Horizon Europe Cluster 6 - Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment

Work Programme 2026-2027

Writer

Celeste Chidiac, PhD

Keywords

Microfluidic Devices, Intelligent Microfluidics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning

Opening

Jan/Aug/Nov 2026

Deadline

Mar/Ap/Sep/Nov 2026, Mar/Sep 2027

Keywords

Intelligent Microfluidics

Deep Learning

Microfluidic Devices

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

food security and safety

biodiversity conservation

land management practices

bioeconomy

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Calls ordered by microfluidic relevance
Horizon Europe Cluster 6 2026-2027

We have sorted the calls for projects from Horizon Europe Cluster 6 2026-2027 according to the impact that microfluidics can have on the calls for projects and related topics. We are sharing our analysis in case it can help you with project funding efforts. And, of course, if our expertise can be of use to you, we would be delighted to discuss it further.

How to read the stars in terms of % of microfluidic technologies’ relevance for the call:

By microfluidic relevance, we mean the relevance of using microfluidic technologies for the topic cited. But also, to a lesser extent, what a microfluidic laboratory or SME could contribute to the topic (mainly for calls with low relevance to microfluidic technologies).

Relevance (%)	90-100	80-89	70-79	60-69	50-59	40-49	30-39	20-29	10-19	0-9
Relevance (*)	*****	****	***	**	*	–	– –	– – –	– – – –	– – – – –

Administrative dates per call:

2026-01-CIRCBIO-two-stage, 2026-01-BIODIV-two-stage, 2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-two-stage: Opening 08 Jan 2026; Deadlines 10 Mar 2026 (Stage 1), 15 Sep 2026 (Stage 2).

2026-03-GOVERNANCE-two-stage, 2027-02-FARM2FORK-two-stage: Opening 08 Jan 2026; Deadlines 12 Mar 2026 (Stage 1), 15 Sep 2026 (Stage 2).

2026-01-BIODIV, 2026-01-CIRCBIO, 2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION: Opening 08 Jan 2026; Deadline 10 Mar 2026

2026-02-FARM2FORK, 2026-02-CLIMATE, 2026-02-COMMUNITIES: Opening 08 Jan 2026; Deadline 14 April 2026

2026-03-GOVERNANCE: Opening 08 Jan 2026; Deadline 12 Mar 2026

2026-04-GOVERNANCE-01: Opening 25 Aug 2026; Deadline 26 Nov 2026

2027-01-BIODIV, 2027-01-CIRCBIO, 2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION, 2027-02-FARM2FORK, 2027-02-CLIMATE, 2027-02-COMMUNITIES, 2027-03-GOVERNANCE: Opening 26 Nov 2026; Deadline 09 Mar 2027

2027-01-BIODIV-two-stage, 2027-01-CIRCBIO-two-stage, 2027-02-FARM2FORK-two-stage, 2027-02-CLIMATE-two-stage: Opening 26 Nov 2026; Deadlines 09 Mar 2027 (Stage 1), 14 Sep 2027 (Stage 2).

The CL6 work programme draft can be found in the following link: Cluster 6 – Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture, and environment

(Details for all topics are provided below, ordered by decreasing microfluidic relevance)

Discover more!

Horizon Europe Cluster 6 2026-2027 Calls ordered by microfluidic relevance

Download the Cluster 6 2026-2027 Call Calendar

TOPICS WITH Microfluidics RELEVANCE ≥ 50% (sorted by decreasing relevance)

***** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-07 – TOWARDS COMMERCIALIZATION OF FOOD SYSTEMS MICROBIOME SOLUTIONS

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 17.50; Expected EU contribution/project (M€): 8.75; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Push promising microbiome‑based solutions along the last translational mile: pilot manufacturing, validation in operational environments, regulatory and safety dossiers, consumer/market readiness, and integration in food value chains. Prioritizes demonstrators that reduce environmental footprint and improve resilience/health aspects of food systems.
Why microfluidics matters:
- High‑throughput screening and optimization of microbial consortia in droplet microfluidics to accelerate strain/consortium selection and formulation robustness.
- Miniaturized bioprocess development (parallelized micro‑bioreactors) to de‑risk scale‑up and map design space (pH, oxygen, feed strategies) under industry‑relevant conditions.
- On‑chip analytics (metabolites, viscosity, rheology, live/dead, biofilm propensity) to compress iteration times from weeks to days.
- Regulatory‑aligned QC workflows (sterility, contamination, batch consistency) using lab‑on‑chip methods that can port to GMP environments.
- Encapsulation/micro‑delivery formats (e.g., microgels) to stabilize live microbes or post‑biotics in real matrices.

***** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-11 – INTEGRATING A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE IN MICROBIOME RESEARCH FOR RESILIENT, COMPETITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 13.50; Expected/project: 6.00-7.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Advance integrative microbiome science across the food system (soil-plant-animal-human interfaces), bringing together multi-omics, longitudinal field studies, and system-level modelling to derive actionable interventions for resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability. Emphasis on harmonized methods, data interoperability, and translation across sectors.
Why microfluidics matters:
- Single‑cell & droplet-based culturomics to access uncultured taxa and quantify interaction networks.
- Lab‑on‑chip perturbation platforms to test diet, stressors, or agrochemical exposures on complex communities.
- Ultra‑low‑volume library prep and on‑chip sample handling reduce bias/costs for metagenomics/metabolomics.
- Standardization: Microfluidics can contribute to interoperable on-chip SOPs and reference materials for cross-study comparability.

**** HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-03 – DEVELOPING METHODS TO ASSESS THE PRESENCE, FUNCTIONS, AND SENSITIVITY OF GROUNDWATER ECOSYSTEMS

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 10.00; Expected/project: ~5.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Develop robust methodologies to detect and characterize groundwater biota and functions, link ecological status to pressures, and build risk indicators and sensitivity thresholds to inform policy. Includes method harmonisation and integration in monitoring frameworks.
Why microfluidics matters:
- In‑situ and portable chips for eDNA/eRNA capture, pre‑concentration and qPCR/CRISPR‑based detection from low‑biomass samples.
- On‑chip micro‑ecosystem assays to probe functional responses (e.g., redox cycling, nutrient turnover) under controlled gradients mimicking aquifer conditions.
- Droplet & digital assays for sensitive quantification of rare taxa and AMR genes.

**** HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01-TWO-STAGE – DECONTAMINATE AND BIOREMEDIATE AQUATIC POLLUTION

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 23.00; Expected/project: 7.00-8.00; # projects: 3
Scientific focus: Deliver effective solutions – especially life‑science/biotech‑based – to bioremediate and decontaminate marine, freshwater, and groundwater pollution, focusing on PFAS, antimicrobials, and microplastics; integrate effect‑based and high‑resolution monitoring and demonstrate pollutant pathways to guide management actions.
Why microfluidics matters:
- High‑throughput screening of strains/enzymes/sorbents against PFAS & CECs in droplet reactors.
- Chip‑integrated effect‑based assays (cell‑on‑chip, organ‑on‑chip) to quantify toxicity reduction.
- Microfluidic fractionation of micro‑/nanoplastics and on‑chip sensors for in‑line monitoring during pilots.

**** HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-07 – ADVANCING THE EUROPEAN BIO‑BASED INNOVATION ENABLED BY BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOMANUFACTURING CONCEPTS

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 4.00; # projects: 3
Scientific focus: Develop next‑gen biomanufacturing concepts (strain engineering, continuous bioprocesses, modular units), with attention to productivity, robustness, standardization, and sustainability metrics in bio‑based value chains.
Why microfluidics matters:
- µ‑bioreactor arrays for design‑build‑test‑learn at minimal volumes;
- On‑chip PAT (optical/impedance/chemistry) for real‑time control;
- Scaling laws from chip‑to‑pilot using microfluidics ’s multiphase/segmented‑flow expertise.

**** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-03 – MICROBIOME FOR LIVESTOCK SUSTAINABILITY AND HEALTH WITHIN A ONE HEALTH APPROACH

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 13.00; Expected/project (M€): 6.50; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Integrate host–microbiome knowledge for livestock health, productivity, and reduced emissions/AMR within a One Health frame; combine longitudinal cohorts, multi‑omics, and intervention studies.
Why microfluidics matters:
- Gastro‑intestinal organ‑on‑chip to evaluate feed additives/probiotics under realistic shear, pH and mucus conditions.
- Single‑cell analytics to map microbial responders and resistance gene mobility.
- Rapid on‑farm chips for pathogen/AMR surveillance (sample‑to‑answer).

**** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-06 – ADVANCED INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR IMPROVED COMPETITIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY IN CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE (CEA)

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Demonstrate advanced CEA (greenhouses, vertical farming) integrating sensing, automation, decision support, and circular resource use to raise efficiency and cut inputs/emissions. Emphasizes interoperability and robust business cases.
Why microfluidics matters:
- Microfluidic nutrient dosing & analysis loops for hydroponics/aeroponics;
- Lab‑on‑chip plant phenotyping (phytohormones, nutrient status, pathogens) for closed‑loop control;
- µ‑reactors for on‑site biostimulant production/conditioning.

*** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-06 – HEALTH OF ECOSYSTEMS AND WILD SPECIES, PREDICTIONS AND IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 14.00; Expected/project: 7.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Link ecosystem health indicators and stressors to human health via One Health surveillance, modelling and early‑warning, integrating biodiversity, pathogen dynamics and exposure pathways.
Why microfluidics matters: Fieldable microfluidic assays (eDNA/eRNA, vector/pathogen chips), point‑of‑use toxin/biomarker sensors, and organ‑on‑chip models for cross‑species risk assessment.

*** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-02 – TACKLING PESTICIDE RESISTANCE: EARLY DETECTION, MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES, AND FORESIGHT

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Build early‑warning and surveillance for resistance, develop integrated management strategies, modelling, and foresight to prevent resistance spread.
Why microfluidics matters: On‑chip genotyping of resistance markers, rapid phenotyping of sensitivity in micro‑droplets, and field‑portable sample‑to‑answer for advisory systems.

*** HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-03 – DEVELOPING MANAGED AQUIFER RECHARGE TECHNIQUES (MAR) IN A RURAL CONTEXT

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Develop and demonstrate MAR solutions tailored to rural settings, aligned with CIS guidance, addressing hydrogeology, water quality, design/operation, monitoring, and governance.
Why microfluidics matters:
- Porous‑media chips to study clogging, redox fronts, and biofilm dynamics under MAR conditions;
- In‑situ micro‑sensors for nutrients, metals, and microbial indicators;
- On‑chip fate/transport assays for PFAS/CEC attenuation.

*** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-08 – BIOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATION FOR CCU

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: ~6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Develop biotechnological CO₂/CO valorization routes (microbial, enzymatic) with improved yields, productivity, and integrability into industrial ecosystems, including sustainability and techno-economic assessments.
Why microfluidics matters: Gas-liquid microreactors for mass‑transfer-limited CCU, screening of acetogens/methanotrophs in droplets, and on-chip TEA/LCA data streams via PAT.

** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-01 – DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE PHYTOSANITARY TREATMENTS FOR REGULATED PLANT PESTS

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Pilot novel phytosanitary treatments (efficacy, residue, safety), develop standardized protocols and demonstration in real supply chains, including regulatory interfaces.
Why microfluidics matters: On‑chip exposure chambers for pest/pathogen life‑stages, dose-response mapping at scale, and micro‑encapsulation strategies for targeted delivery/reduced residues.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-08 – AI‑POWERED FOODOME CHARACTERIZATION

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 8.00; # projects: 1
Scientific focus: Build AI‑ready pipelines for foodome (chemical/nutritional/hazard profiles) across real matrices; integrate high‑throughput measurement, data fusion, and validation in industry settings.
Why microfluidics matters: Front-end sample prep on chip (cleanup, extraction, derivatization), µ-scale separations feeding MS/NMR, and inline quality sensors for factory deployment.

** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-04 – ACCELERATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF BREEDING TOOLS FOR PERENNIAL CROPS, SPECIFICALLY FRUIT AND NUT TREES

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Develop and integrate breeding tools (genotyping, phenotyping, speed breeding) for perennials; address climate resilience, pests, and quality traits with interoperable data and field validation.
Why microfluidics matters: Single‑pollen/seed assays on chip, µ‑fluidic phenotyping (hormone/volatile flux), and ultra-low input genomics to accelerate selection cycles.

** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-13 – BOOSTING PLANT HEALTH AND REDUCING LOSSES ON FARM AND DURING STORAGE FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN AFRICA (FNSSA)

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Demonstrate practical interventions that reduce field and storage losses in African contexts (plant health, diagnostics, storage tech, IPM), with capacity‑building and local value‑chain integration.
Why microfluidics matters: Portable microfluidic diagnostics for pests/pathogens/mycotoxins, low‑cost on‑chip sensors for storage conditions (humidity, volatiles), and micro‑encapsulated treatments.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-03 – IMPROVE THE CAPACITY TO MONITOR AND REDUCE AIR POLLUTION FROM AGRICULTURE

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Develop and validate monitoring/mitigation strategies for agri‑air pollution (e.g., NH₃, PM, VOCs), linking measurement, modelling, and interventions.
Why microfluidics matters: µ‑gas sensors & micro‑preconcentrators for NH₃/VOCs, aerosol‑on‑chip characterization, and sensor fusion with data models.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-01 – INCREASING THE RESILIENCE OF AGRICULTURE IN WATER‑ AND NUTRIENT‑SCARCE ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH DIGITAL INNOVATIONS

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Deploy digital sensing/decision tools to manage scarce water/nutrients; integrate agronomy, remote sensing, and farm‑level automation.
Why microfluidics matters: Soil‑pore‑scale chips to study nutrient transport, sap‑flow micro‑sensors, and on-chip nutrient monitoring for precision fertigation.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-03-GOVERNANCE-04 – ADVANCING OCEAN OBSERVATION: ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES AND OBSERVING SYSTEMS DESIGN FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 15.00; Expected/project: 5.00; # projects: 3
Scientific focus: Co‑design and validate new ocean observing technologies and system architectures, improving coverage, interoperability, and sustainability of observing networks.
Why microfluidics matters: Lab‑on‑chip nutrient & pH sensors for autonomous platforms, biofouling‑resistant micro‑analysers, and compact micro‑samplers.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-01 – INTEGRATING REMOTE SENSING AND IN‑SITU OBSERVATIONS OF BIODIVERSITY, TOWARDS A FULLY INTEROPERABLE OBSERVATION AND DATA FRAMEWORK

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 10.00; Expected/project: 5.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Build interoperable frameworks that connect in‑situ biodiversity observations with RS products, enabling indicators and policy‑relevant monitoring.
Why microfluidics matters: microfluidics can supply standardized on‑site sampling cartridges (eDNA/eRNA/chemistry) that dovetail with RS products and data pipelines.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-02 – TECHNICAL INNOVATION TO PROTECT ECOSYSTEMS AND TO SCALE UP THEIR RESTORATION

