Co-creating the next generation platform of pilot and demo infrastructures, unlocking faster innovation and EU bioeconomy growth

!!! IMPORTANT: This is a only a temporary webpage used as long as the full COPILOT website is under construction !!!

The COPILOT project is a Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking Coordination and Support Action that will update, expand and make the Pilots4U database of Open Access Pilot and Demo Infrastructures for the European Bioeconomy future-proof and self-sustainable through co-creation.

Furthermore the project will grow, train and nurture the stakeholder communities linked to this database by means of the “Scale-Up & Growth” and the “Exchange & Connect” Programmes.

About the "Pilots4U powered by COPILOT" project

 

HISTORY: The Pilots4U project (2017 - 2019) and database

Pilots4U (2017-2019): A Network of Open Access Multipurpose Pilot and Demo Facilities for the Bioeconomy

Pilots4U, a BBI-JU CSA project (2017 – 2019) set up one very visible, easily accessible network of open access pilot and multipurpose demo-infrastructures for the European bio-economy by creating an OPEN DATABASE that currently contains more than 100 open access pilot & demo facilities offering scale-up service to innovators active in the bioeconomy. Since pilot- and demo equipment is very expensive and requires specific expertise, open access infrastructures are the most cost-effective manner to support the deployment of industry-driven innovations in the market and to grow the European bioeconomy.

The Pilots4U network also formulated (together with the SmartPilots project) a set of Policy Recommendations (for a summary, see video below) with the aim to further strengthen the ecosystem and boost the growth of the European bioeconomy.

After the project was concluded in 2019, the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant kept the network and database alive, a.o. through the organisation of a yearly Pitch Perfect and Boost the EU Bioeconomy event bringing together industry (start-ups, SMEs, corporates), investors, pilot & demo facilities and many other bioeconomy stakeholders.

The Pilots4U project consortium existed of six partners that were already coordinating bio-economy pilot or multipurpose demo-infrastructure networks, and therefore could assure the involvement of over 40 infrastructures right from the start:

The cluster  organisation CLIC Innovation represented the industry voice in the project.

The Europan Regions, Research and Innovation Network with 150 member regions attracted interested European stakeholders (infrastructure owners and users) to get involved in the project, and NNFCC, the bio-economy consultant, led the studies performed.

FUTURE: Towards a self-sustainable co-created Pilots4U database, platform & business model fuelled by COPILOT

COPILOT Summary

With an 18.6 million-strong workforce and over €2 trillion generated annually, the bioeconomy sector offers an important sustainable growth potential. However, bioeconomy innovators struggle to bring ideas from the lab to full-scale production due to the high investment required during the piloting phase, and this lowers the European competitiveness. The COPILOT project addresses this challenge by co-creating a comprehensive, updated, expanded and future-proof database of European open access bioeconomy pilot and demo infrastructures embedded into a self-sustainable platform, further building on the already existing Pilots4U database,  network and the experience gained. The database will enable faster and cost-effective access to the infrastructure, while fostering collaborations through key services, training, and matchmaking opportunities.

But COPILOT has ambitions that go far beyond “just building a database”. It’s ultimate goal is to unify and interlink the bioeconomy ecosystem, integrating infrastructures, innovators, and enablers into one vibrant community. Moreover, COPILOT’s large consortium composed of clusters strongly linked to start-up networks, spin-offs, corporations, investors, and public authorities will ensure a broad pool of expertise within the bioeconomy field and will cover all relevant EU regions.

COPILOT Objectives

The COPILOT project aims to implement a sustainable scale-up support framework to support the EU bioeconomy’s capacity building, and thus stimulate innovation and accelerate the growth of bioeconomy innovators.

Key objectives include:

  • Develop a sustainable platform based on Pilots4U knowledge and co-create dynamics to enhance the availability and accessibility of open-access pilot & demo infrastructures.
  • Engage, connect, and stimulate open access to EU bioeconomy infrastructures to strengthen the European scale-up ecosystem. This includes both providing engagement and financial support to pilot and demo infrastructures to facilitate their involvement in COPILOT activities, as well as participating in networking and matchmaking activities to deliver services, competences, and value to innovators.
  • Scope, engage, connect, and stimulate innovators through scale-up training, webinars, pilot visits, and networking opportunities to unlock their potential for developing disruptive bio-based technologies and products.
  • Engage scale-up stakeholders (innovators, infrastructures, enablers) and empower leaders, while also building a framework to boost the scale-up community and foster its growth.
  • Establish an autonomous and self-sustainable platform beyond the project’s duration through a tested business model and reinforced by a robust onboarded community.

