NWO

KIC Integrated Biorefineries for a Circular Future

€140k–€700k per project (NWO + FAPESP combined); small-scale €140k–€290k, large-scale €350k–€700k; 30% mandatory co-funding required| Deadline: 20 October 2026 (in 27 days)|Maximum 5 years

Full proposal deadline 20 October 2026 14:00 CEST (ISAAC) / 23:59:59 BRT (SAGe). Letter of intent (mandatory) was due 23 June 2026.

Last seen in a scan/import: 6 Sept 2026.

Catalog updated: 2 Sept 2026.

These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.

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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 (NWO + FAPESP combined); small-scale €140k–€290k, large-scale €350k–€700k; 30% mandatory 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 the Netherlands or Brazil)
Application	2-stage: mandatory letter of intent (23 June 2026) → full proposal (20 October 2026); preceded by optional online matchmaking (March/April 2026)
Frequency	One-off
Eligible countries	NL

Eligibility & scope

Joint NWO–FAPESP call for bilateral Netherlands–São Paulo research on replacing fossil feedstocks with circular biomass-derived materials in the chemical industry. Consortia must include a Dutch research organisation, a São Paulo-based researcher, and at least one private company co-funder. NWO/FAPESP finance max 70% of total budget; 30% must come from mandatory in-cash/in-kind co-funding. Multi-disciplinary scope: chemical engineering, economics, sustainability, social and legal perspectives.

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.

biorefinerycircular-economybiomass-conversionnwofapespnetherlands-brazilconsortium-requiredindustry-partnership

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