Starting February 17, 2026, researchers and companies can apply for a total budget of nearly €7,7 million for innovation projects in the chemical sector. ChemistryNL has opened the 2026 PPP-I call for public-private partnerships focused on the transition to renewable raw materials and circular production processes.
With this funding, ChemistryNL is stimulating research into solutions for the raw materials transition. The call is divided into four specific themes, with approximately €1,9 million available for each.
Focus on bio-based materials and safety
A significant portion of the call focuses on the pillars of health, food security, and packaging. The emphasis is on developing bio-based materials and applying the "Safe and Sustainable by Design" principles. Specifically, this involves projects that:
- Replacing fossil building blocks: Converting bio-based raw materials into alternatives for substances such as bisphenol-A and formaldehyde.
- Circular packaging: Improving the barrier properties of bio-based packaging to enable high-quality recycling.
- Safe substitution: Developing PFAS-free alternatives for polymer processing and flame retardants.
Digitalization and process innovation
In addition to the raw materials themselves, funding has been allocated for the technological transition of the production chain. This includes, among other things, the "AI readiness" of the Dutch chemical industry. Digital twins and sensors are being developed to enable real-time process optimization.
The transition to sustainable production processes is also a key priority. Technologies are being sought that can handle variable raw material flows—such as biogenic residual flows—and a fluctuating supply of renewable electricity. Specifically, reactors that operate efficiently at high temperatures above 300°C are required.
Conditions for participation
Project proposals must be submitted by consortia in which at least one Dutch knowledge institution and one private party participate.
- Budget per project: A maximum subsidy of €500.000 (of which a maximum of €150.000 is for SMEs).
- Submission deadline: From February 17 to April 14, 2026.
- Duration: Project implementation can continue until the end of 2031 at the latest.
While knowledge institutions and SMEs qualify for direct subsidies, large corporations contribute through co-financing. ChemistryNL aims to accelerate the collaboration between fundamental research and market-ready applications.
More information: https://chemistrynl.com/
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