Main visual representing our blog post about Open Call and Roadshow events.

Project Updates: Roadshow Events and Open Call

Jump into the latest from INCiTiS-FOOD! Explore the importance and outcomes of our Roadshow events, and details of the recently launched Open Call.

The Importance of Roadshows in Transforming Food Systems

From 23 October to 27 November 2024, INCiTiS-FOOD hosted a series of Roadshow events in its eight Living Labs across six African countries: Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, and Gabon. These events connected stakeholders, inspired local innovations, and introduced our Open Calls.

Why Roadshows Matter:

  • Engaging Ecosystems: Roadshows brought together diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, innovators, and local communities, to foster collaboration.
  • Localised Impact: Tailored to the unique needs of each region, the events highlighted how circular technologies can address local food challenges.
  • Knowledge Dissemination: With presentations, pitches, and Q&A sessions, attendees gained hands-on insights into the project’s innovations.

Key Outcomes of the Roadshows

The events were successful in:

  • Showcasing INCiTiS-FOOD technologies and their relevance to African city-region food systems.
  • Supporting local innovators and organising pitching opportunities.
  • Building collaborative networks around Living Labs to strengthen food systems.
  • Sparked enthusiasm and inquiries about the Open Calls.

INCiTiS-FOOD Open Calls: Two Opportunities Await!

The INCiTiS-FOOD project invites innovators and changemakers to participate in two exciting Open Calls aimed at transforming food systems. While the second Open Call for Independent Innovators is scheduled for August 2025, the first Open Call for Local Innovation Hubs has been launched this December so, don’t miss your chance to apply as the deadline for applications is March 20th!

1st INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call Launched: Focus on Local Innovation Hubs (LIHs)

With a total funding pool of €940,000, the Open Call for LIHs will award €117,500 to each of the 8 selected consortia consisting of 2-3 legal entities forming a so called Local Innovation Hub.

Apply now for the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call for Local Innovation Hubs through the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call Hub!

A Local Innovation Hub is a consortium of 2-3 legal entities that may include:

  • Civil society organisations (CSOs), such as NGOs and cooperatives.
  • Secondary schools and tertiary institutions (e.g., vocational schools, colleges, and universities specialising in agriculture and fisheries).
  • Special needs schools or organisations.
  • Each LIH should aim to connect 100-125+ entrepreneurs and innovators through their networks, fostering collaborative approaches to sustainable and circular food systems.Please be sure to read all the available documents for the fullcriteria on the Local Innovation Hubs.

Applicants are encouraged to propose solutions in the following areas (but are not limited to):

  • Aquaponics and Aquaculture: Sustainable integration of fish farming and plant cultivation.
  • Hydroponics and Bioponics: Innovative, environmentally friendly plant cultivation techniques.
  • Insect Farming: Scalable and sustainable insect-based protein production for animal feed.
  • Other Topics: Including local pest management, snail and rabbit farming, urban waste recovery, and alternative animal feed production.
    Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals based on their own ideas related to the interest of INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call and the project.

Eligibility and Funding Details

  • Each consortium must comprise a minimum 2 and a maximum 3 legal entities, such as NGOs, cooperatives, and educational institutions.
  • Maximum funding per consortium is €117,500, with no single entity receiving more than €58,750.
  • Activities must address stakeholders’ specific needs and adhere to EU funding regulations to avoid double funding.
  • Proposed activities must be completed within a 12-month period.

Note: Winners may be located outside the INCiTiS-FOOD partner countries.

Submission Guidelines

Proposals must be submitted via the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call published on the Open Call Hub Platform with directions and detailed information found on our website. Ensure your submission complies with all eligibility criteria and is completed by the deadline, the 20th of March 2025.

Each consortium is allowed only one proposal, so submit it carefully and thoughtfully.

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