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Application window closed April 8, 2026 at 12:00 CET; program opened February 18, 2026. As of May 2026, this cycle is closed.
EIT Food Accelerator Network (FAN) – Call for Startups 2026 is sponsored by EIT Food. This call supports high-potential agrifood and foodtech startups to validate their technologies, accelerate go-to-market readiness, and access European expertise, networks, and funding through the EIT Food Accelerator Network.
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EIT Food Accelerator Network 2026 | EIT Join the EIT Food Accelerator Network 2026 to scale your agrifood startup with expert mentorship, investor connections, and access to Europe’s leading food innovation ecosystem! The EIT Food Accelerator Network (FAN) is a multi-hub European accelerator programme supporting high-impact agrifood and foodtech startups to validate their technologies and accelerate market readiness.
The 2026 call invites ambitious startups to join one of six specialised hubs across Europe, each focused on a key theme shaping the future of food systems.
Accelerator Hubs & Themes Selected startups will join one of the following programmes: Munich, Germany – Smart and Low-Carbon Supply Chains Helsinki, Finland – Circular Solutions for Food Systems Paris, France – Biotech Ingredients, Products and Processes Warsaw, Poland – Future Resilient Agriculture Catania, Italy – Water-Smart Agrifood Systems Wageningen, Netherlands – Digital & Autonomous Farming Solutions Duration: 2–3 months (September–December 2026) Format: Delivered in parallel across six European hubs Focus: Technology validation, commercial acceleration, and investment readiness Startups will undergo a rigorous selection process evaluated by entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.
Once selected, participants gain access to: Expert mentorship and tailored coaching European research facilities and validation infrastructure Industry and corporate connections Investment readiness support Access to the EIT Food Innovation Community The programme supports startups in refining their technology roadmap, strengthening their go-to-market strategy, and accelerating adoption in the market.
At the end of the programme, each hub will host a Technology Validation Pitch Event. The top three startups per hub (18 in total) will receive: The subgrant will support the implementation of a Technology Validation Project in 2027, in collaboration with leading universities, research centres, or specialised facilities of the startup’s choice.
To apply for the EIT Food Accelerator Network programme: You must be a registered company established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe-associated countries (NB; this includes the UK) in or after 2016 Your business innovation must be underpinned by a technology with a prototype, or pilot project (paid or unpaid) with TRL 4-8 It must also fall under one of EIT FAN’s themes Your company must be pre-series A, with revenues up to €1 million and a team, no more than 20 people Ideally, you will have successfully completed customer validation Ideally, you will be able to demonstrate traction, for example, through letters of support, sales, or signed letters of intent Switzerland and UK-based companies are eligible to apply.
However, eligibility for funding will be determined based on Switzerland’s and the UK’s eligibility status for EU funding at that time. EIT Food Accelerator Network (FAN) – Call for Startups 2026 You may also be interested in AMPLE: Driving Employment Opportunities In Agrifood Green Spot Technologies: Fermenting the future of food
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: High-potential agrifood and foodtech startups registered in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe-associated country (including the UK) and established in or after 2016. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Access to European expertise, networks, and funding (specific amount not specified) Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs (Phase I) is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The USDA SBIR/STTR programs focus on transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial potential and/or societal benefit in agriculturally-related areas. This can include app development for agricultural technology, rural development, and smart farming. Phase I aims to demonstrate technical feasibility.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Phase I (FY 2025) is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The USDA SBIR/STTR programs focus on transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial potential and/or societal benefit. Projects dealing with agriculturally-related manufacturing and alternative and renewable energy technologies are encouraged across all SBIR/STTR topic areas.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is sponsored by NOAA. This program provides seed funding to small businesses for research and development of innovative technologies across NOAA's mission areas, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, coastal resilience, and extreme weather events. Phase I awards fund a six-month period for conducting feasibility and proof of concept research.