Case: What was included in my application?
Kemira - partner in the project VEHICLE
The VEHICLE project is financed by the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking BBI JU (equivalent to Circular Bio-based Europe CBE, which is Public-Private Partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium). Contractual Public-Private Partnerships were an important instrument under the previous European Research and Innovation Programme, Horizon 2020. The Partnerships are included in the Horizon Europe instruments as well.
The project VEHICLE refers to Valorising Extensive quantities of Hemicellulosic and Cellulosic sugars from Lignocellulosic biomass into high-value End products and EU contribution is EUR 5.9 million. The overall budget is EUR 9.6 million.The project kicked-off in 2019 and the duration is four years.
The VEHICLE project demonstrates novel technologies for providing and valorizing low value sugar streams. Its objective is to enhance the business potential of both existing and future European biorefineries and other bioeconomy companies as well as create economic benefits and new jobs in their value chains.
The VEHICLE project spun from the ideas of a few companies. Getting together a small group of key partners with complementing needs was the basis onto which the consortium started to build little by little. Kemira’s strategic target is to increase the share of bio-based products in the portfolio. The consortium matched perfectly with the company’s long-term target, in particular regarding raw materials and interesting new technologies. EU funding was seen as a great tool to demonstrate a promising combination of raw materials, technology and partnership.
Smooth application procedure
The application procedure was not difficult nor burdensome, because Kemira had experts with previous experience on EU projects and Spinverse consulted in the process. Signing formal documents for the consortium, such Letter of Intent and non-disclosure agreement (NDA) – which prohibits sharing confidential information – were an easy part of the process.
Kemira has been very satisfied with the project and cooperation with the partners. The work of the project VEHICLE is divided into seven work packages. Kemira is the leader in one of the work packages and participates in four other work packages.
Kemira’s advice for companies applying for EU funding is to link the company’s strategy and development work to the project. EU projects typically last for several years, which means long-term commitment from the company’s management and staff. Also, it would be good to have an internal strategic plan for applying and using the EU funds. That would make applying for the funding more targeted and using the funds easier.
More information: Project VEHICLE.