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 14.00; Expected/project: 7.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Demonstrate restoration technologies at scale (monitoring, adaptive management, supply‑chain tools), with robust ecological and socio‑economic KPIs.
Why microfluidics matters: In‑field micro‑assays for soil/water health and portable biosensors to steer restoration actions in near‑real time.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-CLIMATE-02 – TOWARDS THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURES OF THE FUTURE

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 10.00; Expected/project: 5.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Design and validate resilient water infrastructures, integrating sensor networks, digital twins, and nature‑based options for droughts/floods/quality.
Why microfluidics matters: Networkable micro‑analysers for contaminants/nutrients, and lab-on-chip early‑warning modules for plant operators.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-CLIMATE-04 – CARBON FARMING INNOVATION AND SCALE‑UP

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Pilot and scale carbon‑farming practices with robust MRV, permanence, and economics.
Why microfluidics matters: Soil‑on‑chip microcosms to quantify carbon stabilization processes and in‑situ microsensors for soil gases and dissolved organics.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-CLIMATE-01-TWO-STAGE – OPEN TOPIC: INNOVATIVE SOLUTION FOR THE WATER RESILIENCE STRATEGY

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 10.00; Expected/project: 5.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Open innovation for EU Water Resilience Strategy-deployable tech with measurable resilience gains.
Why microfluidics matters: Compact treatment/monitoring modules (e.g., PFAS pre‑concentration + sensor), micro‑scale process intensification for distributed water systems.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01 – REPLACING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES IN BIOCIDAL PRODUCTS

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 4.00; # projects: 3
Scientific focus: Develop safer, effective alternatives to hazardous actives in biocides; include mode‑of‑action evidence and risk/benefit assessments.
Why microfluidics matters: High‑content micro‑bioassays for efficacy/cytotoxicity, time‑resolved on‑chip kinetics, and micro‑encapsulation to tune delivery while reducing exposure.

Calls with 49-45% microfluidic relevance

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-07 – STRENGTHENING THE EU PLANT PROTECTION ECOSYSTEM FOR A FUTURE‑PROOF AGRICULTURE – 49%

Type of action: CSA
Budget (M€): 3.00, # projects: 1

Scientific objectives

Build a coordinated EU “plant protection ecosystem” spanning research, policy, and practice.
Promote cross-border cooperation, training, and harmonized practices to reduce pesticide use while maintaining yields.
Strengthen preparedness and response for plant health crises, including surveillance and risk communication.
Ensure multi-actor participation (authorities, researchers, farmers, SMEs) and portability across agro-climatic regions.

Why microfluidics could add value

Rapid on‑site diagnostics (lab‑on‑chip) for pathogen/pest detection in plant tissues, seeds, or irrigation water.
Droplet microfluidics to screen biocontrol agents, phage cocktails, or RNA‑based actives at high throughput.
Microfluidic aerosolization for precisely dosed application prototypes, reducing active substance use.
Field‑deployable microfluidic sensors to monitor residue, environmental drift, and soil health during trials.
Interfacing microfluidic data streams with digital twins for crop protection strategies.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02 – BIOREMEDIATION OF UKRAINE’S ECOSYSTEMS CONTAMINATED BY CONFLICTS – 49%

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 12.00; # projects: 2

Scientific objectives

Deploy biotechnology and nature‑based solutions to remediate conflict‑induced contamination and restore ecosystem services in Ukraine.
Provide communities and authorities with innovative remediation options aligned with the EU’s upcoming Life Sciences Strategy and Biotech Act.
Contribute to recovery, circularity, and environmental upgrading in war-affected areas.

Why microfluidics could add value

Microfluidic environmental assays to rapidly profile contaminants (heavy metals, explosives residues, fuels, PFAS) in soil/sediment/water on site.
High‑throughput screening of microbial consortia/enzymes for biodegradation; gradient chips to optimize conditions (pH, nutrients, electron acceptors).
Micro‑bioreactors for scale‑down testing of bio‑stimulation/augmentation, coupled with real‑time sensors.
Lab‑on‑chip toxicity panels (algae, daphnia surrogates) supporting risk assessment and treatment validation.
Portable flow systems to pilot in‑situ immobilized enzyme/microbe reactors for groundwater or leachate polishing.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-01‑TWO‑STAGE – OPEN TOPIC: IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR BY ENHANCING THE EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF INPUTS – 49%

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 15.00, Expected/project: 5.00, # projects: 3

Why microfluidics could add value

Soil/leaf nutrient micro-assays enable variable-rate fertilization with reduced input.
Real‑time microfluidic nitrate/phosphate sensors for fertigation optimization.
Microreactor routes to greener adjuvants/formulations improving uptake with lower dose.
On‑farm lab‑on‑chip analytics to benchmark input efficiency and crop response.
Embedded microfluidics in irrigation hardware to meter micro‑doses with high precision.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-08 – ENHANCING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF ORGANIC CROP BREEDING: FOCUS ON INTERCROPPING ADAPTED VARIETIES – 49%

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00, Expected/project: 6.00, # projects: 2

Scientific objectives

Breed and test varieties adapted to intercropping under organic conditions.
Generate evidence on yield stability, resilience, and product quality in intercrop systems.
Provide tools and protocols for variety evaluation and seed sector uptake.
Engage value‑chain actors to accelerate adoption and market acceptance.

Why microfluidics could add value

Seed‑scale phenotyping (hormone exudates, root metabolomics) using microfluidic chips.
Rhizosphere‑on‑chip devices to study plant-microbe-plant interactions in intercrops.
High‑throughput microfluidic screens for microbial inoculants compatible with organic systems.
Microfluidic Imaging for Rapid Pathogen Detection in Organic Seed Lots.
Assay miniaturization reduces costs and time in multi-site breeding pipelines.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-03 – DEVELOPING NOVEL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES FOR COMPLEX PLASTIC MATERIALS APPLYING BIOTECH SOLUTIONS – 49%

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 10.00, Expected/project: 5.00, # projects: 2

Scientific objectives

Advance biotech routes (microbes/enzymes) to recycle multi‑material /multilayer/composite plastics.
Address hazard and SSbD aspects; propose updates to regulatory assessments.
Demonstrate at pilot scale with full value‑chain participation; include LCA/TEA evidence.

Why microfluidics could add value

Droplet microfluidics to evolve/screen enzyme libraries for hard‑to‑depolymerize polymers.
Micro-bioreactors for kinetics, inhibition mapping, and process intensification at low reagent volumes.
Lab‑on‑chip analytics (e.g., monomer/oligomer release) enabling rapid feedback into biocatalyst design.
Membrane microreactors for continuous enzymatic depolymerization trials.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-09 – INCREASING THE CIRCULARITY OF BIO‑BASED SECTOR: UPCYCLING AND RECYCLING FOR HIGHER VALUE AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS – 49%

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 12.00, Expected/project: 6.00, # projects: 2

Scientific objectives

Demonstrate upcycling and recycling pathways in bio‑based value chains, with robust sustainability and business cases.
Map and optimize biomass waste flows; create/strengthen at least five platforms connecting suppliers and users.
Develop digital tools for traceability and a “digital marketplace” for bio‑resources; identify regulatory/standardization bottlenecks.