COPILOT Partners and Co-Creation Groups

Coordinator:
Partners:
FOOD+I Cluster, De Calahorra La Rioja, Spain 
Bioeconomy for Change, Barenton Bugny, France 
Cluster SPRING, Milano, Italy 
F6S Network Ireland, Dublin, Ireland 
BIOEAST HUB CR, Prague, Czechia 
Irish Bioeconomy Foundation, Thurles, Ireland 
Knowledge Hub Zealand, Kalundborg, Denmark 
Pilot and Demo Infrastructures (PDIs) Co-Creation Group (10 selected PDIs + 2 partners):
To be announced upon closure of the Open Call 1 procedure.
BioInnovators Co-Creation Group (15 selected BioInnovators):
To be announced upon closure of the Open Call 2 procedure.

Search the Pilots4U DATABASE

  • Find the open access pilot or demo facility that meets your scale-up needs.

 

OPEN CALL 1: Call4BioPlants - Selection of 10 Pilot and Demo Infrastructures (PDIs)

By means of an Open Call (OC1), COPILOT will select 10 PDIs active in the bioeconomy that will co-create the next generation platform of pilot and demo infrastructures, as well as its business model, “Scale-Up & Growth” and “Exchange & Connect” Programmes.

The Open Call was launched on August 12th, 2024. Deadline for applications is October 10th, 2024 at 5pm CET.

DOWNLOAD here the Open Call PRESS RELEASE.

What's in it for the 10 selected Pilot and Demo Infrastructures?

Selected Pilot and Demo Infrastructures (10) will:

  • Receive a grant up to €6.000 
  • Have the opportunity to co-create the future Pilots4U database and platform (e.g. by testing the beta-version) and its business model  
  • Gain substantial visibility through the organisation of “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” activities such as study visits, workshops, webinars and other “Scale-up & Growth Programme” related activities. 

In return, COPILOT expects the following mandatory tasks to be completed:

  • Take part in the co-creation workshops organised by the COPILOT consortium on December 4th, 2024 in Ghent (Belgium). Please, book this date in your agenda upon Open Call application, free bus transport will be organised by COPILOT on December 4th, 2024 between Brussels Airport and Ghent. 
  • Take active part (attend & pitch) in the PITCH PERFECT AND BOOST THE EUROPEAN BIOECONOMY 2024 event co-organised by “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” on December 2nd and 3rd, 2024 in Brussels (Belgium). This event is part of the “Exchange & Connect” Programme of the project. Please, book this date in your agenda upon Open Call application.  
  • Take part in one up to three further online co-creation workshops organised by the COPILOT consortium in the period from May to September 2025. These online sessions will be organised upon need, could be limited to only one workshop and will be limited to maximum three.
  • (Online) testing of the beta-version of the newly developed, improved and future-prove “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” platform as well as its Business Model.
  • Organise a study visit, open to all bioeconomy stakeholders, of the facility of the respective PDI including a dedicated scale-up related training session jointly organised with the study visit (max. 4 hours in total). Both activities are part of the “Scale-Up & Growth” program. 
  • Organise 1h online webinar in the area of specialization or expertise of the respective PDI.  The webinar will be part of the “Scale-Up & Growth” program, and a recording will be made available on the COPILOT platform.  
  • Promote the activities of the project 

More details on the offer, tasks and reporting can be found in the “COPILOT Open Call – Annex 1: Guidelines for Applicants“; see section “Open Call Documents & Application Support”.

Eligibility - Application - Deadlines - Timeline

Eligibility

This Open Call targets Pilot and Demo Infrastructures for the bioeconomy defined as: 

  • Open access, multipurpose Pilot and Demo infrastructures that provide scale-up equipment and related expertise for piloting (TRL 4-5) and demonstration (TRL 6-7) of innovative biobased products and processes, for a fee.
  • Joint investments in equipment and expertise that can be used, for a fee, by any entrepreneur in need of scale-up. 

