation & commercialisation strategy
• Business model ref inement & investor readiness
• Regulatory alignment & market validation
• International matchmaking, conferences & partner meetings
• Travel & accommodation for BIONetZero kick-off event

Structure of the programme

The BIONetZero programme consists of different grants which European SMEs can apply for to receive funding in different programme stages.

• Travel grant: Travel to kick-off and networking event
• Tech grant: Development, test and validation activities
• Implementation grant : Market and investor readiness activities
• Internationalisation booster : Access to high-growth third countries

Application process:

• ~ 30 minutes to complete the application online
• Pitch deck required (template available)
• Apply easily for the BIONetZero programme by clicking here. Deadline: 9 June, 2026. After registration, you will access the application platform via a personal link which will be sent to your email. The link allows you to resume your application at a later stage.

More information about the BIONetZero Open Call: here

Application guidelines available here.

Contact:

Food & Bio Cluster Denmark
Jens Skytte Sørensen (Project coordinator)
jss@foodbiocluster.dk

Sophie Agergaard (Contact for inquiries regarding the call)
sag@foodbiocluster.dk