Advanced innovative solutions for improved competitiveness and sustainability in controlled environment agriculture (CEA)
EU funding for innovative technologies and AI-based solutions to improve yield, resource efficiency, and sustainability in greenhouse, vertical farming, and other controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems. Submission possible until 14.04.2026.
Discover your potential with AI support
- Find out if this grant matches your project
- Develop your application together with AI
- Get matched with many more suitable grants
Grant criteria
Funding objective
Development and testing of advanced, cost-efficient, and sustainable technologies for optimized growth conditions in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), including climate, water, and nutrient management, automation, and data-driven decision support, to promote competitiveness, resource efficiency, and climate neutrality in Europe.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Subcontractor services for R&D
- Material and operating costs (prototype construction, sensor technology)
- Travel and training costs
- On-site testing and demonstration
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of mass production equipment
- Retroactive costs
- Purchase of large commercial quantities
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Multi-actor approach involving farmers, SMEs, and research institutions
- Consortium of at least three independent entities from different EU Member States or associated countries
- Compliance with the admissibility and eligibility conditions of Horizon Europe
Documents required for application
- Project description (Part B)
- Financing plan
- CVs of key project staff
- Business and investment plan for SMEs
- Multi-actor cooperation concept
Evaluation criteria
- Excellence and ambition of the project
- Potential impact on competitiveness and sustainability
- Quality and efficiency of implementation
Description
Funding Objective and Thematic Focus
The EU initiative aims to significantly enhance competitiveness and resource efficiency in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) through the development and testing of highly innovative, cost-efficient technologies. Funding is provided to companies, start-ups, educational institutions, and public bodies that, together with farmers, SMEs, and research institutions, develop new climate, water, and nutrient management systems, as well as automation and AI-supported decision support tools within a multi-actor approach. Consortia consisting of at least three independent entities from different EU or associated countries may submit applications. During the project duration of up to 36 months, a technology readiness level (TRL) of 6–7 is to be achieved. The EU funding rate is up to 70% with a maximum funding amount of €6 million per project. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, subcontracting for R&D, prototype construction, sensor technology, travel and training costs, as well as on-site testing.
Application Procedures and Accompanying Conditions
Full proposals must be submitted by 14.04.2026 via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Required documents include, among others, Part B (project description), financial plan, CVs of key project personnel, business and investment plan of SMEs, as well as a multi-actor cooperation concept. Selection is conducted in a single-stage procedure based on the criteria of excellence, impact, and quality of implementation. At least 30% of the funding must be allocated as Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) to SMEs. Serial production facilities, retrospective costs, and bulk goods purchases are not eligible for funding. Project implementation should contribute to climate neutrality and leverage synergies with ongoing CEA initiatives under the Horizon Europe programme.
Ready to secure your funding?
Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.