INCiTiS-FOOD has launched its first Open Call for Local Innovation Hubs (LIHs) with the aim of reinforcing multi-actor collaborations, promoting and scaling up the solutions developed within the project, and boosting the overall impact of INCiTiS-FOOD.
In urban and peri-urban areas, there is a growing demand for space-efficient solutions that provide fresh food for local communities. INCiTiS-FOOD is addressing this challenge by co-developing and implementing technologies such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and insect farming. These innovative approaches maximise food production in limited spaces while promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction. By integrating circular practices, INCiTiS-FOOD contributes to sustainable urban food systems that can support growing populations.
In order to provide communities with opportunities to scale up and replicate such effective solutions in their areas and thus promote the adoption and availability of nutritious and healthy foods the project launches Open Calls as funding opportunities.
In this blog post, we outline the details of the Open Call, the role of Local Innovation Hubs, clarify who can apply, how to submit a proposal, and why this initiative is important.
Open Call Overview
If you want to contribute to solutions that address the pressing needs of urban and peri-urban populations, this is your opportunity to access funding, expertise, and resources to create a lasting impact. Through the Cascade Fund and the FSTP (financial support to third parties) mechanism, this Open Call will provide financial support to eight Local Innovation Hubs, with a total allocated budget of €940,000 for all planned activities. Each selected hub (consortium) can receive up to €117,500 to develop and implement innovative urban food solutions.
Act as soon as possible because the applications close on the 20th of March at 17:00CET. Hurry up and apply today via the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call Hub.
What is a Local Innovation Hub?
Local Innovation Hub is a small consortium of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 legal entities that come together and propose ideas that align with INCiTiS-FOOD’s vision and objectives of work. These consortia can consist of:
- Civil society organisations (CSOs), including non-governmental organisations (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
- Start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
Key Focus Areas for Local Innovation Hub Proposals
Consortia are expected to co-create and implement innovative solutions tailored to sustainable and circular food systems, ensuring they are rooted in local contexts. To achieve this, collaboration among diverse stakeholders is essential – not only to develop solutions but also to foster knowledge exchange, strengthen local networks, and build resilience within food systems.
Building on the INCiTiS-FOOD project’s multi-actor approach, the Local Innovation Hubs will play an important role in scaling circular agri-food technologies. Recently concluded Roadshow events have shown that networking and early-stage collaboration are essential in addressing local food system challenges. Training and onboarding programmes – already a core part of the Living Labs – demonstrate how capacity-building efforts help local actors effectively implement and sustain these solutions.
In this context, proposals should not only introduce technological solutions but also integrate local knowledge and stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term impact. Therefore, each proposal should align with the goals of the INCiTiS-FOOD project and address the specific needs of local food systems.
Applicants are encouraged to explore innovative solutions in areas such as:
- Aquaponics and aquaculture – integration of fish farming and plant cultivation
- Hydroponics and bioponics – exploring environmentally friendly methods of plant growth
- Insect farming – sustainable protein production
- Other areas, such as local pest management, snail and rabbit farming, urban waste recovery, and alternative animal feed production.
Proposals are not limited to the above-mentioned thematic areas, and Local Innovation Hubs are welcome to submit proposals based on their own ideas, as long as they align with the Open Call topic and the objectives of the INCiTiS-FOOD project.
Eligibility and Funding
To ensure clarity and fairness, the Open Call follows specific guidelines.
- English is the official language for submissions, meaning applications must be written in English; those in other languages will not be considered.
- All activities must comply with EU funding regulations to prevent any instance of double funding.
- Successful projects are expected to be completed within a 12-month timeframe.
- The maximum amount of funding that a Local Innovation Hub can receive via the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call is 117,500€ and no member of the consortium can receive more than 58,750€.
- Consortium members of the INCiTiS-FOOD project and their affiliated entities (current or future) are not eligible for the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call.
- Each consortium is allowed only one proposal, so submit it carefully and thoughtfully!
How to Apply?
When you decide to apply for the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call make sure to follow some essential steps. Form a strong consortium and submit a competitive and successful proposal.
- Form a Consortium: Assemble a team of two to three organisations committed to establishing a Local Innovation Hub.
- Develop a Project Proposal: Prepare a detailed proposal using the official templates and guidelines available on our website.
- Submit Your Application: Applications must be submitted via the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call Hub before the deadline on 20 March 2025 at 17:00 CET.
- Evaluation: All submitted proposals will be evaluated based on transparency and predefined criteria.
- Selection: Top-ranked projects are selected for funding and notified.
- Funding & Monitoring: Selected projects receive financial support and ongoing monitoring to ensure successful implementation.
Increase Your Chances of Drafting a Successful Proposal - Join the Webinar
To further support applicants, INCiTiS-FOOD will host an informative webinar on 5 March at 11:00 AM CET. This session is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Open Call and how potential applicants can get involved.
The webinar will begin with an overview of the INCiTiS-FOOD project, outlining its main objectives and management structure in a way that makes it easy for participants to understand how these elements work together. Attendees will also learn about the Living Labs approach, gaining a clear understanding of how INCiTiS-FOOD coordinates eight Living Labs across various regions and why those Living Labs are built in urban and peri-urban areas.
The session will break down the technologies in use and provide practical insights into the innovative farming systems featured in the project, such as aquaponics, hydroponics, and insect farming. Through this, participants will better grasp the role these systems play in sustainable urban food production and hear about the experiences and achievements of those who have been directly involved so far.
The session will also include a detailed explanation of the Open Call, covering key aspects such as the application process and eligibility criteria. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, engage directly with the project team, and clarify any uncertainties about the application process.
Registration is free and open to all interested applicants. Secure your spot now by signing up via the Zoom link!
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