Innovation Consultant – Bioeconomy sector

Italy | Rome, Italy Remote, Milano

full-time

Permanent employee

Are you passionate about sustainable innovation and the future of the bioeconomy? PNO Innovation is expanding its team of experts working on European R&D and innovation projects in the Bioeconomy domain. We’re looking for a motivated consultant with 3–5 years of experience to help clients secure funding, develop project ideas, and contribute to EU-funded initiatives that shape a more circular and sustainable Europe.

What are you going to do?

As an Innovation Consultant in the Bioeconomy team, your mission is to bridge the gap between bold, sustainable ideas and the funding frameworks that support them. You’ll collaborate with startups, corporates, and research institutions across Europe to co-create high-impact innovation projects and lead their implementation under EU programmes such as Horizon Europe.

Write and manage EU grant proposals (Horizon Europe, CBE JU, etc.)
Shape and validate project ideas with clients and partners
Coordinate and contribute to the delivery of EU-funded projects
Conduct market and stakeholder analysis in bioeconomy sectors

Develop business plans and innovation exploitation strategies
Organize and facilitate project workshops and events
Track trends and EU policies in bioeconomy and sustainability
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and consortia

Do you have any questions about this position? I’d love to tell you more about it! Please contact me.

What do we offer you?

Work on real sustainability challenges across Europe
Be part of a purpose-driven and growing Bioeconomy team
Hybrid remote setup with flexibility and autonomy
Training and mentoring in both hard and soft skills

A competitive salary between €35,000–€40,000
Opportunity to join EU consortia with top researchers and innovators
Supportive, international work environment
Make a real impact on Europe’s green transition

About you

3–5 years of experience in R&D consulting or project management
Strong knowledge of EU programmes, especially Horizon Europe
Background in bioeconomy domains: agrifood, biotech, circular economy, etc.
University degree in a relevant field (e.g. bioengineering, sustainability)

Excellent writing and communication skills in English and Italian
Strategic thinking and ability to simplify complex information
Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
Experience with international or multi-stakeholder projects is a plus

About us

PNO Innovation is the leading innovation and funding consultancy in Europe. With our broad sector expertise, generative AI tools and more than 40 years of experience in national and European grants, we help give space to good ideas and make innovation happen.

PNO Innovation employs more than 600 professionals across offices throughout Europe: Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the UK. What started more than 40 years ago as a student project in the Netherlands has grown into a European industry leader with a focus on creating sustainable impact.