With LIFE (L'Instrument Financier pour l'Environnement), the European Union launched a programme in 1992 to promote innovation in environmental, nature and climate protection. Since then, more than 6,000 projects have received financial support across the EU, including projects in the bioeconomy sector. The starting signal for this year's funding round for the current LIFE period, which began in 2021 and runs until 2027, was given at the end of April.

Bioeconomy projects can apply for funding under the ‘Circular Economy and Quality of Life’ sub-programme until September 2025. The aim of this sub-programme is to strengthen the transition to a pollutant-free, energy-efficient and climate-resilient circular economy that protects the environment and thus also improves quality of life.

Focus on resource recovery and recycling

The funding programme focuses on innovative approaches to resource recovery and recycling. Ideas are sought that offer solutions for reducing water consumption, industrial and household waste, air pollution and noise pollution. During the project period, technologies and concepts should go beyond the laboratory scale and be tested in practice, with the aim of a market launch.

Funding for a wide range of stakeholders

Funding lasts three to five years and a project is usually supported with a single-digit million sum. Public and private institutions such as research institutes, universities, associations and non-governmental organisations based in the EU can apply for funding. Transnational projects are also welcome.