Boosting the competitiveness of protein crops in Europe
Innovation Action under Horizon Europe to promote sustainable and competitive protein crops in Europe. Submission possible until 14/04/2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Increasing the competitiveness of protein crops in Europe through the development and testing of sustainable, cost-efficient, and market-oriented solutions along the entire value chain from cultivation to marketing.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Subcontractor services
- Travel expenses
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Public Institutions
- Founders
Funding requirements
- Application of the Multi-Actor Approach
- Coordination by consortium-eligible public institutions
- Open call in accordance with EU transparency principles
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Resumes of the management personnel
- Horizon Europe standard application form
- Detailed budget plan
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Relevance and feasibility
- Quality and efficiency of project implementation
Description
The funding program “Boosting the competitiveness of protein crops in Europe” is aimed at companies, educational institutions, non-profit and public organizations, as well as start-ups in EU member states and associated countries. With a funding volume of up to €6 million per project, this Horizon Europe Innovation Action seeks to develop and test sustainable and market-oriented solutions for protein crop value chains under real conditions. The focus is on cost-efficient cultivation methods, innovative integrated pest and weed management strategies, and tailored machinery concepts. A distinctive feature is the multi-actor approach, which brings together farmers, research institutions, SMEs, and environmental organizations within the consortium. The project duration is 36 months, with a funding rate between 70% and 100%. Eligible costs include personnel, material, and travel expenses as well as subcontracting services, while real estate investments, retrospective costs, and debt repayments are excluded. Applications can be submitted until 14 April 2026 (17:00 Brussels time).
Measurable increases in competitiveness as well as the economic and ecological sustainability of plant-based protein products in Europe are expected. A key focus lies on strengthening local value networks and utilizing by-products in line with a circular bioeconomy. Selected projects should demonstrate feasibility through a thorough cost-benefit analysis and develop practical concepts for large-scale application. Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, relevance, feasibility, and the quality and efficiency of project implementation. A complete project description, CVs of key personnel, financing and budget plan, as well as the Horizon Europe standard application form must be submitted. Project start is possible from 1 June 2026 onwards.