NWO
KIC Integrated Biorefineries for a Circular Future
Full proposal deadline 20 October 2026 14:00 CEST (ISAAC) / 23:59:59 BRT (SAGe). Mandatory Letter of Intent deadline was 23 June 2026.
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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.
Details
| Funder | NWO |
| Budget | €140k–€700k per project (small-scale: €140k–€290k; large-scale: €350k–€700k); NWO/FAPESP fund up to 70%, 30% co-funding required |
| Deadline | 20 October 2026 |
| Duration | Maximum 5 years |
| Consortium | Required — one main applicant at a Dutch research organisation, one main applicant in the State of São Paulo (Brazil), and at least one private co-funder (company with presence in NL or Brazil); additional co-applicants allowed |
| Application | 2-stage: Letter of Intent (23 June 2026) → Full Proposal (20 October 2026) |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | NL |
Eligibility & scope
Joint NWO–FAPESP call for interdisciplinary research on replacing fossil raw materials with circular biomass-derived materials in the chemical industry. Dutch main applicant must be at a research organisation in the Netherlands; São Paulo applicant must confirm eligibility with FAPESP. Mandatory 30% co-funding from a private company. Research must cover multiple perspectives (chemical engineering, economics, sustainability, social, legal).
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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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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