The Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) is an EU-industry partnership (Joint Technology Initiative – JTI), which supports research and innovation in bio-based feedstocks and bio-refining to demonstrate the economic viability of bio-alternatives to non-renewable products. The Initiative has just launched its 2019 call on the Funding and Tenders Portal, with 21 different topics (calls are also set out in the 2019 BBI JU Work Programme). The deadline for submission is 4 September 2019.
Joint Technology Initiatives, such as BBI are implemented by independent legal entities (Joint Undertakings), but are part-funded by the Horizon 2020 Programme, with the remaining funds coming from contributions from industry, public bodies and other funding sources. As independent legal entities, their eligibility and funding rules can differ from the standard Horizon 2020 Model Grant Agreement, although this is normally kept to an absolute minimum.
The recent BBI JU Info Day, took place in Brussels on 12 April 2019. The event provided useful insights on participation and the application process, and shared experience of what makes a good BBI JU proposal, with a particular focus on features of the calls that differ from the standard Horizon 2020 model.
Participation Rules
- No funding from the calls can go to large industry partners in RIA or CSA actions, although their involvement (and in-kind contributions) are encouraged
- There are additional eligibility conditions for some RIA topics in the 2019 call, therefore, please make sure to read each topic carefully
- Non-Member States can participate in the projects, but only Member States, Associated Countries and Developing Countries are automatically eligible to receive BBI JU funding.
- Standard consortium composition rules apply, with a minimum of three entities from three different MS/ACs for RIAs, and a minimum of one entity from a MS/AC for CSAs
- Leverage of private investment in the proposal is crucial and can consist of in-kind, financial and investments (such as infrastructure, facilities, equipment, etc.). This is assessed during the evaluation process
How to apply?
- Proposals are submitted via the Funding and Tenders Portal
- Proposals that fail to pass ethical approval are not considered eligible for funding
- The final Evaluation Result Letter will be released by 4 February 2020 at the latest
- SMEs have to undertake the SME self-assessment to confirm their status
- Successful consortia will be required to negotiate and sign a Consortium Agreement
- Individuals willing to evaluate proposals submitted to the current call can become expert evaluators by registering on the Funding and Tenders Portal, or e-mailing experts@bbi.europa.eu
Tips for writing a good proposal
- Make sure that the proposal perfectly aligns with the topic specification
- Make sure the objectives are clear, well-structured, well-quantified and linked to the topic text
- Mention and describe the state of the art to benchmark the project
- For RIAs, clearly describe the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) expected at the start and end of the project – check if the topic sets out a target TRL you are expected to reach
- All ‘expected impacts’ should be covered in both a qualitative and quantitative manner
- Mention positive and negative impacts and explain how these will be maximised/minimised
- Explain how much the consortium will contribute to the project in-kind and how this will contribute to the success and impact of the project
- Make sure that the proposal is consistent in its narrative, especially in regard to budget and timings
- Make sure that all participants involved have a valid role and sufficient resources to achieve it
- Management techniques should reflect the size of the consortium and do not need to be ‘innovative’, so long as they are effective and sufficient.
- Include a risk plan that identifies the risks for your proposal and what you plan to do to mitigate them
- For Innovation Actions, make sure that an appropriate business case and business plan are provided, based on the requirements in the Guide for Applicants
- Match the structure of your proposal closely to the evaluation criteria
BBI Partnering Platform
- The BBI Partnering Platform is an online networking system for the biotech community, where you can pitch for topics and form consortia online
The BBI JU have also prepared an FAQ document for the 2019 calls, which applicants should consult regularly.
For full information visit:
https://www.bbi-europe.eu/participate/call-proposals-2019
UEL applicants interested in this opportunity should get in touch with reds@uel.ac.uk
UEL Research, Innovation and Impact 