If you’re an independent innovator or early-stage team working on next-generation food solutions, the INCiTiS-FOOD 2nd Open Call is your chance to secure funding, support services, and ecosystem access to pilot your idea. The programme is designed to help food innovators turn novel concepts into scalable ventures that respond to evolving industry demand — from sustainability and alternative proteins to processing, packaging, and supply-chain efficiency.
Whether your focus is on climate-smart food systems, reduced food waste, or digital food technologies, this open call offers resources to test, refine, and elevate your solution.
Selected innovators receive monetary support to accelerate validation and early-stage implementation of their solution.
Access to Expert Mentorship
Participants get tailored guidance from sector experts, helping bridge the gap between idea and market readiness.
Testing & Pilot Opportunities
The programme connects innovators with testing environments or industry partners that can help validate prototypes or solutions in real contexts.
Visibility & Network Growth
Selected projects gain exposure within a community of food-tech founders, investors, researchers, and industry collaborators.
Support Services & Tools
Access digital tools, business frameworks, and technical resources that improve planning, execution, and scaling potential.
Who Should Apply (Eligibility)
This open call is ideal for:
Independent innovators building food-focused solutions
Early-stage teams and founders working on technology, product, or process innovations
Projects focusing on areas such as:
Sustainable food systems
Alternative proteins and novel ingredients
Food waste reduction and circular food value chains
Digitalisation of food production or distribution
Processing, packaging, safety, or traceability innovations
To be eligible:
You must be an independent innovator or early-stage team (not necessarily a legally registered company at the time of application — though proof of intent or structure is helpful).
Your project should address key challenges or opportunities within the food ecosystem.
You must be able to clearly articulate your concept, technical approach, expected impact, and plan for next steps.
This call is sector-agnostic within food innovation, but requires clarity of problem, value proposition, and feasibility.
Review eligibility criteria & documentation requirements.
The call page includes details on submission guidelines, funding range, and thematic focus areas.
Prepare your proposal:
Problem statement
Proposed solution
Intended impact
Development stage and plans for testing/pilots
Team background
Fill out the application form linked on the page and upload any required attachments.
Submit before the specified deadline.
Applications after the closing date will not be considered.
Make sure your entry is clear, feasible, and demonstrates both innovation and practical utility.
Tips for a Strong Application
Describe your solution in simple, outcome-focused language — avoid jargon.
Highlight how your idea solves a real problem and benefits users or ecosystems.
If you have a prototype, share visuals or metrics that demonstrate function or progress.
Explain your next steps clearly — where this support will take your innovation.
Show evidence of feasibility: market research, user need, or early testing insights.
