PRIMED launches first Open Call to validate innovative bio-based products
Barcelona – June 15, 2024 – PRIMED, a pioneering project dedicated to developing circular business models in the bioeconomy, has announced the launch of its first Open Call. This call aims to validate high-value bio-based products developed within PRIMED’s five Living Labs, located in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and Finland. The labs focus on key bioeconomy sectors including fisheries, forestry, farming, and agri-food, to cover the biomass from the primary sector.
From June 15 to September 30, 2024, applications are open for the first Open Call for R&I projects. Interested end-users are invited to apply for up to €50,000 in funding and support. All services are funded by the European Commission, ensuring there is no cost for the projects applying. A second Open Call is planned for 2025.
Proposals should focus on small-scale projects aimed at the development, testing, demonstration, and/or verification of new bio-based materials, technologies, ingredients, or products with enhanced properties. Applicants must address specific industry challenges to ensure market relevance and future adoption. Preference will be given to proposals targeting TRL 6-7, which involve prototype demonstration in relevant or real environments.
Selected end-users will benefit from a range of services tailored to their specific needs, including:
- Laboratory analysis.
- Prototype experimentation cost coverage.
- Engineering and technical support.
- Legal, financial, and market assessments for Intellectual Property freedom to operate.
- Market analysis focusing on regulatory strategy and business plan validation.
- Logistics support.
In addition to these services, selected end-users will benefit from extensive analyses conducted by PRIMED partners. These include techno-economic assessments, environmental impact assessments, social impact quantification, feasibility studies, revenue models, cost-benefit analysis, investment plans, and other business planning documents customized for the end-users.
The Open Call timeline is as follows:
- Eligibility check & Proposal evaluation: October 1 – November 1, 2024
- Technical & Budget checks (with Living Labs): November 1 – December 1, 2024
- Announcement of selected end users & Signing of grant agreements: December 4 – December 20, 2024
- Implementation & Monitoring: January – October 2025. However, the implementation period may be extended with the approval of the Living Labs and the PRIMED Steering Committee.
This initiative is designed to facilitate the creation of Circular Business Models in Bioeconomy (CBMB) through end-user feedback and experiences. PRIMED aims to address the challenges these models face in becoming sustainable and profitable. Through the Open Call, PRIMED will collaborate with the Living Labs to create new ways for primary producers to join novel bioeconomy value chains using a multi-actor approach.
The PRIMED project brings together a diverse group of partners with expertise that encompasses the full scope of the Open Call. This includes business model experts (RUB), biological and chemical researchers, test beds and Living Labs (ALC, CeNTI, FILSE, IBF, VTT), policy and regulatory specialists (EUBIO), governance and social impact analysts (LUT), biomass resource and conversion technology experts, as well as techno-economic specialists (SINTEF), and consultants in agri-food, agriculture, and sustainability (NAKED, AKIS, and INV).
By supporting new bio-based products and fostering a deeper understanding of the barriers they face, PRIMED aims to make a significant impact on the bioeconomy sector.
Contact:
For more information on @PRIMED project visit https://primed-project.eu/ or contact us at info@primed-project.eu.