Why microfluidics could add value

Micro‑assays to characterize heterogeneous bio‑waste feedstocks (sugars, inhibitors, metals) rapidly.
Screening chips for enzymes/microbes to upcycle side‑streams (lignin valorization).
Integrated micro‑LCA sensors (COD/BOD chips) in pilots to quantify environmental performance.
Flow chemistry microreactors to prototype mild conversion routes to higher‑value molecules.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-02 – ENHANCING KNOWLEDGE ON FEED ADDITIVES WITH EFFECTS ON GHG MITIGATION AND FEED EFFICIENCY – 49%

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00, Expected/project: 6.00, # projects: 2

Scientific objectives

Build the science base on feed additives that reduce enteric methane / improve feed conversion.
Harmonize measurement protocols, address safety and efficacy concerns, and ensure regulatory readiness.

Why microfluidics could add value

Rumen‑on‑chip or micro‑fermentation to quantify methane precursors and additive efficacy at scale.
Microfluidic metabolomics for host-microbiome-additive interactions.
Miniaturized gas‑analysis chips for rapid CH₄/CO₂ readout in bench tests.
Formulation microreactors to stabilize actives/encapsulates with controlled release.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-12 – EXPLORING THE MICROBIOME WORLD TO UNCOVER FOOD SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS – 49 %

Type of action : CSA
Budget (M€): 2.00, # projects: 1
Scientific objectives
- Coordination action to aggregate and translate R&I knowledge on microbiomes for sustainable, healthy, and competitive food systems.
- Scoping of expected outcomes: market access to microbiome solutions, standardized methods for reliable production at scale, and integration with EU policies (Bioeconomy, Biotech & Biomanufacturing, Food 2030).
Why microfluidics can help
- High-flow microfluidic platforms for the screening of microbial consortia (co-cultures, nutrient/oxygen gradients) and the staging of microbioindustrial processes.
- Parallel micro-bioreactors for formulation optimization, robustness, and industrial reproducibility.
- Data interoperability: standardized output formats (growth trajectories, miniaturized models) useful for “standards & policy” work packages.
- TRL 5-7 demonstrators combining microfluidic sensors and low-cost omic analyses for field pilots (farms, workshops).

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-01-TWO-STAGE – OPEN TOPIC: IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR BY ENHANCING THE EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF INPUTS

Type of action: IA.
Budget (M€): 15.00. Expected/project: ~5.00. # projects: 3.
Scientific focus:
- Demonstrate, at scale, prototypes of innovations and farming practices that reduce and/or optimise inputs (fertilisers, water, PPP, energy).
- Aim for high TRL (7-8) pilots in real-life operations with multi-actor involvement.
- Include data, digital, and automation elements where useful, and ensure pathways to wide adoption (business models, advisory support).
- Allow financial support to third parties (FSTP) and follow blind evaluation at 1st stage.
Why microfluidics could fit:
- Lab‑on‑chip nutrient and pesticide sensors for on‑farm, real‑time input optimization (fertigation, variable‑rate spraying).
- Micro‑bioreactors for testing bio‑inputs (biostimulants/biocontrols) and enabling dose‑response characterization with tiny sample volumes.
- Point‑of‑use water‑quality chips (nitrates, phosphates) to close loops in irrigation reuse.
- Microfluidics can supply prototype hardware for pilots and help industrialize compact sensing modules.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-05 – BOOSTING CIRCULARITY AND DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGIES OF TERRESTRIAL LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEMS – 48%

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 13.00, Expected/project: 6.50, # projects: 2

Scientific objectives

Design and validate circular livestock models (feed/manure nutrient loops, diversification).
Quantify environmental and socio‑economic performance; multi‑actor pilots across regions.
Address logistics, digitalization, and decision support for farm/territorial scales.

Why microfluidics could add value

On-farm microfluidic nutrient sensors (ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, VFAs) guiding valorisation.
Micro‑AD on‑chip screening to optimize co‑digestion recipes.
Rapid residue/toxin chips for alternative feeds and side‑streams.
Lab‑on‑chip health diagnostics supporting resilient, low‑input herd management.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-14 – GREEN TRANSITION FOOD PROCESSING AFRICA – 48%

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 10.00, Expected/project: 5.00, # projects: 2

Scientific objectives

Accelerate green processing innovations in African food chains with EU‑AU cooperation.
Improve energy/water efficiency, safety, and nutritional quality; build local capacity.

Why microfluidics could add value

Low-cost lab‑on‑chip for pathogen and mycotoxin screening in decentralized settings.
Microreactors for enzymatic processing (e.g., fortification, allergen reduction) with minimal utilities.
Point‑of‑process analytics (pH, sugars, contaminants) enabling leapfrog QC in SMEs.
Portable microfluidic water testing to safeguard processing water reuse.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-03 – ADVANCED RECOVERY OF CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS FROM WASTE FROM ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE) – 48%

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 10.00, Expected/project: 5.00, # projects: 2

Scientific objectives

Develop and demonstrate advanced processes to identify, separate, and recover critical raw materials from WEEE streams.
Enhance characterization of mixed and complex WEEE to facilitate circularity and industrial adoption.

Why microfluidics could add value

Micro‑assays for selective leaching/solvent extraction screening at ppm-ppb levels.
Lab‑on‑chip analytics for rare‑earth/precious‑metal speciation inline.
Microreactor crystallization/electrowinning prototypes for high-purity recovery with low reagents.
Sensorised micro‑separation (dielectrophoresis/magnetophoresis) concepts for fine fractions.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-05 – COORDINATED EUROPEAN CONTRIBUTION TO WMO GHG WATCH – 45%

Type of action: CSA
Budget (M€): 7.00, # projects: 1

Why microfluidics could add value

Micro‑GC/µ‑spectroscopy front‑ends for calibration/validation workflows in GHG observations.
Microfluidic sampling modules improving temporal resolution/portability for in‑situ networks.
Chip‑level permeation standards for trace‑gas calibration transfer across sites.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-08 – BOOSTING DATA AVAILABILITY AND AI SOLUTIONS IN THE FOOD SYSTEM FOR CONSUMERS AND FOOD SERVICES PROFESSIONALS – 45%

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 15.00, Expected/project: 5.00, # projects: 3

Why microfluidics could add value

Smart packaging micro-sensors (for freshness and spoilage volatiles) feeding AI platforms.
Point-of-sale micro-assays for allergens or contaminants, enabling safer food services.
In‑kitchen microfluidic QA devices generating labelled datasets for AI models.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-COMMUNITIES-02 – EMPOWERING LOCAL URBAN FOOD SYSTEMS ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION – 45%

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 12.00, Expected/project: 6.00, # projects: 2

Scientific objectives

Build local entrepreneurship capacity for urban food systems and pilot innovative infrastructure.
Foster multi‑actor collaboration and inclusive models; improve sustainability metrics and digital tools.

Why microfluidics could add value

Compact food‑safety chips for shared kitchens, incubators, and micro‑SMEs.
Micro‑analytics kits for nutrient/contaminant testing in urban farming (hydroponics/vertical).
Plug‑and‑play microreactors for small‑batch fermentation/value‑added processing.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-07 – IMPROVING BIOMASS FLOWS FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY – 45%

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 15.00, Expected/project: 7.50, # projects: 2

Scientific objectives

Improve/administer biomass monitoring & modelling; estimate supply and demand to 2050.
Test the feasibility of biomass reporting across 10 or more countries, enabling platforms and business models.
Link with the JRC Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy and relevant initiatives.

Why microfluidics could add value

Rapid compositional chips for diverse biomass (moisture/sugars/lignin/inhibitors) at collection points.
On-truck micro-assays enable quality-based logistics and pricing.
Micro‑pilot lines to assess valorization options before sending streams to hubs.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-08 – SUPPORTING PRE‑NORMATIVE RESEARCH FOR STANDARDIZATION OF THE BIO‑BASED PRODUCTS – 45%

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 8.00, Expected/project: 4.00, # projects: 2

Scientific objectives

Generate measurement methods, reference data, and harmonized protocols for bio‑based products, feeding standards, and SSbD assessments.

