Brussels, 4 March 2025 - End-Users invited to Test Bio-Based Innovations with Financial Support.

The PRIMED project is inviting companies and innovators to test and refine new bio-based materials, processes, and technologies in real environments. Through its 2^nd Open Call, running from March 3 to May 30, 2025, participants can apply for up to €50,000 in funding to refine their innovations and prepare them for market entry, in a collaborative community involving various stakeholders across the value chain.

This call follows the success of PRIMED’s 1st Open Call, which received 17 proposals from companies aiming to integrate bio-based solutions into their operations. Four end-users were selected to work with Living Labs in Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and Finland, developing innovations such as biochar, soil additives, food ingredients and biotissues.

For this 2^nd Open Call, PRIMED will select six additional end-users to join the initiative. One Living Lab in Spain will accept at least two end-users, while the remaining four mentioned above will each welcome at least one end-user. The program is looking for companies and organizations working on small-scale projects at Technological Readiness Levels (TRL) from TRL 4-5 to 6-7. These levels correspond to having a functional prototype, ready for practical validation. Proposals should focus on new bio-based materials or ingredients that enhance performance, circular technologies that make better use of biomass, and sustainable solutions that address significant challenges in the industry.

Successful applicants will gain access to PRIMED’s Living Labs, where they will receive support to test and validate their solutions. Apart from funding, the program provides:

• Laboratory analysis and prototype testing
• Engineering and technical support
• Regulatory and market assessments
• IP strategy and Freedom to Operate
• Financial and investment planning

Along with this core support, PRIMED offers free expert guidance in fields such as techno-economic evaluations, environmental impact assessments, feasibility studies, and developing business models. These services help guarantee that innovations are scalable, ready for investment, and in line with market needs.

This 2^nd Open Call reinforces PRIMED’s mission to integrate waste streams from the primary sector into new value chains and strengthen circular bioeconomy models. Achieving this relies on strong collaboration across sectors, the most effective way to build lasting systems that keep primary sector actors at the core.

For more information on eligibility criteria and application guidelines, visit PRIMED’s website.

Contact information : info@primed-project.eu

Authors: Lucía Salinas