PROJECT PARTICIPATION
Everything you need to know as a participant in BIONetZero
As a participant in BIONetZero, you will find documents, templates and guidelines collected in one place.
Welcome to BIONetZero
Congratulations on being selected for the BIONetZero programme. On this page you will find all documents, templates, deadlines and practical information related to your participation in the programme.
Project guidelines and logos:
The BIONetZero Handbook for SMEs provides an overview of the programme, funding opportunities, participant obligations, reporting requirements, eligible activities, and the support available throughout your BIONetZero journey. We encourage all beneficiaries to review the handbook before starting their project activities.
Communication materials related to your BIONetZero project should display both the BIONetZero logo and the EURO CLUSTERS logo. The EURO CLUSTER logo must be shown clearly and prominently alongside any other project logos.
Right-click and save, when the images open:
Download BIONetZero logo
Download EURO CLUSTERS logo
Download Co-funded by the European Union logo
Project activity reporting:
Download Guidelines for submitting the financial and technical report.
Fill in this template.
Further details are currently being finalised.
Financial reporting please fill in this template.
Application for stage 2 and 3
Apply here (link coming soon)
Companies that have been invited for and successfully participated in-person in the cohort program and hereby completed stage 1.
Applicants will be asked to provide:
- A short project description
- The stage applied for (either stage 2 or directly to stage 3)
- An activity and budget plan for selected stage (2 or 3)
- A pitch deck (same as previously or updated)
- A maximum 2 minute pitch video
- Stage 2: Tech grant (testing and validation activities)
- Up to €15,000
- For applicants presently at TRL 4-6
- Stage 3: Implementation grant (scale-up and market readiness activities)
- Up to €40,000
- For applicants presently at TRL 7-8
After accessing the application form, please complete the required information in the different tabs:
General information
Please enter the following value:
Total budget: 60,000
Grant amount: 15,000 (stage 2) or 40,000 (stage 3)
Project duration: 01/12/2026 to 31/07/2028
- Select the stage you wish to apply for (stage 2 or stage 3)
- Enter your present draft plan for activities and budget for the stage applied for (there will be possibility for later updates of this in dialogue with your mentor)
Please briefly describe:
- The activities you plan to carry out in the selected stage
- Key milestones and expected outcomes (e.g. how and if the TRL and/or MRL level is expected to progress)
- The main costs to be covered by the grant and your own co-financing
The description should clearly explain how the requested funding will support the next stage of your project. A detailed budget breakdown is not required. A short overview of the planned activities, key milestones, expected outcomes, and main cost categories is sufficient.
You may upload the same pitch deck submitted during the stage 1 application process, or an updated version, if relevant.
The pitch video is a mandatory "must-have" requirement for your Stage 2 or Stage 3 application. It allows the evaluation committee to get to know your team, understand your unique solution, and see how the BIONetZero grant will accelerate your progress.
- The pitch video should provide an overview of:
- The challenge and opportunity being addressed
- The proposed solution
- Why support from BIONetZero is important for the next stage
Content Structure & Video Guidelines
To make the most of your 2-minute limit, we recommend structuring your video into the following key sections:
0:00 – 0:30 | Introduction & Company Overview:
- Briefly introduce yourself, your role, and your company.
- State the main problem/challenge you address and your proposed solution.
0:30 – 1:00 | Resource Allocation:
- Explain how you plan to deploy the resources/grant from BIONetZero (Stage 2 or Stage 3).
- Highlight the key activities, testing, or scaling steps that this grant will directly fund.
1:00 – 1:30 | Unique Selling Proposition & Innovation:
- Why should your company be selected? What makes your technology, product, or approach unique and innovative in the bioeconomy sector?
1:30 – 2:00 | Impact & BIONetZero Fit:
- Explain why support from the BIONetZero consortium is essential for your project's next stage.
- Summarize the expected milestones, TRL advancement, and long-term impact.
Please note that this timeline and structure serve only as a helpful guide. Feel free to bring your own creativity, passion, and personal story into the video – we want to see the heart and vision behind your project!
