Public Consultation – National Input on IPCEI in the Biotechnology Sector
Closing Date for Submissions: 22 August 2025
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is undertaking a national consultation to evaluate the potential for a future Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) in the field of Biotechnology, focused on the areas of bio-based chemicals, bio-based materials, and key components for food and feed.
This consultation invites feedback from industry, research institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to explore the suitability, desirability, and feasibility of launching an IPCEI in Biotechnology. Insights gathered will inform Ireland’s contribution to the EU-wide scoping phase and help identify one or more viable IPCEI candidates aligned with EU priorities and industrial policy.
Background and Objectives
This consultation represents the initial phase of detailed scoping, leading to the preparation of a pre-assessment fiche. The fiche will enable participating Member States to assess whether the IPCEI framework is suitable for advancing large-scale, high-impact innovation projects in the Biotechnology sector.
As noted in the European Commission’s Biotech Communication, and based on the OECD definition, biotechnology refers to the application of science and technology to living organisms, as well as their parts, products, or models, to modify materials—living or non-living—for the purpose of generating knowledge, goods, or services.
Biotechnology plays a vital role in the development of bio-based products and materials. It contributes to solving global environmental and societal challenges such as:
Climate mitigation and adaptation
Sustainable use of natural resources
Ecosystem restoration
Food security and nutrition
Human and animal health
Bio-based products are derived wholly or in part from biological sources such as plants, animals, enzymes, and microorganisms. These products present significant potential for growth and can reduce dependency on imported fossil resources.
Priority Areas for IPCEI Scoping
As part of the preliminary work conducted by the JEF-IPCEI Working Group on Biotechnologies, the focus of this consultation is on three priority areas. However, these areas may evolve based on stakeholder input and Member State discussions.
1. Bio-based Chemicals
These are chemicals derived from alternative carbon sources such as biomass, waste, or CO₂. They are used in a broad range of industries including chemicals, plastics, packaging, textiles, agrochemicals, and food.
The scaling of bio-based and circular chemical solutions is essential to enable low-emission production, reduce fossil dependency, and support innovation across sectors.
2. Bio-based Materials
Focuses on developing and scaling innovative materials from biological sources such as cellulose, with applications in forestry, automotive, packaging, textile, and chemical sectors.
This work supports EU strategic autonomy, improves resource efficiency, and enables new uses of biomass beyond burning, in line with climate-neutrality goals.
3. Key Components for Food and Feed
Targets advanced biotechnologies in the production of proteins and nutritional ingredients, including plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cell-based proteins, as well as other essential components such as lipids and amino acids.
The goal is to enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy, ensure food security, and develop sustainable biotech-driven solutions for global nutrition challenges.
Depending on the feedback received during this consultation, additional areas may be considered in future phases.
Goals of the Consultation
This national consultation seeks to:
Establish a common understanding of the IPCEI State aid framework among Irish stakeholders.
Evaluate the suitability of using the IPCEI instrument to identify large-scale projects in Biotechnology, including the identification of market gaps and policy misalignments.
Assess industrial interest and priority areas in Biotechnology across sectors.
Gauge industry readiness to invest in and lead cross-border, high-innovation projects including R&D and first industrial deployments.
The insights gained will help the working group refine the focus and ensure any proposed IPCEI candidate reflects the most impactful applications of Biotechnology across Europe.
Submission Details
All responses should be submitted using the designated questionnaire. Please send completed forms to:
industrialpolicy@enterprise.gov.ie
Deadline for submissions: 22 August 2025
Stakeholders are encouraged to complete all applicable sections (bio-based chemicals, materials, food/feed). Indicate “N/A” where not relevant. Open responses should be limited to 300 words unless otherwise noted.
Disclaimer
Participation in this consultation does not constitute a commitment or guarantee of future funding, endorsement, or project approval by any Member State or the European Commission. It is a scoping exercise only and does not bind participants or authorities. The consultation does not imply pre-selection or policy preference for specific technologies or value chains.
Issued by:
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Date: July 2025
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