How to apply? 

  • Download all Open Call Documents below
  • Read all the documents carefully. Please pay attention to Annex 1 Guidelines for Applicants
  • Think over how you fit into the project. Think about mandatory tasks and additional activities!
  • Fill in the online application form on the F6S platform
  • Enjoy your time while waiting for the results!

Application period:

  • The Open Call will open on 12 August 2024
  • Deadline for applications to this Open Call is 10 October 2024 (17:00 CET)

Timeline:

  • Evaluation and selection: October – November 2024
  • Contracting: November 2024
  • Implementation of the project and related tasks: December 2024 – May 2026

More details regarding eligibility, application and timelines can be found in the “COPILOT Open Call – Annex 1: Guidelines for Applicants”; see section “Open Call Documents & Application Support”.

Open Call Documents - Application Support - Informational Webinars

The Full Documentation Kit for the OC1 – Call4BioPlants can be downloaded below as of August 12th, 2024:

Apply here:
https://www.f6s.com/copilot-open-call

Any questions?
Please refer to the discussion section within F6S platform https://www.f6s.com/copilot-open-call/discuss  

OR attend one of our informational Webinars
The COPILOT consortium will organise two webinars to inform potential applicants. These webinars will include a “live” Q&A opportunity. The webinars are scheduled for:

Need more information? Please, send an email to Yang Zou.

OPEN CALL 2: Call4BioInnovators - Selection of 15 BioInnovators

By means of an Open Call (OC2), COPILOT will select 15 BioInnovators active in the bioeconomy that will co-create the next generation platform of pilot and demo infrastructures, as well as its business model, “Scale-Up & Growth” and “Exchange & Connect” Programmes.

The Open Call was launched on August 12th, 2024. Deadline for applications is October 10th, 2024 at 5pm CET.

DOWNLOAD here the Open Call PRESS RELEASE.

What's in it for the 15 selected BioInnovators?

Selected BioInnovators (15) will:

  • Receive a grant up to €6.000 
  • Have the opportunity to co-creation the future Pilots4U database and platform (e.g. by testing the beta-version) and its business model 
  • Assist in shaping the “Scale-up & Growth” Programme (what trainings/workshops are useful for innovators)
  • Benefit from networking & matchmaking opportunities through the “Exchange & Connect” Programme.  

In return, COPILOT expects the following mandatory tasks to be completed:

  • Take part in the co-creation workshops organised by the COPILOT consortium on December 4th, 2024 in Ghent (Belgium)Please, book this date in your agenda upon Open Call application, free bus transport will be organised by COPILOT on December 4th, 2024 between Brussels Airport and Ghent. 
  • Takactive part (attend & pitch) in the PITCH PERFECT AND BOOST THE EUROPEAN BIOECONOMY 2024 event co-organised by “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” on December 2nd and 3rd, 2024 in Brussels (Belgium). This event is part of the “Exchange & Connect” Programme of the project. Please, book this date in your agenda upon Open Call application.  
  • Take part in one up to three further online co-creation workshops organised by the COPILOT consortium in the period from May to September 2025. These online sessions will be organised upon need, could be limited to only one workshop and will be limited to maximum three.
  • (Online) testing of the beta-version of the newly developed, improved and future-prove “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” platform as well as its Business Model.
  • Take part in min. 1 (one) 1-hour online webinar organised by a PDI in the framework of the COPILOT “ScaleUp & Growth” programme 
  • Take part in min. one study visit (of the PDI of your choice) including a dedicated scale-up related training session jointly organised with the study visit (max. 4 hours in total) 
  • Promote the activities of the project 

More details on the offer, tasks and reporting can be found in the “COPILOT Open Call – Annex 1: Guidelines for Applicants“; see section “Open Call Documents & Application Support”.

Eligibility - Application - Deadlines - Timeline

Eligibility

This Open Call targets bioeconomy innovators defined as: Start-ups, spin-offs, scale-ups and SMEs developing a technology within the bioeconomy domain.

How to apply? 

