Expected Outcome: 

Projects funded under this call are expected to:

• Demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of using genetically engineered microorganisms to convert CO₂—either from the air or on-site emissions—into valuable nutrients like proteins, fats, and enzymes.
• Establish open-access platforms to support the development of business models for precision fermentation, including pre-commercial testing and in situ applications.
• Develop viable business models for both industrial-scale and localized nutrient production, potentially using gases beyond CO₂.
• Evaluate the sustainability, efficiency, and resilience of European companies adopting these technologies, including their contribution to CO₂ reduction and climate goals.
• Conduct early-stage scale-up feasibility studies, ensuring that upscaling is considered from the design phase onward.
• Foster collaboration with SMEs, start-ups, and research infrastructures like IBISBA and the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC), and establish links with Regional Innovation Valleys for the Bioeconomy and Food Systems (RIV4BFS).
• Encourage international cooperation, particularly with partners in the United States, to maximize the global impact of these innovations.

Scope:

This call focuses on precision fermentation using genetically engineered microorganisms that can capture CO₂—either directly from the air or from on-site emissions—and convert it into valuable nutrients such as proteins, fats, and enzymes. The goal is to scale up these technologies and assess their economic feasibility, environmental sustainability, and commercial potential.

In total,  two projects will be funded, with the European Union providing the funding.

Budget per project: Around € 6.000.000,00

Call deadline:  16  September 2025 , 17.00 CET

Funding rate 

• IA: 70% (100% non-profit) - TRL 7