Develop breakthrough and sustainable bio-based textile fibres

This grant aims to develop breakthrough processes for creating bio-based textile fibres using sustainably sourced biomass feedstock, including textile waste. The focus is on increasing the availability, scalability, and technical performance of novel, man-made, or modified natural fibres, while ensuring enhanced circularity and minimising microplastic release compared to current benchmarks. Applicants are expected to design these fibres for compatibility with market requirements and existing manufacturing processes, consider their end-of-life impact, and address environmental concerns associated with fossil-based and cotton fibres. Projects indirectly contribute to the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, the Clean Industrial Deal, the Ecodesign Sustainable Products Regulation, and the Horizon Europe Mission 'Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030'.

Check your compatibility

Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, NGO, Government organization, Other
Start date	23 Apr 2026
End date	22 Sep 2026
Max funding	3,250,000 EUR per grant (indicative for HORIZON-JU-CBE-2026-RIA-03 action)
Budget	170,760,699 EUR (total for all 2026 CBE JU actions)
Coverage	Funding follows the rules of Horizon Europe RIA actions. Usually up to 100% of eligible costs for non-profit entities and around 70% for for-profit entities; see Horizon Europe Work Programme rules.

Grant application conditions

Admissibility conditions	Proposal page limits and layout as described in Annex A and E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and in the Application Form (Part B).
Eligible countries	All EU Member States and Associated Countries as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate if they provide their own funding.
Other eligibility conditions	See Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Financial and operational capacity	Applicants must meet requirements set in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Evaluation criteria	Award criteria, scoring and thresholds as per Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Submission and evaluation process	Submission and evaluation described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
Legal and financial set-up	Grants will follow the Model Grant Agreement and Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Scope requirements	Develop breakthrough processes to yield bio-based textile fibres from sustainably sourced biomass feedstock or textile waste. Include bio-based man-made (synthetic, semi-synthetic) and/or natural fibres. Ensure compatibility with existing textile manufacturing processes and equipment. Design fibres for improved technical properties over benchmarks (e.g., tenacity, flexibility, elasticity, thermal resistance, flammability, and durability). Test fibre properties according to standards/methods matched to end-product requirements. Design for sustainable end-of-life and assess feasibility of targeted option(s). Prevent release of microplastics and other harmful substances across lifecycle.
Multi-actor approach requirement	Ensure involvement of all key actors in the relevant value chains, including textile manufacturers, feedstock suppliers, end users or consumers.
Safe and Sustainable by Design	Include a task to apply the European Commission SSbD framework for assessment of targeted textile fibres.
Complementarity	Ensure project complementarity with past and ongoing R&I projects in similar areas, including those under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-JU-CBE-2026-RIA-03

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements