To reinforce multi-actor collaborations on main food system challenges and boost the overall impact of INCiTiS-FOOD, 2 Open Calls as part of the Cascade Fund and the FSTP mechanism will be launched. The budget dedicated to the Cascade Fund is 1,000,000€ in total. For better urban and peri-urban food systems across Africa, the Open Calls will provide financial support to:
- 8 Local Innovation Hubs (consisting of 2-3 legal entities, 16-24 in total), can be located also outside the INCiTiS-FOOD countries – total dedicated sum 940,000€.
- 24 independent innovators from 8 cities and towns that are hosting INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs (3 winners per LL – town or city in which the LL is situated) – 60,000€.
About 800-1000+ innovators (startups, SMEs, schools, etc.), external to the consortium, are expected to benefit directly or indirectly from the Cascade Fund. Applicants with circular and profitable entrepreneurial concepts, not awarded a grant, will be supported through capacity building offered by Living Labs (LL). Applicants are expected to replicate and advance solutions developed in the LLs.
Open Call for Local Innovation Hubs Launched on December 23rd, 2024
The INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call aims to attract Local Innovation Hubs (LIHs), small consortia that must comprise a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 legal entities, such as NGOs, cooperatives, and educational institutions. These consortia will co-create and implement innovative solutions tailored to sustainable and circular food systems, fostering collaboration and addressing local food system challenges.
Submissions are open until 17h CET, 20th of March 2025.
Open Call for Local Innovation Hubs in numbers
8 winners (minimum 16, maximum 24 entities in total)
December 23rd 2024 – March 20th 2025 open for submission
117,500€ per winning
consortia
940,000€
in total
Main eligibility criteria
Applicants need to be a small consortium comprised of 2 to 3 partners (minimum 2, maximum 3 entities) coming from civil society organizations (CSOs), incl. non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and cooperatives, as well as secondary schools and tertiary institutions, start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
Registered entities with valid VAT or relevant registry number within eligible Horizon Europe countries. This includes Member States of the European Union, their outermost regions, and Overseas Countries and Territories linked to an EU Member as well as nationals of Horizon Europe associated countries and other third countries from low- to middle-income countries (listed in detail in section 3.3 of the Applicants’ guide).
Consortium members of INCiTiS-FOOD project and their affiliated entities (current or future) are not eligible for the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call.
The maximum amount of funding that a LIH can receive via the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call is 117,500€ and no member of the consortium can receive more than 58,750€.
English is the official language for INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call. Applications submitted in any other language will not be evaluated.
Proposed activities must address the needs of local stakeholders and align with the goals of the INCiTiS-FOOD project.
All activities must comply with EU funding regulations to avoid double funding.
Projects must be completed within a 12-month period.
Main technical requirements (for more information please check the Applicants’ guide below):
General Requirements:
Facilities and Resources:
Applicants must have a farm/home farming facility or access to sufficient land, space, equipment, and water to implement their project.
Proposal Submission:
Proposals must detail the system(s) to be implemented (e.g., hydroponic, aquaponic, aquaculture, or insectary), including objectives, expected outcomes, and sustainability measures.
Compliance:
Adherence to local agricultural regulations, INCiTiS-FOOD standards, and ethical, environmental, and health norms is required.
Data Collection:
Applicants must agree to integrate and allow socio-economic and technical data collection at their production units.
Innovation Adoption:
Applicants should adopt innovative approaches such as climate-smart techniques or advanced technologies for productivity.
Language:
The lead applicant must be fluent in English.
Specific Requirements by Farming System:
Aquaponics (including pond cultures, cage cultures, and RAS):
Hydroponics and Bioponics:
Insect Farming:
Necessary documents:
Contact: incitisfood@opencallhub.eu
