Calcium phosphates have long been used as synthetic bone grafts. Recent studies have shown that the modulation of composition and textural properties, such as nano-, micro- and macro-porosity, is a powerful strategy to control and synchronize material resorption and bone formation. Biomimetic calcium phosphates, which closely mimic the composition and structure of bone mineral, can be produced using low-temperature processing routes, and offer the possibility to modulate the material properties to a larger extent than conventional high temperature sintering processes. Advanced technologies open up new possibilities in the design of bioceramics for bone regeneration; 3D-printing technologies, in combination with the development of hybrid materials with enhanced mechanical properties, supported by finite element modelling tools, are expected to enable the design and fabrication of mechanically competent patient-specific bone grafts. The association of ions, drugs and cells allows leveraging of the osteogenic potential of bioceramic scaffolds in compromised clinical situations, where the intrinsic bone regeneration potential is impaired. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170056