[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

March 12, 2025 | October 1, 2025

€500,000 to €17,500,000 per project; total call budget €634 million

Supports innovative biotechnology solutions to reduce emissions in food production, advancing the EU’s climate neutrality and sustainable food systems goals.

Multiple cut-off deadlines; open to international applicants under Horizon Europe rules.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity, under the Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator, targets breakthrough biotechnology innovations that significantly lower emissions and environmental impacts in food production systems. The call aims to accelerate the development and market deployment of transformative technologies, fostering sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in the agri-food sector. Projects should align with the EU’s ambitions for climate neutrality and sustainable food systems. --- ## Due Dates - First cut-off: March 12, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time) - Second cut-off: October 1, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Individual project grants: €500,000 to €17,500,000 - Total call budget: €634 million (shared across multiple EIC Accelerator challenges) - Funding is typically provided as a lump sum grant --- ## Eligibility - Open to single companies (including SMEs and start-ups) established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. - Certain non-EU/non-associated country participants may be eligible if they secure their own funding or meet specific provisions (see [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)). - Proposals must address the specific challenge of biotechnology-driven low-emission food production. - Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity as described in the [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-13-general-annexes_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Submission is via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-EIC-2025-ACCELERATOR-02-CHALLENGES-02?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=16&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - The system opens November 26, 2024. - Applications follow a multiple cut-off model; submit by one of the listed deadlines. - Detailed instructions, proposal templates, and model grant agreements are available on the call page. - Evaluation criteria and proposal requirements are detailed in the [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-13-general-annexes_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf). - Partner search tools and support are available for finding collaborators. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must focus on innovative biotechnology approaches that directly contribute to reducing emissions in food production systems. - Proposals are expected to have high potential for market deployment and impact. - Guidance for applicants, including country eligibility and financial rules, is provided in the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). - National Contact Points (NCPs) can provide country-specific advice and support ([NCP directory](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp)). --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-EIC-2025-ACCELERATOR-02-CHALLENGES-02?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=16&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (eligibility, evaluation, legal)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-13-general-annexes_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf) - [Application form templates](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-eic-accelerator_en.pdf) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General European Commission | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Contact/Support Portal | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points (NCPs) | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk (Portal) | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) |

Biotechnology driven low emission food production systems

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