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In 2024, CBE JU continued to accelerate Europe’s shift towards a circular, bio-based economy by supporting innovative projects - including high-impact flagship initiatives - that transform renewable resources into sustainable products and materials. As a public-private partnership, CBE JU is a key instrument in implementing the EU’s bioeconomy strategy by fostering innovation, supporting the transition to a circular and climate-neutral economy, generating sustainable employment and addressing environmental challenges.
By the end of 2024 CBE JU had funded 192 projects, involving 1,550 participants from 44 countries. A budget of €213 million was further committed to a new call for project proposals and the strategy to widen participation from underrepresented countries saw a huge increase in applications, reinforcing the sector's growth across underrepresented countries.
SMEs continue to play a crucial role in the CBE JU programme, accounting for nearly one-third of participants and receiving a corresponding one-third of the total funding. Their leadership is also evident, with one in four projects coordinated by an SME, reinforcing their vital contribution to driving innovation and project execution within the bio-based sector.
The CBE JU networking platform remains a key hub for collaboration, attracting over 1,700 participants and fostering valuable connections across the community. These milestones represent just a few of the many achievements that defined a successful year for CBE JU.
Explore the 2024 key highlights in our digital summary or dive into the full 2024 annual activity report for a detailed overview of CBE JU’s progress in research and innovation, project management, performance indicators, partnerships, communications, operations, and more.