IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest) is an instrument of the European Union initiated by the Member States, under which investment projects within a specific thematic area are brought together under a European value network. The objective of IPCEI projects is to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation in high risk projects. They also contribute to the development of European industrial ecosystems and value chains, and to the strengthening of regional competitiveness. At least four EU Member States must participate in each project.
The Joint European Forum for IPCEI, which is responsible for the coordination of IPCEI projects at European level, has launched the preparation of three IPCEI projects in the field of biotechnology. The themes focus on bio based materials, chemicals, and food and feed ingredients. Finland is coordinating the preparation of the IPCEI project related to bio based materials.
Objective of the call
The objective of this call is to launch a preparatory project with a view to facilitating the establishment of an IPCEI project in the biomaterials area. The intention is to select one (1) preparatory project for funding as a result of this call. The preparatory project will identify common objectives and strategic priorities of the participating countries and draw up the high level plans needed to establish a common framework for the overall project.
The preparatory project shall:
- promote the creation of a substantively as impactful overall package as possible, supporting the development and renewal of the Finnish and European biomaterials value network
- prepare proposals concerning the sub areas and priorities of the project by aligning the views of the participating countries regarding the key technological challenges and market failures in the area
- coordinate the preparation of the common plans required at the different stages of the process, in particular the so called Chapeau document
- facilitate the formation of the value network, inter alia through networking events
The preparatory project should start in August 2026, and the estimated duration of the project is 12 months.
General conditions for funding
Only research and knowledge dissemination organisations are eligible to apply for funding. A research and knowledge dissemination organisation means an entity (such as higher education institutions or research institutes, technology transfer offices, innovation intermediaries, or research oriented physical or virtual collaboration structures), irrespective of its legal status (public or private law) or the way in which it is financed, whose primary objective is to carry out independent fundamental research, industrial research or experimental development, or to disseminate the results of such activities by way of teaching, publications or knowledge transfer.
Where such an entity also pursues economic activities, separate accounts must be kept for the funding, costs and revenues of those economic activities. Undertakings that exercise decisive influence over such an entity, for example as shareholders or members, shall not enjoy preferential access to the results generated by that entity.
Eligible costs
Eligible costs are defined in the terms and conditions for funding of public research:
Funding terms and conditions (pdf)
A fixed overhead coefficient of 20% and an indirect employee cost coefficient of 50% will be applied. Equipment costs are not eligible costs.
Funding and evaluation criteria
On the basis of this call, Business Finland is prepared to fund one (1) preparatory project. Business Finland’s funding for an individual preparatory project is a maximum of EUR 100,000, and the aid intensity is 80% of the eligible costs.
Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
- Realism and feasibility of the project plan and the impact of the results in terms of bringing about the IPCEI project
- Relevant expertise of the persons implementing the project, including any subcontractors
- Extent of cooperation between the research organisation and key Finnish companies relevant to the IPCEI project
- Research and sector specific expertise in biomaterials as well as links to relevant networks in Europe
- Knowledge of research, development and innovation (RDI) programmes funded by the European Union.
Timetable
The call will close on 12 June 2026. Applications must be submitted via Business Finland's funding e-service. Select the "Co-Creation" funding service.