INCiTiS-FOOD 2nd Open Call: €60,000 Cascade Funding for Independent Innovators in African Urban Food Innovation

Africa’s cities are expanding at an unprecedented pace, with over 50% of the population now urban or peri-urban. This rapid growth intensifies challenges like food insecurity (affecting about a quarter of city dwellers), malnutrition, high food waste, limited access to nutritious proteins, and environmental strain from traditional agriculture. Circular solutions — such as hydroponics (soilless crop growing), aquaponics (integrated fish-plant systems), and insect farming for protein — offer low-resource, climate-resilient ways to produce food locally, reduce waste, and empower communities, especially women and youth.

The INCiTiS-FOOD project (INtegrated and Circular Technologies for Sustainable city region FOOD systems in Africa), funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, is tackling these issues head-on. Launched in 2023, it co-creates inclusive, sustainable food systems through 8 Living Labs across 6 African countries. Now, the 2nd Open Call for Independent Innovators (OC2) is open, inviting startups and SMEs to propose practical solutions to real challenges identified by these Living Labs.

This targeted cascade funding mechanism bridges innovation with on-the-ground impact, providing a 4-month implementation window to pilot ideas that can scale for better food and nutrition security (FNS) in urban Africa.

About the INCiTiS-FOOD Project and the 2nd Open Call

INCiTiS-FOOD is a collaborative EU-Africa initiative running until around 2027, focused on enhancing FNS across four pillars: availability, access, utilization, and stability. It emphasizes circular agri-food technologies suited to resource-constrained urban settings — no need for vast land or heavy water use.

The project’s core features 8 Living Labs acting as real-world incubators in three regions:

•  East Africa: Kenya

•  West Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone

•  Central Africa: Cameroon, Gabon

These labs test innovations, co-create with stakeholders, and identify specific local challenges (e.g., nutrient supply, waste management, climate-smart production). The 2nd Open Call selects Independent Innovators (start-up entrepreneurs or SMEs) residing in the exact cities/towns hosting these 8 Living Labs. Each location picks 3 winners (total 24), who implement solutions over 4 months directly tied to the Lab’s needs.

This call empowers local talent to drive change, complementing broader project goals like policy roadmaps, capacity building, and community empowerment.

Benefits: What Selected Independent Innovators Receive

Winners get practical, impact-focused support:

•  Funding — Share of the €60,000 total pool (distributed to 24 winners; exact per-winner amount varies based on proposals but supports implementation).

•  Implementation Period — 4 months to develop, pilot, and test your solution in the relevant Living Lab environment.

•  Ecosystem Integration — Direct collaboration with the Living Lab, access to testing sites, stakeholder networks, and potential for further scaling or capacity building.

•  Visibility & Growth — Contribute to evidence for sustainable urban food policies; even strong non-winners may access training via Living Labs.

•  Focus on Impact — Advance circular innovations that reduce environmental footprints, create jobs, and improve nutrition in African cities.

This is ideal for turning prototypes into validated, community-rooted solutions.

Who Should Apply? Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is strictly location-based and innovation-focused:

•  Defined as Independent Innovators: start-up entrepreneurs (individuals with entrepreneurial intent) or SMEs.

•  Must reside (and implement activities) in one of the eight specific cities/towns hosting the INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs (in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, or Gabon — check the Applicants Guide for exact locations, as they align with partner institutions like universities or centers).

•  Proposals must directly address specific challenges identified by your local Living Lab (details in official documents).

•  Emphasis on circular agri-food solutions (e.g., hydroponics, aquaponics, insect farming, waste reduction, climate-smart practices).

•  Applications in English; no double-funding for the same activities.

•  Target: Passionate entrepreneurs/SMEs committed to inclusive, sustainable urban food systems (women and youth-led ideas especially welcomed).

Application Process & Key Dates

The process is document-heavy but clear:

1.  Download and review key resources from https://incitis-food.eu/2nd-open-call/:

•  Open Call text

•  Applicants Guide (crucial for details)

•  Proposal template (PowerPoint)

•  Declarations of Honour, business conduct/commitment

•  Bank account form

•  Model Sub-grantee Agreement

2.  Prepare your proposal addressing the Living Lab challenge.

3.  Submit via the Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAfkI-EW8o6eYc0zw0358pyQjZD7zTHd52Rxnn2WL7iT-4Mw/viewform

4.  Deadline: 9 February 2026, 17:00 CET — apply early, as spots are competitive (3 per location).

Pro Tip for a Strong Application: Align tightly with your Living Lab’s challenge — use data on local food issues, outline feasibility, sustainability, and inclusivity (e.g., benefits for women/youth). Include prototypes, impact metrics, and a clear 4-month plan. Be precise about your location tie-in.

Why This Matters — and Why You Should Apply Now

Urban Africa faces a food crisis amplified by climate change and population growth. Initiatives like INCiTiS-FOOD empower grassroots innovators to build resilient systems, create green jobs, and promote environmental justice. This call offers funding + real validation in a supportive ecosystem — a rare chance to scale ideas that matter.

With the deadline approaching (February 9, 2026), if you’re in one of the eligible Living Lab locations and have a bold, circular food innovation, act now to contribute to Africa’s sustainable urban future.

Applications are live — transform your idea into impact!

Looking for more agri-tech funding, sustainability grants, or startup opportunities in Africa? Explore similar programs on OpportunityPool.org.