  • Download all Open Call Documents below
  • Read all the documents carefully. Please pay attention to Annex 1 Guidelines for Applicants
  • Think over how you fit into the project. Think about mandatory tasks and additional activities!
  • Fill in the online application form on the F6S platform
  • Enjoy your time while waiting for the results!

Application period:

  • The Open Call will open on 12 August 2024
  • Deadline for applications to this Open Call is 10 October 2024 (17:00 CET)

Timeline:

  • Evaluation and selection: October – November 2024
  • Contracting: November 2024
  • Implementation of the project and related tasks: December 2024 – May 2026

More details regarding eligibility, application and timelines can be found in the “COPILOT Open Call – Annex 1: Guidelines for Applicants”; see section “Open Call Documents & Application Support”.

Open Call Documents - Application Support - Informational Webinars

The Full Documentation Kit for the OC1 – Call4BioPlants can be downloaded below as of August 12th, 2024:

Apply here:
https://www.f6s.com/copilot-open-call

Any questions?
Please refer to the discussion section within F6S platform https://www.f6s.com/copilot-open-call/discuss  

OR attend one of our informational Webinars
The COPILOT consortium will organise two webinars to inform potential applicants. These webinars will include a “live” Q&A opportunity. The webinars are scheduled for:

Need more information? Please, send an email to Yang Zou.

Apply for Open Call 1 - Call4BioPlants or Open Call 2 - Call4BioInnovators

  • Deadline for application: October 10th, 2024 at 5 pm CET

 

"Pilots4U powered by COPILOT" EVENTS

COPILOT will organise many events in the framework of its “Scale-up & Growth” and “Exchange & Connect” programmes. Find below an overview of events that will be organised in 2024.

Informational webinar on COPILOT Open Calls 1 and 2 - 10 September 2024 at 11 am CET

The COPILOT consortium will organise two webinars to inform potential applicants. These webinars will include a “live” Q&A opportunity. The webinars are scheduled for:

Need more information? Please, send an email to Yang Zou.

Preliminary programme:

11 – 11.05 am          Introduction on Pilots4U powered by COPILOT
by Yang Zou, COPILOT Project Coordinator and Platform Manager

11.05 – 11.30 am    Introduction to COPILOT Open Call 1 and Open call 2
by Stef Denayer, Pilots4U Stakeholder Relations Manager

11.30 – 11.40 am     Application phase and important documents
by Mateusz Kowacki, F6S

11.40 am                  Q&A

Informational webinar on COPILOT Open Calls 1 and 2 - 24 September 2024 at 11 am CET

The COPILOT consortium will organise two webinars to inform potential applicants. These webinars will include a “live” Q&A opportunity. The webinars are scheduled for:

Need more information? Please, send an email to Yang Zou.

Preliminary programme:

11 – 11.05 am          Introduction on Pilots4U powered by COPILOT
by Yang Zou, COPILOT Project Coordinator and Platform Manager

11.05 – 11.30 am    Introduction to COPILOT Open Call 1 and Open call 2
by Stef Denayer, Pilots4U Stakeholder Relations Manager

11.30 – 11.40 am     Application phase and important documents
by Mateusz Kowacki, F6S

11.40 am                  Q&A

Pitch Perfect and Boost the European Bioeconomy 2024, Brussels, 2 & 3 December 2024

“Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” co-organises the Pitch Perfect and Boost the European Bioeconomy 2024 event.

The ‘Pitch Perfect and Boost the European Bioeconomy 2024’ event is a one or two-day event of intense cross-border and cross-sectoral pitching, matchmaking and networking, with the aim to link:

  • Industry to innovative (biobased) technologies,
  • Innovators to investors

and to create new partnerships for the future and the further development of innovative, cross-border and cross-sectoral industrial value chains in the biobased economy.

Although all Innovators are invited to apply for a 7-minute pitch slot, 15 slots have already been reserved for the COPILOT BioInnovator co-creation group selected through an Open Call procedure.

The session featuring pitches from Open Access Pilot and Demonstration Infrastructures has this year been reserved for the COPILOT co-creation group of Open Access Pilot and Demonstration Infrastructures (PDIs).

Click here and find out more on the Open Calls to join one of the COPILOT co-creation groups. 

Click here to find more information on Pitch Perfect and Boost the EU Bioeconomy 2024. 