Why microfluidics could add value

Standard‑ready micro‑assays for biodegradation, migration, and eco‑tox endpoints.
Microfluidic reference materials and inter‑lab ring‑test kits.
High‑throughput chips characterizing bio‑based additives/polymers for standards drafting.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-05 – ENHANCING FARMERS PROFITABILITY AND RESILIENCE THROUGH INNOVATIONS FOR DIVERSIFIED CROPS AND VALUE CHAINS – 45%

Type of action: IA
Budget (M€): 12.00, Expected/project: 6.00, # projects: 2

Why microfluidics could add value

On‑farm micro‑assays for quality traits enabling new crop contracts (protein, starch, functional fibres).
Microreactor demos for niche ingredients (ferments, biocolours, extracts) supporting SME value chains.
Lab‑on‑chip safety/quality analytics lowering certification barriers for small producers.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-03 – LIVING LABS FOR THE ERADICATION AND/OR MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES – 45%

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 27.00, Expected/project: 9.00, # projects: 3

Scientific objectives

Set up ≥3 living labs (10-20 experimental sites each) to co-develop and test IAS prevention/eradication/management.
Cover multiple ecosystem types; ensure robust monitoring, transferable solutions, and business models.

Why microfluidics could add value

Environmental DNA (eDNA)‑on‑chip assays for rapid IAS detection in water/soil.
Microfluidic trap sensors (semiochemicals) for surveillance in living labs.
Toxicity/efficacy chips to down‑select eradication tools with minimal non‑target impacts.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-02 – UNDERSTANDING AND TACKLING THE DECLINE OF INSECTS – 45 %

Type of action : RIA
Budget (M€): 13.00, Expected/project: 6.50, # projects: 2
Scientific objectives
- Understand the mechanisms of insect decline (multiple pressures), structure surveillance, and test mitigation measures.
- Multi-scale approaches combining ‑monitoring, ecology, genomics, and modeling to link pressures, population dynamics, and ecosystem impacts.
Why microfluidics can help
- eDNA/eRNA‑ onchip‑ ddPCR microfluidic to detect species/parasites at very low abundance.
- Microtrapping/analysis systems (imaging + inertial sorting) for automated pollinator/pest counting.
- Droplet bioassays (acute/chronic toxicity) for screening mixtures of pollutants and biopesticides.
- Miniature environmental sensors for temperature/humidity/NOx/ozone gradients correlated to local dynamics.

Calls with 44-40% microfluidic relevance

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-09 – BALANCING FOOD SECURITY, BIOECONOMY, CLIMATE AND BIODIVERSITY OBJECTIVES – 40 %

Type of action: RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00 • Expected/project: 6.00 • # projects: 2
Scientific objectives
- Develop analytical frameworks and tools to arbitrate between food security, bioeconomy objectives, climate, and biodiversity.
- Integration of multisource data and scripting to guide strategies and policies. ‑
Microfluidic input
- Screening of bio-based materials (barriers, coatings) at the micro scale to quantify durability/performance (permeation, release).
- Experimental Micro‑ LCA: microreactor benches to quantify yields/emissions at small scale and feed the arbitrage models.
- Microfluidic sensors (water/air quality) for field data that can be integrated into multi-objective models.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-07 – BOOSTING AGROBIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVENESS – 40 %

Type of action : RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00 • Expected/project: 6.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives
- Increase agrobiodiversity for resilience, quality, and competitiveness.
- Follow-up ecosystem services, sol-microbio-material interactions, adoption by sectors.
Microfluidic input
- Racinaire microbiote on-chip phenotyping (nutrient flow, exudates) to select varieties/associations.
- Rapid diagnostics (plant pathogens, abiotic stress) via portable microfluidic immunoassays.
- Screening of bioinputs (microbial consortia) in multiphase microbioreactors.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-01 – IMPROVING CIRCULARITY OF MULTILAYER FLEXIBLE PLASTIC FOOD CONTACT PACKAGING – 40 %

Type of action : IA
Budget (M€): 12.00 • Expected/project: 6.00 • # projects: 2
- Objectives Circulation solutions for multilayer packaging in food contact (separation, recycling, safety, traceability).
Microfluidic input
- Microreactor for depolymerization-controlled solvolysis and kinetic study on multilayer samples.
- Micro‑separations (membranes/electrowetting) for testing delamination‑ and de-inking processes.
- Microchannel migration test cells to assess safety (NIAS, barriers).

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-02-TWO-STAGE – OPEN TOPIC: UNCOVERING THE CAUSES OF SPECIFIC SPECIES’ RAPID DECLINE AND EXPLORING ACTIONABLE SOLUTIONS – 40 %

Type of action : RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00 • Expected: 3.00 • # projects: 4
Objectives
- Open calls focused on very rapid species decline: combine observation, diagnosis, experimentation, and operational solutions.
Microfluidic input
- eDNA/eRNA on-chip, μimmuno‑assays, and μsensors for final monitoring‑ and multistress exposure experiments.
- Organs‑on-chip‑/ecotoxicologically embodied to test early life cycle mitigation measures.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-06 – UNLEASHING THE POTENTIAL OF SUSTAINABLE SMALL‑SCALE AQUATIC FOOD PRODUCTION – 40 %

Type of action : IA
Budget (M€): 12.00 • Expected: 6.00 • #projects: 2
Objectives:

Practical solutions for small-scale aquaculture: technical innovation, business models, capacity transfer for implementation.

- Address climate impacts, ecological footprint, animal welfare, ecosystem services.
Microfluidic input
- Microfluidic sensors (oxygen, ammonium, micropollutants) for basins and RAS systems.
- Pathogenic lab‑on‑chip (virus/bacteria) for biosafety in hatchery/livestock farming.
- Online management (μfluidic loops + IoT) for water/energy consumption.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-09 – AFRICAN UNION – EUROPEAN UNION PARTNERSHIP ON FNSSA – 40 %

Type of action : CSA
Budget: 7.00 • # projects: 1
Objectives
- Strategic AU‑ UE FNSSA coordination: alignment, roadmaps, capacity building, and innovation deployment.
Microfluidic input
- Field kits (water, contaminants, mycotoxins), robust microfluidic/ low-cost adapted to African contexts.
- Technological transfers (miniaturized methods, training) to R&I FNSSA hubs and living food labs.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-02-TWO-STAGE – OPEN TOPIC: BOOSTING ORGANIC FARMING FOR A COMPETITIVE, SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT FARMING SECTOR – 40 %

Type of action: RIA.
Budget (M€): 12.00. Expected/project: 6.00. # projects: 2.
Scientific focus:
- Solutions to increase performance and resilience in organic systems (yields, labor efficiency, risk).
- Weed and pest management alternatives, biodiversity-friendly practices, and valorization of products (including processing, storage, and risk assessment).
- Strong knowledge transfer with AKIS/EIP‑AGRI; collaboration with Agroecology Partnership; possible JRC involvement.
Why microfluidics could fit:
- On-farm microbiome/soil health chips to track biological activity supportive of organic practices.
- Rapid residue‑free diagnostics (e.g., pathogen detection) to underpin non‑chemical control decisions.
- Microencapsulation (microfluidic emulsification) of bio‑inputs for controlled release and improved shelf‑life.
- Provide portable analytical kits for farmer-led trials and living‑lab validation.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-02-TWO-STAGE – OPTIMISING THE WATER‑NUTRIENT‑ENERGY NEXUS FOR SUSTAINABLE AND CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA (FNSSA) – 40 %

Type of action: RIA.
Budget (M€): 15.00. Expected/project: 5.00. # projects: 3.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Low-cost field kits for water quality (nutrients, contaminants) and soil nutrient sensing to balance the nexus.
- Energy-frugal, battery- and solar-powered LoC devices suitable for rural African contexts.
- Decentralized diagnostics to support irrigation/fertigation scheduling and reduce losses.

