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

Biotechnology application for CCU

Enhancing the competitiveness of organic crop breeding: focus on intercropping adapted varieties

Unleashing the potential of sustainable small-scale aquatic food production and recreational fisheries for prosperous local communities

Strengthening evidence-based policies for the resilience of European agriculture and forestry and related supply chains against crises and systemic risks

Crafting routes to a circular economy

Governance, sustainable development and international politics of a future ice-free Arctic

Microbiome for terrestrial livestock sustainability and health within a One Health approach

Increasing the resilience of agriculture in water and nutrient-scarce environments through digital innovations

Towards commercialization of food systems microbiome solutions

AI-powered foodome characterization

Increasing mitigation of GHG emissions and feed efficiency through feed additives

Enhancing farmer's profitability and resilience through innovations for diversified crops and value chains

Empowering local urban food systems entrepreneurship and innovation

Improving understanding of the contribution of the organic farming sector to sustainability

Impact of access to nature-positive environments in promoting social cohesion and reducing inequalities in urban and peri-urban settings

African Union – European Union Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA)

Strengthening rural communities' resilience to shocks

Impact of in-kind benefits on income distribution and on vulnerable populations

Capacity building in Higher Education: Caribbean

Capacity building in Higher Education: Cross-Regional

Space Data Economy

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.

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

Boosting the competitiveness of protein crops in Europe

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Technology EU Grants