In the context of the German government’s overarching National Bioeconomy Strategy, this funding initiative by Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR – Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space) aims to promote international, collaborative research and development projects that significantly contribute to implementing the bioeconomy on a global level.

The programme supports German organisations who wish to collaborate with partners from non-EU countries to develop novel solutions for a global bioeconomy. Foreign partners must make a binding financial commitment to the project.

To be considered for funding, the goal of international projects must align with at least one of the following objectives:

1. Fossil-based products or processes are replaced or completely new bio-based solutions are created.
2. Resource efficiency is increased, for example through the use of residual materials, cascade utilisation or recyclability.
3. Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced compared to the state of the art.

For the 2026 call, particular emphasis is placed on sustainable bioprocesses for industry and novel bioeconomic products.

Eligible for BMFTR funding are institutions of higher education and non-educational research institutions in Germany, as well as German public institutions with research and development capacities and German commercial businesses and enterprises. The participation of small- and medium-sized businesses (SME) is particularly encouraged.

The call grants up to €600,000 per project for a maximum funding period of 36 months. Institutions of higher education and non-commercial research institutes can expect to receive full funding of project-related costs.

Outline proposals must be submitted by the deadline of 18 November 2025.