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Nanozymes: Next-generation catalysts to convert lignin into low-cost, high-performance fossil-free aromatic polyols.

Objective

Europe must decarbonise its chemical industry while reducing dependence on imported fossil carbon. Polyols are a key building block for insulation, construction and consumer products, but today they are almost entirely made from fossil feedstocks. Bio-based alternatives exist, but they lack the performance, safety and cost required for widespread industrial adoption.

The objective of this project is to demonstrate a new industrial process that converts lignin, an abundant European bioresource, into high-performance aromatic polyols that can replace fossil-based alternatives. The project targets applications where fire safety and material strength are critical, and where existing bio-based solutions fall short

Our innovative process is based on a new class of bio-inspired catalysts that overcome the long-standing trade-off between selectivity and industrial robustness in lignin processing. By combining the selectivity of enzymes with the stability of industrial catalysts, the process enables controlled conversion of lignin at low temperature and normal pressure, while preserving the chemical structures needed for high-performance materials. This avoids the harsh conditions that make existing lignin processes costly, inefficient and difficult to scale.
The project will finalise the process optimisation, validate product performance in real industrial applications, and deliver a fully engineered 3kt/year commercial demonstration plant.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-EIC-ACC - HORIZON EIC Accelerator

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2026-ACCELERATOR-02

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Coordinator

Level Nine Labs GMBH
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 2 485 221,38
Address
Johann-Hittorf-Straße 8
12489 Berlin
Germany

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Berlin Berlin Berlin
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data