HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO – Circular Economy and Bioeconomy Sectors Call (2026)

  • Start Date:

  • Deadline:

  • Agency:
    Horizon Europe: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), invites eligible institutions and research teams to apply for the HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO – Circular Economy and Bioeconomy Sectors Call (2026) under the Horizon Europe. This programme supports research and innovation projects that advance circular economy solutions and sustainable bioeconomy systems across Europe and beyond.

Programme Overview
This call focuses on advancing the European Union’s priorities related to environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and climate resilience. It supports projects that contribute to healthy soils, forests, water systems, and air quality, while enabling the transition to a clean, competitive, and circular economy. Proposals are expected to present clear pathways toward sustainable production, reduced waste, and efficient resource use.

Key Details

  • Funder: Horizon Europe (Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness)

  • Funding Type: Grant

  • Maximum Funding: Up to EUR 6,000,000 per project

  • Call Opens: 17 April 2026

  • Submission Deadline: 17 September 2026

  • Eligible Applicants:

    • Academic institutions

    • Private/commercial sector organisations

    • Government or public sector bodies

    • Non-profit organisations

    • Early-career and established researchers

Eligibility

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Capacity to develop and implement innovative circular economy or bioeconomy solutions

  • Strong research and/or industry collaboration

  • Ability to contribute to EU strategic priorities on sustainability and competitiveness

  • A clear, credible pathway for real-world application and impact

Funding Scope

Projects under this call should address:

  • Development of circular economy models for resource use and waste reduction

  • Innovations in bio-based materials, processes, and systems

  • Sustainable agriculture and food systems

  • Water management and resource efficiency

  • Reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste streams

  • Development of bioenergy and biomass conversion technologies

Eligible Disciplines

  • Bioenergy and Biomass Conversion

  • Biotechnology

  • Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity

  • Environmental Policy and Governance

  • Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture

  • Marine Biology and Aquatic Systems

  • Sustainable Development and Resource Use

  • Waste Recycling, Reduction, and Recovery

Strategic Focus Areas

  • Transition to a circular and bio-based economy

  • Strengthening environmental sustainability and resilience

  • Enhancing European industrial competitiveness

  • Promoting innovation in sustainable resource management

  • Supporting climate action and biodiversity protection

How to Apply
Applicants should consult the full call details and submit proposals via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/fundingtenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO01

Applicants are expected to present a robust research and innovation proposal, outlining a clear pathway to impact, strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and a well-defined strategy for advancing sustainable circular economy and bioeconomy solutions.