Calls with 39-35% microfluidic relevance

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-04 – PUSHING THE FRONTIER OF KNOWLEDGE AND CONSERVATION ACTION FOR DEEP SEA ECOSYSTEMS – 35 %

Type of action : RIA
Budget (M€): 20.0 • Expected: 10.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives
- Mapping bathy/abyssal habitats, deploying imagery, acoustics, genomics, and rapid taxonomy; establish baselines, spatiotemporal dynamics, and cumulative impacts (climate, noise, uses).
- Define EOV/EBV, indicators/monitoring approaches, and long-term modeling for management/mitigation.
Microfluidic input
- Very low volume samples μlabos embarked (eDNA, nutrients) for benthic platforms/ROV.
- Cytometry-on-chip for microplankton and long-term chemical (pH, nutrients) sensors.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-05 – UNDERSTANDING BIOMASS FLOWS IN EUROPE – 35 %

Type of action : RIA
Budget (M€): 6.00 • Expected: 3.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives
- Final mapping of biomass flows (primary/secondary), harmonization of indicators, and filling in data gaps.
Microfluidic input
- Analyses of composition by micro‑reactor and μchromatography to calibrate the flow profiles.
- Conversion tests (hydrolysis, fermentation) in microfluidic reactors for parameters/emissions.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-04 – CAPACITY BUILDING FOR EXTENDING PRODUCT LIFECYCLES THROUGH REPAIR AND REFURBISHMENT – 35 %

Type of action : RIA
Budget (M€): 10.00 • Expected: 5.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives
- Develop solutions/ skills to extend the lifespan (diagnosis, repair, reconditioning) and deploy in urban/industrial ecosystems.

Microfluidic input

- Non-destructive microfluidic tests (sealing, microchannels, exchangers) for rapid re‑qualification of subsystems.
- Design of fluidic modules (quick couplings, self-detachable surfaces).

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-06 – TOWARDS A EUROPE OF BIOECONOMY PLACES – 35 %

Type of action : RIA
Budget (M€): 12.00 • Expected: 6.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives
- Qualify and network ‘Bioeconomy Places’ with environmental/social/eco indicators, increased skills, and investments.
Microfluidic input
- Territorial demonstrators (water/air/soil) via microfluidic sensors to objectify the “places” indicators.
- Micro-bioreactor for local valorization of bioresources (agro/urban waste).

HORIZON-CL6-2026-04-GOVERNANCE-01 – ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP OF AGRICULTURE OF DATA – 35 %

Type of action: COFUND
Budget (M€): 60.00 (23.00 M€ in 2026 + 37.00 M€ in 2027) • # projects: 1
Objectives
- Co-finance additional activities of the EP «Agriculture of Data», strengthen interoperability of data and services for agriculture/climate/biodiversity.
Microfluidic input
- Sensor data flows (water/soil/air) from microfluidic platforms to feed the Agriculture of Data ecosystem (interoperable).
- Use‑cases demonstrating the value of granular micromeasurement for MRV, agroecology, and adaptive management.

Calls with 34-30% microfluidic relevance

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-03 – BOOSTING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF PROTEIN CROPS IN EUROPE – 30 %

Type of action: IA
Budget: 12.00 M€ • Expected: 6.00 M€ • # projects: 2
Objective: strengthen the performance/value chains of protein crops (varieties, practices, processing), competitiveness, and sustainability.
Microfluidics input: enzymatic screenings and microfluidic fractionation of proteins, online quality analyses (antinutrients), microbioreactors for texturing/soft procedures.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-08 – ADVANCING BASIC KNOWLEDGE & TOOLS FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF KEY MIGRATORY FISH SPECIES – 30 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 16.00 • Expected: 8.00 • # projets: 2
Objectives: migration ecology, multifactor pressures, management tools, and corridor restoration.
Microfluidics input: μlabs eDNA‑ for species detection, water quality sensor, and bioassay for sublethal effects.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-02 – SOCIAL DRIVERS OF SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN AGRICULTURE – 30 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 12.00 • Expected: 6.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: understanding the social factors (employment, equity, attractiveness) conditioning agricultural social sustainability; policy recommendations.
Microfluidics contribution: sensor data (exposure, fluid ergonomics for spraying/doses) as factual inputs to the analysis of working conditions.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-03 – ADVANCING THE UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE CAPACITY & DELIVERING ON THE OCEAN DECADE – 30 %

Action: CSA
Budget: 9.00 • Expected: 3.00 • # projects: 3
Objectives: capacity, coordination, and dissemination for the Ocean Decade (EU & international).
Microfluidics Contribution: micro-sensor kits and shareable open hardware protocols for coastal/civic observatories.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-04 – SUPPORTING THE ALL‑ATLANTIC OCEAN R&I ALLIANCE – 30 %

Action: CSA
Budget: 5.00 • # projects: 1
Objectives: AAORIA coordination, infrastructure/data sharing, scientific diplomacy.
Microfluidics contribution: data repository for sensors and standardized microfluidic modules for transatlantic networks.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-07 – SUPPORTING THE COHERENCE & EFFECTIVENESS OF EU POLICIES ON AGRI‑FOOD & BIOECONOMY THROUGH SCIENCE FOR POLICY – 30 %

Action: CSA
Budget: 6.00 • # projects: 1
Objectives: science policy‑interface, syntheses, support for agribio-economy policies.
Microfluidics contribution: case of sensors/μanalyses for quantitative proofs that can be integrated into impact evaluations.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-09 – MAKING EU DATA FOR BIODIVERSITY, CLIMATE, WATER, FORESTS, SOILS… READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYDAY DECISION‑MAKING – 30 %

Action: CSA
Budget: 8.00 • Expected: 4.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: openness and usability of EU environmental data.
Microfluidics contribution: data flow from microfluidic sensors (FAIR formats) and connectors to dataspaces.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-10 – EVIDENCE‑INFORMED POLICYMAKING IN A NATURE POSITIVE ECONOMY – 30 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 12.00 • Expected: 6.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: methods and evidence for nature-positive policies (indicators, decision-making tools).
Microfluidics input: field indicators (water/air/soil quality) via sensors to measure the costs/benefits of policy options.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-CLIMATE-03 – STRENGTHENING EVIDENCE‑BASED POLICIES FOR RESILIENCE OF EU AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY AND SUPPLY CHAINS AGAINST CRISES – 30 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 12.00 • Expected: 6.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: multi-risk evidence, analyses (climate, shocks) and measures of resilience of sectors.
Microfluidics input: sensor data for early-warning (hydric/thermal stress), try adaptation practices at microscale.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-04 – ACCELERATING THE TRANSITION TO A NATURE POSITIVE ECONOMY: INTEGRATING BIODIVERSITY INTO THE PRIVATE SECTOR – 30 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 14.00 • Expected: 7.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: biodiversity metrics, data, incentives, financial, and demonstrator mechanisms for the private sector.
Microfluidics input: measurable indicators via μanalysis kits (water/air/discharge quality) that can be integrated into reports (TNFD/CSRD).

