Deadline: February 9, 2026
The INCiTiS-FOOD 2nd Open Call: Funding & Support for Independent Food Innovators is now open, offering financial support, technical assistance, and real-world testing opportunities for innovators addressing food system challenges in African cities and peri-urban areas.
This competitive open call is designed to identify, support, and scale innovative solutions that strengthen circular, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems through hands-on experimentation in Living Lab environments.
About the INCiTiS-FOOD Programme
INCiTiS-FOOD is a multi-country initiative focused on transforming urban and peri-urban food systems through innovation, collaboration, and circular economy principles. The programme works through Living Labs, where innovators, communities, researchers, and local stakeholders co-create, pilot, and validate solutions in real-life settings.
The INCiTiS-FOOD 2nd Open Call: Funding & Support for Independent Food Innovators builds on this approach by supporting independent innovators to test practical, scalable solutions that address pressing food system challenges.
Funding and Support Available
Selected innovators will receive a combination of financial support and non-financial assistance to develop, test, and refine their solutions.
What selected innovators receive:
- Total funding pool: €60,000
- Number of innovators supported: 24 innovators in total
- Distribution: Typically 3 innovators per Living Lab location
- Implementation duration: Approximately 4 months
Additional non-financial support includes:
- Tailored mentorship and expert guidance
- Access to Living Lab facilities for real-world piloting and testing
- Networking and visibility within the food innovation ecosystem
- Use of digital tools and support services to aid solution development and scaling
Who Can Apply
The open call targets independent food innovators with promising solutions ready for piloting or further development.
Eligible applicants include:
- Independent innovators (individuals or teams)
- Early-stage startups
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Innovators legally able to sign a sub-grantee or participation agreement where required
Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to implement and test their solution within the programme timeframe.
Geographic Eligibility
This call is location-specific and linked directly to INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs.
Key geographic requirements:
- Applicants must reside and operate in a city or town hosting an INCiTiS-FOOD Living Lab
- Proposed projects must be implemented in the same location as the selected Living Lab
Living Labs are located across multiple African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, and Gabon.
Priority Focus Areas
Proposed innovations must align with circular and sustainable agri-food system priorities, particularly those addressing urban and peri-urban challenges.
Key thematic areas include:
- Soilless farming systems, such as hydroponics
- Aquaponics and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
- Insect farming for food and animal feed
- Circular food business models that improve food availability, access, utilisation, and stability
- Practical solutions that enhance sustainability, resource efficiency, and local food resilience
Implementation Approach
Selected innovators will work within Living Labs to:
- Pilot their solutions in real-world conditions
- Engage with local stakeholders and communities
- Collect feedback, data, and insights to refine their innovations
- Demonstrate feasibility, impact, and scalability
The programme emphasises hands-on testing, collaboration, and measurable outcomes.
How to Apply
Interested innovators are required to submit a complete application outlining their solution, its relevance to the Living Lab context, and its expected impact.
Applicants should clearly describe:
- The problem being addressed
- The proposed solution and its innovative elements
- Implementation approach and feasibility
- Expected outcomes and potential for scaling
Applications must be submitted before the official deadline stated in the call.
Why Apply to the INCiTiS-FOOD 2nd Open Call
Participating in the INCiTiS-FOOD 2nd Open Call: Funding & Support for Independent Food Innovators offers more than funding. It provides innovators with:
- A structured environment to test and validate ideas
- Direct engagement with real users and stakeholders
- Expert guidance to strengthen business and impact models
- Increased visibility within regional and international food innovation networks
Need Support With Your Application?
If you require professional support with proposal drafting, proposal refining, or proposal review, contact us for tailored assistance to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