COPILOT Study Visit to the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Ghent (BE), 4 December 2024 from 9-11 CET

Venue: Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium
Access: Open to All
Registration: Registration is mandatory and can be done by sending an email to Anneleen De Vriendt.

Seeing is believing! Hop on the shuttle bus from Brussels Airport to the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP) and discover what scale-up is and looks like! This visit is part of the “Scale -up & Growth” programme offered by the “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” project and will comprise of a presentation and guided tour of the facilities.

This event is organised back-to-back with Pitch Perfect and Boost the EU Bioeconomy 2024. Therefore a shuttle bus will depart from Sheraton Brussels Airport at 8am sharp on Wednesday December 4th and will be back at Brussels Airport around 3pm.

The COPILOT project is a CBE-JU CSA project that ill update, expand and make the database of Open Access Pilot and Demo Infrastructures for the European Bioeconomy future-proof and self sustainable through co-creation. Furthermore the project will grow, train and nurture the stakeholder communities linked to this database by means of the “Scale-up & Growth” and the “Exchange & Connect” Programmes.

COPILOT Scale-Up Accelerator Workshop, Ghent (BE), 4 December 2024 from 11.30 - 1 pm CET

Venue: Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium
Access: Open to All
RegistrationRegistration is mandatory and can be done by sending an email to Anneleen De Vriendt.

As part of its “Scale-up & Growth” Programme, “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” organises a Scale-up Accelerator Workshop following the BBEPP Study Visit. More details on the content and agenda of this workshop will be announced in due time.

This event is organised back-to-back with Pitch Perfect and Boost the EU Bioeconomy 2024. Therefore a shuttle bus will depart from Sheraton Brussels Airport at 8am sharp on Wednesday December 4th and will be back at Brussels Airport around 3pm.

The COPILOT project is a CBE-JU CSA project that ill update, expand and make the database of Open Access Pilot and Demo Infrastructures for the European Bioeconomy future-proof and self sustainable through co-creation. Furthermore the project will grow, train and nurture the stakeholder communities linked to this database by means of the “Scale-up & Growth” and the “Exchange & Connect” Programmes.

Co-creation workshop for Pilot and Demonstration Infrastructures, Ghent (BE), 4 December 2024 from 2 - 4 pm CET

Venue: Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium
Access: By invitation only

Mandatory workshop for the 10 Pilot and Demonstration Infrastructures selected through an Open Call launched by the “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” project Mid August 2024.

More information and application on/for the Open Calls.

This event is organised back-to-back with Pitch Perfect and Boost the EU Bioeconomy 2024Therefore a shuttle bus will depart from Sheraton Brussels Airport at 8am sharp on Wednesday December 4th and will be back at Brussels Airport around 6 pm.

Co-creation workshop for Bioeconomy Innovators, Ghent (BE), 4 December 2024 from 2 - 4 pm CET

Venue: Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium
Access: By invitation only

Mandatory workshop for the 15 BioInnovators selected through an Open Call launched by the “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” project Mid August 2024.

More information and application on/for the Open Calls.

This event is organised back-to-back with Pitch Perfect and Boost the EU Bioeconomy 2024Therefore a shuttle bus will depart from Sheraton Brussels Airport at 8am sharp on Wednesday December 4th and will be back at Brussels Airport around 6 pm.

Joint Co-creation workshop for Pilot and Demonstration Infrastructures & Bioeconomy Innovators, Ghent (BE), 4 December 2024 from 4 - 5 pm CET

Venue: Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, Rodenhuizekaai 1, 9042 Ghent, Belgium
Access: By invitation only

Mandatory workshop for the 10 Pilot and Demonstration Infrastructures and the 15 BioInnovators selected through an Open Call launched by the “Pilots4U powered by COPILOT” Mid August 2024.

More information and application on/for the Open Calls.

This event is organised back-to-back with Pitch Perfect and Boost the EU Bioeconomy 2024. Therefore a shuttle bus will depart from Sheraton Brussels Airport at 8am sharp on Wednesday December 4th and will be back at Brussels Airport around 6 pm.

The project is supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and its members.

Disclaimer Art 17.3. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CBE JU. Neither the European Union, nor CBE JU can be held responsible for them. 


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