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-05 – LIVING LABS DRIVING TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE VIA KNOWLEDGE INTEGRATION & INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE – 30 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 14.00 • Expected: 7.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: multi-stakeholder living environments, knowledge integration and inclusive governance for transformative changes.
Microfluidics contribution: equipment of microfluidic kits for sampling/measuring, and reproducible protocols.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02 – DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE AIR‑QUALITY PLANNING STRATEGIES THROUGH INNOVATIVE MULTI‑SCALE MODELLING – 30 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 10.00 • Expected: 5.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: QA strategies based on innovative multi-scale modeling, and robust data sets.
Microfluidics contribution: networks of microfluidic gas/particle sensors to constrain and validate the models.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-04 – EUROPE‑WIDE ENVIRONMENTAL BENCHMARKING SYSTEM OF THE INDUSTRIAL BIOECONOMY SECTORS – 30 %

Action: CSA
Budget: 3.00 • Expected: 3.00 • # projects: 1
Objectives: pan-European benchmarking framework for industrial bioeconomy sectors.
Microfluidics contribution: microfluidic pilot lines for process benchmarks (yields/emissions) and traceable test sets.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-01 – SCIENCE‑POLICY SUPPORT TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EU AND GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY POLICIES AND STRATEGIES – 30 %

Type of action: CSA.
Budget (M€): 7.50. # projects: 1.
Scientific focus:
- Provide evidence synthesis, knowledge brokerage, and policy dialogues to implement the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Map policy needs, consolidate knowledge, support IPBES/MEAs, and build capacity across MS/AC to inform monitoring, restoration, and protection.
Why microfluidics could fit:
- Supply technical briefs on the use of eDNA lab‑on‑chip and field biosensing for biodiversity monitoring.
- Demonstrate standardization pathways (sampling, QA/QC) that could underpin policy indicators.
- Contribute to capacity‑building modules (training kits, best‑practice protocols) for regulators and observatories.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-03-TWO-STAGE – MAINSTREAMING AND SCALING‑UP EVIDENCE‑BASED NATURE‑BASED SOLUTIONS TOWARDS A NATURE‑POSITIVE AND CLIMATE‑RESILIENT ECONOMY – 30 %

Type of action: RIA.
Budget (M€): 21.00. Expected/project: ~7.00. # projects: 3.
Scientific focus:
- Demonstrate and scale NBS that deliver biodiversity, climate adaptation/mitigation, and socioeconomic value.
- Build replicable business models, financing schemes, and governance tools for NBS uptake in regions/cities/sectors.
- Generate evidence frameworks and impact metrics to mainstream NBS into infrastructure, land‑use, and corporate decision‑making.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- In‑situ water/soil quality chips to quantify NBS performance (nutrients, particulates, toxins) at fine spatiotemporal scales.
- Portable eDNA assays to track biodiversity gains from NBS interventions.
- Supply sensor modules for living labs evaluating NBS in real environments.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-01-TWO-STAGE – UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF CITIZEN ACTION FOR NATURE PROTECTION AND RESTORATION – 30 %

Type of action: RIA.
Budget (M€): 11.00. Expected/project: ~5.50. # projects: 2.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Citizen‑science kits (simple microfluidic cassettes/readers) for water quality and eDNA sampling.
- Low‑cost consumables and training to underpin robust, standardized data streams from volunteers.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-01-TWO-STAGE – OPEN TOPIC: DEVELOP EARTH INTELLIGENCE SOLUTIONS WITH OBSERVATIONS AND STATE‑OF‑THE‑ART AI FOR SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVENESS AND POLICY MAKING – 30 %

Type of action: RIA. Budget (M€): 12.00. Expected/project: ~6.00. # projects: 2.
Scientific focus:
- Build an EO Science Service to insert the best EO science into policy; prototype last‑mile policy applications leveraging Copernicus.
- Address policy use‑cases (obligations, certification, official statistics, compliance); contribute to KCEO Roadmap.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Provide reference environmental sensor datasets (from microfluidic platforms) that can ground‑truth EO products.
- Contribute open hardware interfaces to data assimilation chains (lab/field measurements ↔ EO).

HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-04 – IMPROVING UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF ORGANIC FARMING TO SUSTAINABILITY (CSA) – 30 %

Type of action: CSA.
Budget (M€): 3.00. # projects: 1.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Contribute evidence reviews and method notes on rapid soil/food analytics to quantify sustainability outcomes.
- Standards contributions for low-cost sensors in monitoring frameworks.

Calls with 29-20% microfluidic relevance

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-06 – BIOECONOMY POLICY SUPPORT HUB FOR MEMBER STATES, REGIONS AND SECTORS – 25 %

Action: CSA
Budget: 3.00 • Expected: 3.00 • #projects: 1
Objectives: policy hub for support to States/Regions/Sectors (advice, data, practices).
Microfluidics contribution: techno-economic and feedback on microfluidic/biobased processes to shed light on regulation and standardization.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-10 – BIO‑BASED INNOVATION IN SOCIETY: SUPPORTING THE SUSTAINABLE WAY OF LIVING – 25 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 12.00 • Expected: 4.00 • # projects: 3
Objectives: societal adoption of biobased innovations (behaviors, design, urban logistics).
Microfluidics contribution: demonstrators of reusable objects/fluid packaging, proof of use, and impact measurement (quality/footprint).

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-05 – ENSURING CONTINUOUS EFFECTIVENESS OF PROTECTED AREA – 25 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 13.00 • Expected: 6.50 • # projects: 2
Objectives: continued effectiveness of protected areas in the face of increasing pressures (monitoring, governance, measures).
Microfluidics supply: microfluidic field kits for micronutrients/eDNA and quick diagnostics in isolated areas.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-01 – ENHANCING ECODESIGN & CIRCULARITY OF CONSUMER ELECTRONICS – 25 %

Action: IA
Budget: 10.00 • Expected: 5.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: ecodesign EEE products (durable, repairable, recyclable).
Microfluidics contribution: cooling/fluidic management expertise and microchannel integrity tests onboards/assemblies.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-01-TWO-STAGE – DEPLOYING CIRCULAR SYSTEMicrofluidics SOLUTIONS THROUGH LIVING LABS IN CITIES AND REGIONS (CIRCULAR CITIES AND REGIONS INITIATIVE TOPIC) – 25 %

Type of action: IA. Budget (M€): 10.00. # projects: 2.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Urban waste valorisation pilots using microreactors (e.g., polymer depolymerisation, bioprocess intensification).
- Embedded sorting/quality‑control chips in circular manufacturing lines.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-COMMUNITIES-01 – BOOSTING SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVENESS IN RURAL AREAS THROUGH INNOVATION – 25 %

Type of action: RIA. Budget (M€): 12.00. # projects: 2.
Scientific focus:
- Diversify rural economies via place‑based innovation, strengthen local value chains, and support entrepreneurship.
- Tackle skills, digitalisation, services, and ecosystem building; ensure replication across rural territories.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Local micro‑manufacturing of compact analytical devices as rural SME opportunity.
- Agri‑food testing kits (milk quality, contaminants) enabling distributed labs and new services in rural areas.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-01-TWO-STAGE – DEPLOYING CIRCULAR SYSTEMicrofluidics SOLUTIONS THROUGH LIVING LABS IN CITIES AND REGIONS (CIRCULAR CITIES AND REGIONS INITIATIVE TOPIC) – 25 %

