Pilots4U powered by COPILOT

OPEN CALL 3: Call4TravelVouchers – Selection of 10 Bioeconomy Enablers per Pilot and Demo Infrastructure (PDI) Study Visit & Workshop receiving a Travel Voucher to attend.

Between May 2025 and May 2026 fifteen Pilot and Demonstration Infrastructures (PDIs), all part of the “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” scale-up community, are opening their doors for a Study Visit and Workshop, open to any bioeconomy stakeholder and part of the COPILOT/PILOTS4U “Scale-Up & Growth” Programme. The PDIs are located across Europe and active in a variety of technology areas relevant for the bioeconomy.

To facilitate bioeconomy innovators and enablers in attending these events, COPILOT opens OPEN CALL 3, with the aim to issue travel vouchers (€500 each). With these vouchers, the COPILOT project will encourage access to and a better knowledge and understanding about the purpose and work of pilot and demonstration infrastructures, as well as access to a vibrant bio-economy community, networking and matchmaking. Simultaneously, the vouchers will foster collaboration, expand horizons and support scale-up endeavours for the bioeconomy in Europe.

Open Call 3 (OC3) will allow bioeconomy innovators and enablers to apply for a €500 Travel Voucher to attend the study visit and workshop of their choice.
OC3 will open two times:

  • OC3 – Part 1: Opens on 10 March 2025 and closes on 8 May 2025 (5 pm CET), travel voucher application for study visits in 2025.
  • OC3 – Part 2: Opens on 15 September 2025 and closes on 13 November 2025 (5 pm CET), travel voucher application for study visits taking place in 2026.

The list of proposed study visits and workshops can be found below and in more detail on our event page. All information regarding travel voucher application can be found below.

Study Visits organised in 2025:

Travel voucher application opens on 10 March 2025 and closes on 8 May 2025 at 5 pm CET.
* travel vouchers available for this study visit
*** no travel vouchers available for this study visit

Study Visits organised in 2026:

Travel voucher application opens on 15 September 2025 and closes on 13 November 2025 at 5 pm CET.
* travel vouchers available for this study visit
*** no travel vouchers available for this study visit

What do we offer (aim of Open Call 3)? 

The aim of the COPILOT OPEN CALL 3 is to issue travel vouchers for bioeconomy innovators and enablers to facilitate their attendance of one of the study visits and related workshops organised by fifteen different Pilot and Demonstration Infrastructures (PDIs) located across Europe and active in a variety of technology areas relevant for the bioeconomy. 

Who can apply? 

  • Bioeconomy innovators: to be start-ups, start-ups, spin-offs, scale-ups and SMEs  
  • Enablers in the bioeconomy domain:  Investors, Research and technology organisations, Incubators, Cluster representatives, Representatives of relevant public authorities / policy-makers responsible for bio-economy sector and research and innovation in an eligible Horizon Europe country, Corporates. 

To be eligible for a travel voucher, the organisation of the applicant needs to be located at least 300 km away from the location of the pilot or demo infrastructure organising the study visit that the applicant would like to attend.

Selected applicants receive:

Each selected applicant will receive 500 EUR per voucher to cover the respective mandatory actions and additional activities set up in the application. 

In return, COPILOT expects the following mandatory tasks to be completed:

Mandatory action  Travel Report  Payment 
Attend the selected COPILOT event (study visit) and participate in the feedback survey/evaluate the event  Provide a travel report 
(See Annex 5 to sub-grant agreement – Travel Report) 		 After the confirmation of the report
(Annex 6 to sub-grant agreement – Payment Request)  

Detailed information on the topics described above can be found in the OC3 Guidelines for Applicants. 

Eligibility

Open call 3 will fund: 

  • Bioeconomy innovators: to be start-ups, start-ups, spin-offs, scale-ups and SMEs  
  • Enablers in the bioeconomy domain:  Investors, Research and technology organisations, Incubators, Cluster representatives, Representatives of relevant public authorities / policy-makers responsible for bio-economy sector and research and innovation in an eligible Horizon Europe country, Corporates. 

that would like to attend a study visit at a pilot or demo infrastructure that is located more than 300 km away from the location of the organisation of the applicant.

Additional eligibility conditions can be found in the Open Call 3 Guidelines for Applicants.

How to apply?

The following steps must be completed to successfully submit a COPILOT Open Call 3 application: 

  • Fill in all information indicated as necessary in the application form. Each applicant needs to choose one event (study visit) from the list provided in the application form. 
  • Submit only if you are sure that all needed information is included and during the dedicated application periods for submission.  
  • Enjoy your time while waiting for the results!

The COPILOT – Open Calls is a competitive funding programme. Only one application per applicant (legal entity or natural person) can be submitted to Open Call 3. In the event of multiple submissions by an applicant, only the last application received (timestamp of the system) will enter the evaluation process (and regardless of the track to which an application is being submitted to). Any other submitted applications involving the same applicant will be declared non-eligible and will not be evaluated in any case. 

