The document summarizes two EU-funded projects - Biolinx and Biopen - that aim to catalyze and fund innovative bioeconomy projects. Biolinx supported participants in FP7 and H2020 projects to commercialize ideas by connecting them to partners, networks, and funding. Biopen continues this concept through an open innovation platform that identifies applications and value chains for bio-based products. It will support at least 20 co-innovation partnerships and provide a knowledge center for the European bio-based ecosystem.