Type of action: IA. Budget (M€): 10.00. Expected/project: ~5.00. # projects: 2.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Modular micro‑processing units for local circular manufacturing; QC micro‑assays for recycled feedstocks.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-COMMUNITIES-01 – STRENGTHENING RURAL COMMUNITIES’ RESILIENCE TO SHOCKS – 25 %

Type of action: RIA. Budget (M€): 12.00. Expected/project: ~6.00. # projects: 2.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Decentralised testing (water/food/environment) to increase preparedness and response capacity in rural areas.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-04 – COLLECTION AND SORTING OF TEXTILES FOR REUSE, REPAIR & DIRECT RECYCLING AT CITY/REGIONAL LEVEL – 20 %

Action: IA
Budget: 10.00 • Expected: 5.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: territorial systems for direct collection/sorting/repair and recycling of textiles.
Microfluidics contribution: micro-separation (fibers/plasticizers/dyes) and microchannel release tests to validate processes.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-06 – ADVANCING INTEGRATED SCENARIOS & PREDICTION MODELS FOR TRANSITION TO A NATURE‑POSITIVE SOCIETY – 20 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 10.00 • Expected: 5.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: integrated scenarios and predictive models for nature-positive trajectories.
Microfluidics input: provide high-resolution soil data (water/soil/air) to calibrate/validate models.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-CLIMATE-01 – TOWARDS EFFECTIVE, FAIR & COHERENT POLICIES FOR CLIMATE MITIGATION/ADAPTATION IN AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY – 20 %

Action: RIA, Budget: 8.00
Objectives: analyses/policy for more effective and equitable climate action in agriculture/forestry.
Microfluidics input: measurement benchmarks (GHG flows, agro-emitters) via minichambers to flux-microfluidic sensors.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-CLIMATE-01 – GOVERNANCE, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & INTERNATIONAL POLITICS OF A FUTURE ICE‑FREE ARCTIC – 20 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 16.00 • Expected: 8.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: governance & politics of an ice-free Arctic; implications for the EU and partners.
Microfluidics contribution: microfluidic sensors resistant to cold for observation and time series useful for governance aspects.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-CLIMATE-05 – ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE OF ANTARCTIC ECOSYSTEMS & CONSEQUENCES ON MARINE CARBON CYCLE – 20 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 24.00 • Expected: 12.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: functioning of Antarctic ecosystems and marine carbon cycle.
Microfluidics input: μsensors and autonomous samplers for cold seas.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-09 – SUSTAINABLE & HEALTHY DIETS FOR CVD PREVENTION WITH DIGITAL APPLICATIONS – 20 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 12.00 • Expected: 6.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: digital applications and nutrition for cardiovascular prevention (behaviors, monitoring).
Microfluidics contribution: microfluidic patches (sweat) and non-invasive biosensors coupled with health nutrition apps.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-02 – ENHANCING ECODESIGN & CIRCULARITY OF CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS – 20 %

Action: IA
Budget: 10.00 • Expected: 5.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: ecodesign and circularity of construction products (materials, disassembly).
Microfluidics contribution: permeation/transport measurements in porous materials using microfluidics, leak-tightness NDT controls.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-07 – FOSTERING COMMON FARMLAND BIRDS & MAMMALS FOR RESILIENT FOOD PRODUCTION SYSTEMS – 20 %

Action: RIA
Budget: 12.00 • Expected: 6.00 • # projects: 2
Objectives: agricultural practices favorably suited to lowland birds/mammals (ecosystem services).
Microfluidics input: sensors (water/air) coupled with biological observations and eDNA kits for species monitoring.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-02 – ADVANCING RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES FOR MIXED POST‑CONSUMER TEXTILES WASTE FROM BLENDED PRODUCTS – 20 %

Type of action: IA. Budget (M€): 12.00. Expected/project: 6.00. # projects: 2.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Microreactors for polymer solvolysis/enzymatic depolymerization screening and process intensification.
- Microfluidic sorting/identification of fibre blends via rapid solvent/thermal micro‑tests to steer closed‑loop flows.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-02-TWO-STAGE – OPEN TOPIC: USING THE CIRCULAR CITIES AND REGIONS INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN URBAN MANUFACTURING IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN INDUSTRIAL DEAL – 20 %

Type of action: IA. Budget (M€): 20.00. Expected/project: 6.00-8.00. # projects: 3.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Urban micro‑factories for chemical/bioprocessing in compact, safe reactors; QC at line‑speed with micro‑assays.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-06 – A SERVICES & BUSINESS INCUBATOR FOR GEOSPATIAL OPEN‑SOURCE DEVELOPMENTS – 20 %

Type of action: CSA. Budget (M€): 6.50. # projects: 1.
Scientific focus:
- Establish a single‑entry hub to incubate geospatial open‑source (GDAL, QGIS, Pangeo, etc.), strengthen software sovereignty and business models.
- Provide market analysis, mentoring, governance/licensing guidance, and cascading funding to OS projects.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Contribute open hardware + geospatial pipelines (sensor → map) from field devices to open EO stacks.
- Participate as an industrial mentor for open hardware + software sustainability.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-02-TWO-STAGE – OPEN TOPIC: USING THE CIRCULAR CITIES AND REGIONS INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN URBAN MANUFACTURING IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN INDUSTRIAL DEAL – 20 %

Type of action: IA. Budget (M€): 20.00. Expected/project: 6.00-8.00. # projects: 3.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Similar to 2026 counterpart: compact circular processing modules and in-line micro‑assays for urban manufacturing.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-05 – INNOVATIVE CIRCULAR SOLUTIONS FOR END‑OF‑LIFE FOOTWEAR THROUGH COLLECTION, SORTING AND RECYCLING – 20 %

Type of action: RIA. Budget (M€): 10.00. Expected/project: 5.00. # projects: 2.
Scientific focus:
- Develop collection/sorting systems and recycling technologies tailored to footwear compositions; generate quality feedstocks and business cases.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Rapid material ID chips (polymer/plasticizer/filler) to classify footwear fractions.
- Microreactor screening for depolymerization/solvent systems; sensorised QA for recycled outputs.

Calls with <20% microfluidic relevance

HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01 – TOWARD A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE DISTURBANCE OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS BY ANTHROPOGENIC UNDERWATER NOISE – 10 %

Type of action: RIA. Budget (M€): 10.00. # projects: 1.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Niche: acoustofluidic biosensors to study noise‑induced stress at micro‑organism level; micro‑sampling for biochemical markers.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-01 – ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY PARTNERSHIP (SBEP) – 10 %

Type of action: COFUND. Budget (M€): 22.00 (2026) + 16.00 (2027). # projects: 1.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Peripheral: contributions via marine sensing modules to downstream SBEP‑funded calls, not the cofund action itself.

HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-10 – STRENGTHENING FOREST RESEARCH FOR THE SUPPORT OF UKRAINE – 10 %

Type of action: RIA. Budget (M€): 6.00. # projects: 1.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- On‑site pathogen detection (forest pests, xylem pathogens) via portable LoC, useful for rapid surveillance and resilience.

HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-10 – SUSTAINABLE AND HEALTHY DIETS BASED ON HEALTH STATUS AND SOCIO‑ECONOMicrofluidics RISK FACTORS OF AGEING POPULATION (CSA) – 10 %

Type of action: CSA. Budget (M€): 2.00. # projects: 1.
Scientific focus:
- Develop dietary recommendations, prevention campaigns, and post‑recovery programmes for older people; guide to MS/AC institutions.
Why Microfluidics could fit:
- Limited: contribute rapid nutrient/biomarker test know-how to evidence‑gathering; not R&D‑heavy for MIC.