Consortia for 2026 Are Taking Shape in Brussels
On 11 February, the Scientific Director of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), Dr. sc. ing. Uģis Cābulis, participated in the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) Matchmaking event in preparation for the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) 2026 open call.
The event brought together more than 300 Industry Members (including 66 large companies and 96 small and medium-sized enterprises) and over 250 Associate Members — representatives of research and technology organisations, universities, clusters, public institutions and the financial sector. BIC is one of the most comprehensive cross-sector platforms focused on advancing bio-based technologies in Europe.
The matchmaking programme included:
in-depth clarification of the CBE JU 2026 call topics,
pitching sessions presenting project ideas and technological expertise,
B2B meetings aimed at forming competitive consortia.
For LSIWC, the day meant 13 targeted meetings with potential industrial and research partners — marking an intensive start to the 2026 project preparation phase.
The day before, there was also an opportunity to visit Lambiotte & Cie in Brussels — a Belgian chemical company founded in 1860. Originally active in forestry and wood carbonization, Lambiotte & Cie is today a global player in the field of organic chemical intermediates. The collaboration between LSIWC and Lambiotte & Cie in polyurethane chemistry and technology reflects a shared understanding of how to develop efficient thermal insulation materials with a reduced environmental footprint.
LSIWC has built solid experience in CBE JU projects (VIOBOND, POLYMERS-5B, ZEST), and 2026 has already begun with positive news. The intensive consortium-building phase has now commenced.
Aerial view of Lambiotte & Cie production facilities, Belgium