Application periods:

OC3 will open two times:

  • OC3 – Part 1: Opens on 10 March 2025 and closes on 8 May 2025 (5 pm CET), travel voucher application for study visits in 2025.
  • OC3 – Part 2: Opens on 15 September 2025 and closes on 13 November 2025 (5 pm CET), travel voucher application for study visits taking place in 2026.

Timeline:

  • Evaluation and selection: The results of Open Call 3 will be communicated within three weeks after the closing date:
    • Latest by May 29th, 2025 for Open Call 3 – Part 1
    • Latest by December 4th, 2025 for Open Call 3 – Part 2
  • Implementation of the project and related tasks: May 2025 – May 2026

More details regarding eligibility, application and timelines can be found in the “COPILOT Open Call 3 – Annex 1: Guidelines for Applicants”; see section “Open Call Documents & Application Support”.

The Full Documentation Kit for the OC3 – Call4Travel Vouchers can be downloaded here:

Apply here:
Click here to apply for COPILOT Open Call 3.

Any questions?

Contact Nina Meglič – nina.meglic@stajerskagz.si

OR attend one of our informational Webinars

The COPILOT consortium will organise two webinars to inform potential applicants. These webinars will include a “live” Q&A opportunity:

Need more information? Please, send an email to Yang Zou.

Apply for Open Call 3 – Call4TravelVouchers

OC3 will open latest by Mid March 2025

CLOSED: OPEN CALL 1: Call4BioPlants – Selection of 10 Pilot and Demo Infrastructures (PDIs)

By means of an Open Call (OC1), COPILOT selected 10 PDIs active in the bioeconomy to co-create the next generation platform of pilot and demo infrastructures, as well as its business model, “Scale-Up & Growth” and “Exchange & Connect” Programmes.

The Open Call was launched on August 12th, 2024. Deadline for applications was October 10th, 2024 at 5pm CET. The list of Open Call Winners was announced Mid November 2024 and can be found below:

Biosphere, Italy
ARD-CEBB, France
IBioIC, United Kingdom
AciesBio, Slovenia
BIO2CHP, Greece
NIZO, The Netherlands
*Food Pilot, Belgium

DOWNLOAD here the Open Call PRESS RELEASE.

Selected Pilot and Demo Infrastructures (10) will:

  • Receive a grant up to €6.000 
  • Have the opportunity to co-create the future Pilots4U database and platform (e.g. by testing the beta-version) and its business model  
  • Gain substantial visibility through the organisation of “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” activities such as study visits, workshops, webinars and other “Scale-up & Growth Programme” related activities. 

In return, COPILOT expects the following mandatory tasks to be completed:

  • Take part in the co-creation workshops organised by the COPILOT consortium on December 4th, 2024 in Ghent (Belgium). Please, book this date in your agenda upon Open Call application, free bus transport will be organised by COPILOT on December 4th, 2024 between Brussels Airport and Ghent. 
  • Take active part (attend & pitch) in the PITCH PERFECT AND BOOST THE EUROPEAN BIOECONOMY 2024 event co-organised by “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” on December 2nd and 3rd, 2024 in Brussels (Belgium). This event is part of the “Exchange & Connect” Programme of the project. Please, book this date in your agenda upon Open Call application.  
  • Take part in one up to three further online co-creation workshops organised by the COPILOT consortium in the period from May to September 2025. These online sessions will be organised upon need, could be limited to only one workshop and will be limited to maximum three.
  • (Online) testing of the beta-version of the newly developed, improved and future-prove “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” platform as well as its Business Model.
  • Organise a study visit, open to all bioeconomy stakeholders, of the facility of the respective PDI including a dedicated scale-up related training session jointly organised with the study visit (max. 4 hours in total). Both activities are part of the “Scale-Up & Growth” program. 
  • Organise 1h online webinar in the area of specialization or expertise of the respective PDI.  The webinar will be part of the “Scale-Up & Growth” program, and a recording will be made available on the COPILOT platform.  
  • Promote the activities of the project 

More details on the offer, tasks and reporting can be found in the “COPILOT Open Call – Annex 1: Guidelines for Applicants“; see section “Open Call Documents & Application Support”.

Eligibility

This Open Call targets Pilot and Demo Infrastructures for the bioeconomy defined as: 

  • Open access, multipurpose Pilot and Demo infrastructures that provide scale-up equipment and related expertise for piloting (TRL 4-5) and demonstration (TRL 6-7) of innovative biobased products and processes, for a fee.
  • Joint investments in equipment and expertise that can be used, for a fee, by any entrepreneur in need of scale-up. 

How to apply? 

  • Download all Open Call Documents below
  • Read all the documents carefully. Please pay attention to Annex 1 Guidelines for Applicants
  • Think over how you fit into the project. Think about mandatory tasks and additional activities!
  • Fill in the online application form on the F6S platform
  • Enjoy your time while waiting for the results!

Application period:

  • The Open Call will open on 12 August 2024
  • Deadline for applications to this Open Call is 10 October 2024 (17:00 CET)

Timeline:

  • Evaluation and selection: October – November 2024
  • Contracting: November 2024
  • Implementation of the project and related tasks: December 2024 – May 2026

More details regarding eligibility, application and timelines can be found in the “COPILOT Open Call – Annex 1: Guidelines for Applicants”; see section “Open Call Documents & Application Support”.

