The BIONetZero accelerator programme invites innovative SMEs including startups to apply for financial support, expert guidance and access to a strong European ecosystem supporting the transition to climate-neutral production across agrifood and energy-intensive industries.
Projects must focus on Biosolutions. The biosolutions must be pre-commercial, typically within Technology Readiness Levels 4–8 at the time of application.
The first call of this project to support innovative bio-solutions is currently open. SMEs and startups have the opportunity to participate in the call from April 9, 2026, to June 9, 2029, 17:00 CET.
The programme offers financial support through a four-stage pathway:
• Stage 1: Ideation Stage (Travel Grant): Networking, knowledge exchange and participation in the BIONetZero kick-off programme. Two cohorts of SMEs will participate in kick-off events in 2026 and 2027. (up to €3,500 per SME)
• Stage 2: Tech Grant (testing and validation activities): Selected SMEs may apply for funding to carry out prototype development, testing and validation activities. (up to €15,000 per SME)
• Stage 3: Implementation Grant (scale-up and market readiness activities): Funding for further development, technical adaptation and preparation for market entry. (up to €40,000 per SME)
• Stage 4: Internationalisation Booster: Additional support for selected Implementation Grant beneficiaries to explore international market opportunities in third countries. (up to €5,000 per SME)
The maximum total amount granted to an SME across all stages is €60,000.
Further information and contact: here and YouTube link: here
Link to Application Platform: here
BIONetZero is a European initiative coordinated by Food & Bio Cluster Denmark along with LITMEA | Smart Food Cluster, Cluster Industrial Biotechnology (CLIB) and Bioeconomy Cluster (BEC) as consortium partners.
