The BioRural online Open Call opens its doors to Southeastern Europe, inviting innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, start-ups, students, practitioners and citizens to propose their biobased solutions!
Applications to this Circular Bioeconomy Challenge can be submitted from applicants located in Southeastern countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey.
The South-East Open Call is open from 12 June until 28 July 2024 (23:59h – CET).
But, what are “biobased solutions”?
Bio-based solutions are innovative technologies, processes and end-products that are based on the principles of circularity and produce or utilise biomass sustainably. So, this could be a solution that does at least one of the following:
- Aims to produce a final sustainable biobased product (e.g., bioplastics, biocosmetics, biomaterials, biofertilizers, biodegradable straws, biochar, etc.).
- Aims to produce or use biomass sustainably as a feedstock for the bioeconomy (e.g., production of algae, use of agricultural wastes, organic urban wastes feedstocks, underutilised feedstocks, etc.).
- Supports the re-design of existing biobased value chains based on circularity, including ideas that improve production efficiencies, reduce waste and support the reuse of materials.
In other words, a solution that either:
- aims to produce a final product that is sustainable and biodegradable.
- uses biodegradable raw materials and wastes sustainably.
- aims to make existing bioeconomy production processes more sustainable.
Where to start from?
First you need an idea. Do you already have one? Then we encourage you to form a group with colleagues at work, students, usual collaborators, and put your heads together. Transforming your idea into an application to the Southeast Call will require you to browse for information, read news, or consult some experts. You need to state that your idea is in the field of bioeconomy , it is feasible by using existing or promising technologies, and it is applicable in rural areas. This is well explained in the BioRural Open Call Applicants guide.
Applying for the South-East Online Call
The timing for the SE Online Call is organised in three phases:
Phase 1: Until 28th July 2024
- Prepare your application.
- Form a group of researchers, students, company technicians and submit your application.
Phase 2: Until end of August 2024
- The evaluation committee will review the applications, and organise a meeting with each applicant. There you will be able to explain by voice your ideas!
- Among the applicants, 10-15 will be selected and have access to the South-East regional final.
Phase 3: Until November 2024
- Selected applicants will be communicated to improve their applications and prepare for the final workshop, which will take place in Thessaloniki (Greece) in November 2024.
- Attending this workshop will be a unique experience!
To apply, it is necessary to fill in and submit the online application form for the SE Online Call, which can be found here:
Download the Applicants’ Guide and proceed to the submission of your Application in your Region! Don’t forget to advise on the Online Call Terms and Conditions.
Download | Online Call Terms and Conditions
Download | Online Call Applicants Guide
Participating has a reward!
Many entrepreneurs and innovators started like this, with an idea, and participating in one or several challenges or contests. This initial move was fundamental for many of them to get encouraged and take a step forward.
What will the SE Online Call provide you?
Simply, by participating you will be able to visualise your idea, your group, or your organisation, and your idea will be reviewed. By connecting with BioRural partners and the BioRural community, you will get inspired by new ideas to improve yours, or connect with experts or providers of solutions. By attending the final event in Thessaloniki, you will enjoy an enriching experience together with other participants, and:
- All your travel and accommodation costs for this event will be covered.
- Receive mentorship and gain valuable insights and guidance from experienced professionals and entrepreneurs in the field.
- Make use of the Business Model Canvas to help develop a Business Plan.
- Receive customised feedback on your ideas and plans by relevant experts.
- Pitch your bio-based solution to a panel of judges for a chance to win a range of awards and travel to Brussels to participate in the European Bioeconomy Challenge.
- Build relationships with like-minded individuals who are also interested in accelerating the transition to the circular bioeconomy.
- Connect with other initiatives/solutions of the same/similar sector/theme with potential for collaboration
- Be part of a long-term supportive network and gain important networking opportunities.
Special award worth €5000 for the 3 best ideas!
If you are also one of the three awarded finalists, you will gain:
- A promo-kit including tailored coaching to evolve your idea, dissemination of your solution with interview-videos and diffusion in social media and sectorial channels.
- Access to the European final of the Bioeconomy Challenge that will take place in Brussels in 2025 along with other winning candidates from all over Europe.
CONTACT POINTS
The general information for the Regional Open Calls for the EU Challenge can be consulted at BioRural referential page, where there is also Access to the Open Call Applicants Guide, as well as the Terms and Conditions. For specific details of the South-East call, you can also visit the national info pages, or contact the corresponding organisers.
GREECE
Centre for Research and Technology – Hellas (CERTH)
INCOMMON | Innovative Communities Onwards (InCommOn)
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