Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Food Technology sector?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission offers a wide range of funding opportunities specifically designed for the Food Technology sector. These include grants through Horizon Europe (the EU's flagship research and innovation programme with a budget of €95.5 billion), the European Innovation Council (EIC) which provides funding for breakthrough innovations, and various sector-specific initiatives. Funding types range from Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) with 100% funding rates, to Innovation Actions (IA) with 70% funding for companies, and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) for networking and coordination activities. Our database helps you find grants that match your organization's specific needs, project stage, and funding requirements.

Question 2

How do I apply for Food Technology grants from the EU?

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Food Technology sector involves several key steps. First, use Grantalist to identify suitable open calls that match your project idea and organization type. Next, carefully review the call documentation, including eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria, and the work programme. Most EU grants require you to form a consortium with partners from at least 3 different EU member states or associated countries. Once ready, you'll submit your proposal through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, which includes a detailed description of your project, work packages, budget breakdown, and impact assessment. The evaluation process typically takes 3-5 months, after which successful applicants enter grant agreement preparation. We recommend starting your application at least 2-3 months before the deadline.

Question 3

What is the typical funding amount for Food Technology EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Food Technology sector offer diverse funding levels depending on the programme and action type. Small-scale grants through programmes like EIC Accelerator can start from €500,000 up to €2.5 million in grant funding, plus up to €15 million in equity investment. Collaborative research projects under Horizon Europe typically range from €3 million to €10 million for standard projects, while some large-scale flagship initiatives can exceed €20 million. SMEs and startups often benefit from higher funding rates (up to 70% for Innovation Actions compared to large companies) and access to specialized instruments. The exact amount depends on the specific call topic, project scope, consortium size, and type of activities proposed.

Question 4

Who is eligible for Food Technology EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Food Technology EU grants extends to a wide range of organizations. Legal entities from EU member states and associated countries (including the UK for some programmes, Norway, Switzerland, and others) are typically eligible. This includes universities and research institutions, large enterprises and multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees, startups and scale-ups, public bodies and NGOs, and international organizations. Some calls specifically target certain organization types, such as SME-only calls or academic-focused research grants. Third-country participation is possible in many programmes, though often without EU funding.

EU Grants for Food Technology

Consolidation of the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs with reinforced AI focus)

Completion of the initial Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs

Global collaboration action for the development of TB drugs for therapy and chemoprophylaxis in adults and children in sub-Saharan Africa

Global collaboration action on climate and health in sub-Saharan Africa

Alliances for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills (implementing the ‘Blueprint')

Selection of hosting sites and fellows for EFSA's European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship (EU-FORA) Programme.

Sustainable and healthy diets for cardiovascular diseases prevention with the support of digital applications

Sustainable and healthy diets based on health status and socio-economic risk factors of ageing population

Leveraging R&I knowledge on microbiome

Boosting sustainable competitiveness in rural areas through innovation

Advanced innovative solutions for improved competitiveness and sustainability in controlled environment agriculture (CEA)

Boosting plant health and reducing losses on farm and during storage for sustainable growth in Africa (FNSSA)

Advancing basic knowledge and developing tools for sustainable management of key migratory fish species

Open topic: Boosting organic farming for a competitive, sustainable and resilient farming sector

Living labs to enhance soil health in Alpine and Atlantic biogeographical regions

Boosting circularity and diversification strategies of terrestrial livestock production systems

Boosting the competitiveness of protein crops in Europe

Accelerating the development of breeding tools for perennial crops, specifically fruits and nuts

Green Transition Food Processing Africa

Open topic: Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural sector by enhancing the efficient and sustainable use of agricultural production factors

Developing innovative phytosanitary treatments for regulated plant pests to support safe international trade

Integrating a holistic perspective in microbiome research for resilient, competitive and sustainable food systems

Tackling pesticide resistance: early detection, management strategies, and foresight

Strengthening the EU plant protection ecosystem for a future-proof agriculture

Towards more effective, fair and coherent policies for climate change mitigation and adaptation in agriculture and forestry

Advancing European climate risk assessments

Increasing knowledge flows to practice within AKIS via EU thematic knowledge hubs

Boosting data availability and AI solutions in food for consumers and food service professionals

Improving analytical capacity and understanding of social drivers in agriculture to better assess social sustainability in the sector

Additional activities for the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP)

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Technology EU Grants