The Full Documentation Kit for the OC1 – Call4BioPlants can be downloaded below as of August 12th, 2024:

Apply here:
https://www.f6s.com/copilot-open-call

Any questions?
Please refer to the discussion section within F6S platform https://www.f6s.com/copilot-open-call/discuss  

OR attend one of our informational Webinars
The COPILOT consortium will organise two webinars to inform potential applicants. These webinars will include a “live” Q&A opportunity. The webinars are scheduled for:

Need more information? Please, send an email to Yang Zou.

CLOSED: OPEN CALL 2: Call4BioInnovators – Selection of 15 BioInnovators

By means of an Open Call (OC2), COPILOT selected 14 BioInnovators active in the bioeconomy to co-create the next generation platform of pilot and demo infrastructures, as well as its business model, “Scale-Up & Growth” and “Exchange & Connect” Programmes.

The Open Call was launched on August 12th, 2024. Deadline for applications was October 10th, 2024 at 5pm CET. The list of Open Call Winners was announced Mid November 2024 and can be found below:

Poseidona, Spain
Niskus Biotech, Ireland
BioChiCa, Italy
Change Bio, United Kingdom
myBIOS, Austria
Lignopure, Germany
Gene&GreenTK, France
Fooditive Group, The Netherlands
Vienna Textile Lab, Austria

DOWNLOAD here the Open Call PRESS RELEASE.

Selected BioInnovators (15) will:

  • Receive a grant up to €6.000 
  • Have the opportunity to co-creation the future Pilots4U database and platform (e.g. by testing the beta-version) and its business model 
  • Assist in shaping the “Scale-up & Growth” Programme (what trainings/workshops are useful for innovators)
  • Benefit from networking & matchmaking opportunities through the “Exchange & Connect” Programme.  

In return, COPILOT expects the following mandatory tasks to be completed:

  • Take part in the co-creation workshops organised by the COPILOT consortium on December 4th, 2024 in Ghent (Belgium). Please, book this date in your agenda upon Open Call application, free bus transport will be organised by COPILOT on December 4th, 2024 between Brussels Airport and Ghent. 
  • Take active part (attend & pitch) in the PITCH PERFECT AND BOOST THE EUROPEAN BIOECONOMY 2024 event co-organised by “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” on December 2nd and 3rd, 2024 in Brussels (Belgium). This event is part of the “Exchange & Connect” Programme of the project. Please, book this date in your agenda upon Open Call application.  
  • Take part in one up to three further online co-creation workshops organised by the COPILOT consortium in the period from May to September 2025. These online sessions will be organised upon need, could be limited to only one workshop and will be limited to maximum three.
  • (Online) testing of the beta-version of the newly developed, improved and future-prove “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” platform as well as its Business Model.
  • Take part in min. 1 (one) 1-hour online webinar organised by a PDI in the framework of the COPILOT “Scale–Up & Growth” programme 
  • Take part in min. one study visit (of the PDI of your choice) including a dedicated scale-up related training session jointly organised with the study visit (max. 4 hours in total) 
  • Promote the activities of the project 

More details on the offer, tasks and reporting can be found in the “COPILOT Open Call – Annex 1: Guidelines for Applicants“; see section “Open Call Documents & Application Support”.

Eligibility

This Open Call targets bioeconomy innovators defined as: Start-ups, spin-offs, scale-ups and SMEs developing a technology within the bioeconomy domain.

How to apply? 

  • Download all Open Call Documents below
  • Read all the documents carefully. Please pay attention to Annex 1 Guidelines for Applicants
  • Think over how you fit into the project. Think about mandatory tasks and additional activities!
  • Fill in the online application form on the F6S platform
  • Enjoy your time while waiting for the results!

Application period:

  • The Open Call will open on 12 August 2024
  • Deadline for applications to this Open Call is 10 October 2024 (17:00 CET)

Timeline:

  • Evaluation and selection: October – November 2024
  • Contracting: November 2024
  • Implementation of the project and related tasks: December 2024 – May 2026

More details regarding eligibility, application and timelines can be found in the “COPILOT Open Call – Annex 1: Guidelines for Applicants”; see section “Open Call Documents & Application Support”.

The Full Documentation Kit for the OC1 – Call4BioPlants can be downloaded below as of August 12th, 2024:

Apply here:
https://www.f6s.com/copilot-open-call

Any questions?
Please refer to the discussion section within F6S platform https://www.f6s.com/copilot-open-call/discuss  

OR attend one of our informational Webinars
The COPILOT consortium will organise two webinars to inform potential applicants. These webinars will include a “live” Q&A opportunity. The webinars are scheduled for:

Need more information? Please, send an email to Yang Zou.

Budget

€ 1,499,576.5

Duration

June 2024 – November 2026

Contact person

Yang Zou

+32 9 335 70 01

Yang.Zou(at)bbeu.org

Website

http://www.copilot-project.eu/

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