Apply Now for the INCiTiS-FOOD 2nd Open Call for Independent Food Innovators
Applications are now open for the INCiTiS-FOOD 2nd Open Call, offering funding, technical support, and real-world testing opportunities for independent food innovators addressing critical food system challenges in African cities and peri-urban areas.
This competitive call seeks to identify, support, and scale innovative solutions that promote circular, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems, using hands-on experimentation within Living Lab environments.
About the INCiTiS-FOOD Programme
INCiTiS-FOOD is a multi-country initiative dedicated to transforming urban and peri-urban food systems through innovation, collaboration, and circular economy principles.
The programme operates through Living Labs, where innovators, researchers, communities, and local stakeholders co-create, pilot, and validate solutions in real-life settings.
The INCiTiS-FOOD 2nd Open Call builds on this approach by supporting independent innovators to test practical, scalable solutions that respond to pressing food system challenges.
Funding and Support Available
Selected innovators will benefit from a combination of financial funding and tailored non-financial support to develop, pilot, and refine their solutions.
What Selected Innovators Receive:
- Total funding pool: €60,000
- Number of innovators supported: 24
- Allocation: Typically 3 innovators per Living Lab location
- Implementation period: Approximately 4 months
Additional Non-Financial Support:
- Tailored mentorship and expert guidance
- Access to Living Lab facilities for real-world testing
- Networking and visibility within the food innovation ecosystem
- Use of digital tools and support services to support solution development and scaling
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
This open call targets independent food innovators with 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.
Also Apply: Apply For SMEDAN ₦50K Conditional Grant Scheme for Micro Enterprises 2025
Geographic Eligibility
This call is location-specific and directly linked to INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs.
Key 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 several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, and Gabon.
Priority Focus Areas
Proposed solutions must align with circular and sustainable agri-food system priorities, particularly in urban and peri-urban contexts.
Key Thematic Areas:
- Soilless farming systems (e.g. hydroponics)
- Aquaponics and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
- Insect farming for food and animal feed
- Circular food business models that improve availability, access, utilisation, and stability
- Practical solutions enhancing sustainability, resource efficiency, and local food resilience
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Implementation Approach
Selected innovators will work within Living Labs to:
- Pilot solutions under real-world conditions
- Engage with local stakeholders and communities
- Gather feedback, data, and insights to refine innovations
- Demonstrate feasibility, impact, and scalability
The programme emphasises hands-on testing, collaboration, and measurable outcomes.
How to Apply
Interested innovators must submit a complete application clearly outlining their proposed solution, relevance to the Living Lab context, and expected impact.
Applications should clearly describe:
- The problem being addressed
- The proposed solution and its innovative elements
- Implementation approach and feasibility
- Expected outcomes and scaling potential
Applications must be submitted before the official deadline stated in the call.
Also Apply:Â Call for Applications: WASSMAS Agriculture Grant for Africans 2025 | Up to $10,000 Funding
Why Apply to the INCiTiS-FOOD 2nd Open Call?
Beyond funding, participation offers:
- 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