Technical & Composition Guidelines
We want you to feel free and creative when filming your pitch! You do not need professional film equipment – a modern smartphone works perfectly. To ensure good quality, please keep these basic technical tips in mind:
Format (Vertical Video - 9:16):
- Record your video vertically (9:16 aspect ratio, classic Reels/Shorts format).
Framing (Waist-Up Shot):
- Frame the speaker approximately from the waist up. Leave a little space above the head.
Camera Stability:
- Use a tripod or rest your phone against a sturdy surface to prevent shaky footage.
Lighting:
- Shoot in a well-lit area. Daylight facing you is ideal (avoid filming with a bright window or light source behind you).
Audio Quality:
- Record in a quiet room without echo or background noise. If you have a lapel/clip-on microphone, we strongly recommend using it.
File Formats:
- MP4 or MOV format in the highest resolution your device supports.
Please note: The upload link for the pitch video will be provided separately in the personal invitation email you receive together with your unique link to the Podio application platform.
Application deadline:
- As soon as possible and no later than Oktober 21, 2026 at 12:00 noon (CET)
Evaluation and selection:
- Starting from day of submission and ending by November 16, 2026
Applicants will be informed of the outcome:
- Early December 2026
Approved projects are expected to start:
- From December 2026
Request for changes in the activities:
Further details are currently being finalised.
FAQ
Yes. Participation in the BIONetZero kick-off event is a mandatory part of the programme and a prerequisite for stage 1 (travel grant).
Selected companies will receive registration instructions directly from the BIONetZero team. Registration and payment must be completed within the communicated deadlines to secure participation.
Each participating SME will be assigned a BIONetZero mentor from one of the cluster organisations. The mentor will support the company throughout the programme and help identify relevant opportunities and support services.
Yes. Companies who wish to proceed in the programme after stage 1 will be requested to submit a plan and a 2-minutes video pitch to their BIONetZero mentor. Based on this the consortium will select the companies to progress. No further application is needed.
Funding can support activities such as testing and validation, prototype development, feasibility studies, business model refinement, regulatory alignment, commercialisation preparation, investor readiness, international matchmaking activities and other actions that contribute to the development and market readiness of your biosolution.
Examples of eligible expenses for stage 1 may include:
- Costs associated with the mandatory cohort participation (traveling, participation fee, salary etc.)
- Other international learning activities, e.g. participation in PitchPerfect. Approved in advance by the BIONetZero mentor
For stage 2, 3 and 4:
- Laboratory and market testing and validation activities
- Materials, consumables and prototype components
- External consultancy and technical expertise
- Certification, regulatory and IP-related services
- Personnel costs (e.g. salaries and hourly rates)
Yes. All BIONetZero grants require a minimum 25% co-financing contribution from the participating company.
BIONetZero grants are reimbursed after eligible costs have been incurred, paid by the beneficiary, documented, and approved through the reporting process.
Yes. The travel grant may be used for both the participation fee and eligible travel costs, up to the applicable grant limit and subject to the co-financing requirement.
Yes. Personnel costs may be eligible for employees working for the beneficiary under an employment contract, provided that the costs are directly related to the approved BIONetZero project activities and are properly documented.
Personnel costs for SME owners without a salary may also be eligible when calculated as unit costs using the method provided in the BIONetZero Reporting Template.
Yes. Eligible personnel costs may form part of the company’s co-financing contribution. For employees, the costs must be based on actual eligible employment costs and documented working time. For SME owners without a salary, personnel costs must be calculated using the unit-cost method provided in the BIONetZero Reporting Template. General voluntary work that does not meet either of these methods cannot be included.
Personnel costs must be supported by the completed Reporting Form, payslips and signed monthly timesheets.
Yes, but with documentation for actual costs in accordance with applicable national rules for mileage allowance or reimbursement.
Yes.
Please keep all invoices, receipts, timesheets and payroll documentation relevant to your reimbursement claim for all your relevant expenses.
For stage 1: each SME must hand-in their financial report no later than two weeks after the event, and the reimbursement process will approximately take two weeks.
No.
No. Eligible costs must be incurred and paid by the beneficiary SME itself.
No. Unused funding from stage 1 cannot automatically be transferred to activities associated with later stage.
Do you have any questions? Please contact:
Sophie Agergaard