BIOEAST Open Innovation Challenge

Calling for innovative solutions to boost bioeconomy across the BIOEAST macro-region.

Are you an innovator with a forward-thinking mind working in the bioeconomy field?

Join us in boosting the bioeconomy in the BIOEAST macro-region!

What is the BIOEAST Open Innovation Challenge?

How does it work?

The BIOEAST Open Innovation Challenge is a collaborative initiative and a unique platform set up during the fall of 2025 that is designed to accelerate bioeconomy innovation across the BIOEAST macro-region in key bioeconomy sectors. It brings together talented individuals and networks—universities, startups, research institutions, and students—to drive meaningful impact. BIOEAST HUBs, acting as challenge owners, will evaluate and select the most suitable solutions. Selected solution providers will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas at pitching events organized in Hungary, Slovenia, Latvia, Bulgaria and Czechia to engage with and receive feedback from potential investors.

Why participate?

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

Meet key bioeconomy stakeholders of the BIOEAST HUBs’ and Thematic Working Groups’ and explore collaborations
Meet like-minded professionals, researchers, and organizations
Expand your personal networking
Gain wide recognition
Receive additional awards offered by the challenge owners

Win the chance to pitch and more

Successful applicants will be eligible for participating in pitching training sessions and matchmaking events where they will have the opportunity to showcase and defend their business case to both local and European investors, potentially unlocking new funding and partnership opportunities. In addition, stakeholders from the BIOEAST HUBs and Thematic Working Groups will provide additional benefits to selected applicants. Check the details under each Theme to learn more.

Type of solutions we are looking for

We welcome solutions at any stage of development, from early ideas to market-ready products. Whether you're just shaping a new concept or have a proven solution ready to scale, we want to hear from you.

Who can apply?

Corporates

Start-ups and scale-ups

Entrepreneurs, individually or in a team

Technology based SMEs

Students, academics and researchers, individually or in teams

How to apply?

Review the challenges description
Read thoroughly the application guidelines for complete information about eligibility, application, and evaluation
Submit your solution through this application form

Submit your proposal by 31 October at 23:59 CET.

Join us in boosting the bioeconomy in the BIOEAST!

APPLY NOW!

What is the scope of the call?

The challenges are organised under 8 key priority themes:

Theme 1:

Resilient small and medium-sized farms

Theme 2:

Biomass logistics

Theme 3:

Biowaste reduction and valorization

Theme 4:

Sustainable bioenergy

Theme 5:

Innovative wood technologies

Theme 6:

 Monitoring food and forestry systems

Theme 7:

Strengthening stakeholders’ engagement and collaboration to drive innovation

Theme 8:

Raising awareness of the Bioeconomy

Timeline

You can find more information in the Frequently Asked Questions or contact us at bioeastoic@efi.int

Frequently asked questions

A same entity can submit different proposals to the call. If two proposals are very similar, only the latest submission will be taken into the account. Also, joint applications (involving more than one partner) are welcome.

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