Innovative biotechnologies to restore soil health and improve agricultural competitiveness and resilience

Di cosa tratta questo bando?

The topic funds innovation projects that develop and validate soil-microbiome-based biotechnologies to remediate polluted soils and improve soil health and crop productivity. Proposals must follow a multi-actor approach involving research, industry, SMEs and farmers.

Cosa finanzia questo bando?

Scope

Projects develop, upscale, pilot and validate biotechnology solutions, particularly those that use the soil microbiome (for example new bio-based fertilisers or microbial inoculants), to remediate, restore and improve soil health under diverse soil, climate and cropping conditions.

Issues to address

• Bioremediation of soils contaminated by heavy metals, pharmaceuticals or PFAS.
• Higher soil organic carbon stocks and better soil structure, supporting soil biodiversity, water retention and nutrient availability.
• Better crop quality and productivity and more sustainable biomass production.

Expected work

• Scalable, cost-effective solutions that apply circular economy principles.
• Assessment of economic, environmental and social impacts, cost-benefit, adoption barriers and market potential, validated with stakeholders such as SMEs, farmers and industry.
• Market-readiness pathways covering regulatory compliance, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement and market acceptance.
• A dedicated task and budget for joint activities with other projects funded under this and related topics.

Expected outcomes

Validated, market-ready biotechnological solutions for soil remediation and soil health that reduce dependence on synthetic chemicals and increase crop resilience and productivity. Activities are expected to reach TRL 5-6 by the end of the project.

Quando scade il bando?

8 aprile 2027 (153 giorni)

Two-stage call: first-stage deadline 8 April 2027, second-stage deadline 14 September 2027.