Cascade funding
1st open call
Cascade Funding
What is this call about?
The EMBEDED Open Call 1 funds real-world experiments that transform agricultural and forestry residues into market-ready, sustainable products.
You will work directly with ready-to-use bio-based materials and technologies developed by the EMBEDED project to validate their value in your own operational environment — whether that’s a farm, an industrial process, a construction application or a new product line.
The EMBEDED project is built around a clear Key Value Proposition: Locally transform underused biomass into high-value bio-materials using modular, scalable technologies — creating carbon-positive products and resilient regional value chains.
As an applicant, you will directly test and validate this proposition by:
- Using locally sourced residues (e.g. olive pits, cork waste)
- Applying modular production solutions (e.g. pyrolysis systems)
- Creating or validating real applications and products
- Contributing to carbon sequestration and circular bioeconomy models
What you will work with:
Selected projects will have access to EMBEDED’s core materials and technologies, including:
- Biochar from organic olive pits
- Produced close to the source (local transformation)
- Stable, carbon-rich material
- pH close to neutral → suitable for a wide range of applications
- Detailed specifications available in the downloadable SPECs sheet – SEE BELOW
- Bio-boards made from cork residues
- Sustainable, non-wood construction material
- Designed for both functional and aesthetic applications
- Aligned with New European Bauhaus principles (sustainability, beauty, inclusivity)
- Detailed specifications available in the downloadable SPECs sheet – SEE BELOW
- Access to a modular pyrolysis plant for on-site experimentation
- Detailed specifications available in the downloadable SPECs sheet – SEE BELOW
What you can do (scope of projects)
Your project should focus on one clear application or use case, such as:
- Developing new products using biochar or bio-boards
- Testing EMBEDED materials in real operational conditions
- Designing cork-based solutions with the novel bio-boards
- Running field trials or pilot implementations
The goal is always the same: Prove that these materials or plant work, create value and can scale.
Who should apply
- Primary producers (e.g. farmers)
- SMEs and industrial actors
- Cooperatives and clusters
- Municipalities and public bodies
If you can use, test, or integrate bio-based materials in a real setting, you are a strong candidate.
Funding & key facts
- Up to €50,000 per project
- 9-month implementation
- Minimum 6 projects funded
- €300,000 total budget for Call 1
- Lump-sum funding (50% upfront, 50% after completion)
What success looks like
Your project should deliver:
- A validated application or product
- Evidence of technical and market feasibility
- A clear path toward scaling or adoption
- Contribution to circular, local bioeconomy systems
Why apply
Because you will:
- Work with real, scalable bio-based materials
- Test solutions in your own environment
- Be part of a Europe-wide transition to circular production
- Help turn waste into value — locally
Timeline
- Call 1 opening date: 25/05/2026 – 16:00 CET (Brussels time)
- Call 1 closing date: 29/06/2026 – 16:00 CET (Brussels time)
- Clarification request window: 30/06/2026 – 31/07/2026
- Evaluation and resolution: 30/06/2026 – 30/08/2026
- Provisional publication of the selected projects: 30/08/2026
- Timeline for submitting appeals: 01/09/2026 – 10/09/2026
- Final publication of the selected projects: 17/09/2026
- Signing of the agreement after the project evaluation: 18/09/2026 – 30/09/2026
- Project implementation: 01/10/2026 – 30/06/2027
- Project end: 30/06/2027
- Deadline for Final Project reporting: 30/09/2027
- Duration: 9 months
Specifications
EMBEDED:
Biochar SPECs
EMBEDED:
Pyrolysis plant SPECs
EMBEDED:
Bioboard SPECs
Interested in EMBEDED Cascade Funding?
Are you interested in learning more about the EMBEDED Cascade Funding opportunities? Complete the form below and the project team will get back to you with further information.
This contact form is intended for organisations, professionals, self-employed applicants, and other stakeholders interested in participating in or receiving updates about EMBEDED’s cascade funding activities.
Your request will be sent to the EMBEDED Cascade Funding contact point. The project team will review your enquiry and contact you as soon as possible.
You can also contact the EMBEDED Cascade Funding team directly at cascadefunding@embeded.eu if you would like to share any specific questions, comments, or additional information.
