# KIC Integrated Biorefineries for a Circular Future – improving society and environment through sustainable industry

**Funder:** NWO
**Budget:** Small-scale: €140k–€290k; Large-scale: €350k–€700k; Total call budget: €3,840,000
**Deadline:** 20 October 2026 (Full proposal deadline 20 October 2026 14:00 CEST (ISAAC); Letter of intent mandatory by 23 June 2026 14:00 CET)
**Duration:** Maximum 5 years
**Consortium:** Required — one main applicant in the Netherlands, one in São Paulo (Brazil), and at least one private co-funder with presence in NL or Brazil
**Application:** 2-stage: letter of intent (23 June 2026) → full proposal (20 October 2026)
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/kic-integrated-biorefineries-for-a-circular-future
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Joint Netherlands–São Paulo research programme on replacing fossil raw materials with circular biomass-derived materials for the chemical industry. Consortia must include a Dutch research organisation, a São Paulo-based researcher (FAPESP-eligible), and at least one private co-funder; NWO/FAPESP finance max 70% with mandatory 30% co-funding. Topics: biobased feedstocks and conversion processes.

## Summary

KIC Integrated Biorefineries for a Circular Future funds joint Netherlands, São Paulo consortia developing sustainable, biomass-derived alternatives to fossil raw materials for the chemical industry. Projects can secure €140,000-€700,000 depending on scale, with up to five years to execute. This is a one-off bilateral call requiring private co-funding (minimum 30%) and bringing together Dutch researchers, São Paulo-based scientists, and industry partners to accelerate the circular bioeconomy.

## Who should apply

- Research groups at Dutch academic or research institutes with expertise in biomass conversion or biorefinery processes
- Collaborators based in São Paulo state eligible for FAPESP funding
- Industrial partners (chemical companies, biotech firms) with presence in Netherlands or Brazil willing to co-fund at least 30%
- Consortia with proven ability to translate feedstock innovation into scalable chemical production

## Key dates

- Letter of intent due 23 June 2026 14:00 CET
- Full proposal deadline 20 October 2026 14:00 CEST
- Maximum five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Private co-funding is mandatory and non-negotiable, secure letters of commitment from industry partners before submitting the letter of intent.
- The São Paulo partner must be FAPESP-eligible; confirm their eligibility status early to avoid rejection at the consortium check.
- NWO and FAPESP combined cover a maximum 70% of budget; align your small-scale (€140k-€290k) or large-scale (€350k-€700k) tier with realistic industry-co-funding capacity.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget range for KIC Integrated Biorefineries?

Small-scale projects can request €140,000-€290,000; large-scale projects can request €350,000-€700,000 over up to five years.

### Who must be in a KIC Integrated Biorefineries consortium?

A main applicant from a Dutch research organisation, a researcher based in São Paulo (FAPESP-eligible), and at least one private co-funder with presence in Netherlands or Brazil.

### How much private co-funding is required?

Private co-funding must cover at least 30% of the total project budget; NWO and FAPESP finance a maximum of 70%.

### What is the deadline for KIC Integrated Biorefineries?

A letter of intent is mandatory by 23 June 2026, followed by a full proposal deadline of 20 October 2026.

### Is this a recurring call?

No, this is a one-off bilateral Netherlands, São Paulo programme.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nwo-kic-integrated-biorefineries-for-a-circular-future-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.