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Call for PPP-I Projects 2026: Sustainable Chemistry and Circularity

ChemistryNL is making nearly €7.7 million available in the PPP-I 2026 call for public-private partnership projects in the field of sustainable chemistry and circularity. Researchers and companies can submit applications from February 17, 2026, to April 14, 2026, for innovation projects focused on four crucial themes for a sustainable future.

Safe Alternatives for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)

Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are harmful to humans and the environment due to effects such as carcinogenicity, hormone disruption, and persistence in the environment. Replacing these substances with safe alternatives is essential for sustainability and the green energy transition. Research proposals can focus on:

  • Replacing PFAS in polymer processing aids and flame retardants
  • Safer additives for renewable polymers
  • Alternatives to hazardous solvents in batteries
  • Replacing chemical building blocks such as formaldehyde and bisphenol-A

AI Readiness for the Dutch Chemical Processing Industry

AI has great potential as a disruptive technology for the chemical industry, but its implementation is lagging behind. Targeted R&D projects can remove barriers. Research proposals can focus on:

  • Chemical sensors suitable for AI applications
  • AI training facilities and digital twins
  • AI-supported process design and process control
  • Data infrastructure and AI model validation

Sustainable Chemistry: Health, Food Security, and Packaging

Sustainability is essential for the growing global population. This call focuses on three pillars according to the “Safe and Sustainable by Design” principles. Research proposals can focus on:

  • Sustainable Pharmaceuticals: Enzyme-mediated synthesis, smart delivery systems, green solvents
  • Sustainable Food: High-performance fermentation processes, enzymatic extraction, plant-based proteins
  • Sustainable Packaging: Improved barrier properties, design-for-recycling, bio-based materials

Transformation to sustainable production

The transformation of the chemical industry to sustainable and low-carbon feedstocks is essential. This call seeks groundbreaking ideas for process technology challenges. Research proposals can focus on:

  • Flexible operation for fluctuating electricity supply and feedstock composition
  • Cost-competitive high-flux reactors for heat exchange at high temperatures (>300°C)
  • Integrated process design for increased efficiency and robustness

Practical information

  • Available budget: €7,697,825 (approximately €1.9 million per theme)
  • Maximum grant per project: €500,000, of which a maximum of €150,000 is for SMEs
  • Submission period: February 17, 2026, 12:00 PM to April 14, 2026, 2:00 PM
  • Project duration: until December 31, 2031

Conditions

Applications must be submitted by public-private consortia. The main applicant must be a researcher employed at a Dutch knowledge institution for at least the duration of the project. In addition, at least one Dutch private party must participate (financially).

Subsidy percentages depend on the type of research and organization:

  • Fundamental research: 80% for knowledge institutions, 50% for SMEs
  • Industrial research: 50% for knowledge institutions and SMEs
  • Experimental development: 25% for knowledge institutions and SMEs

Large companies are not eligible for subsidies, but must provide co-financing (at least 20-75% of the research organization’s costs in cash, depending on the type of research).

Documents

Projects can be submitted from 17 February. No later than this date, a submission link will be published on this page.

More information

For questions, you can contact Harmen Veldman, PPS-I coordinator (tel. +31 6 31976594).