Empowering local urban food systems entrepreneurship and innovation
Funds projects to develop and scale urban food innovation ecosystems, empowering entrepreneurship and sustainable solutions for European cities.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
European Commission has archived this opportunity.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: September 23, 2027
Funding Amounts: Total budget: €12 million | Indicative grant: ~€6 million per project | Duration: Typically 36–48 months
Summary: Funds innovation actions to empower local urban food systems through entrepreneurship, inclusive business models, and scalable solutions across Europe.
Key Information: Single-stage call; lump sum grants; multi-actor approach required.
Description
This Horizon Europe Innovation Action funds projects that foster transformative and inclusive innovation in local urban food systems, aiming to enhance decentralised competitiveness and generate positive social and environmental impacts for urban communities. Projects should develop and pilot decentralised local capacities—such as food innovation incubators, accelerators, and hubs—to support high-impact, sustainable urban food solutions. Activities should include tailored mentorship programs, participatory co-creation of sustainable business models, and pilot implementations to accelerate urban food system transformation and scalability across the EU.
Proposals should connect with existing research and innovation initiatives to derive viable business models and accelerate uptake of research outcomes. Integration of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and gender considerations is required, as is a multi-actor approach involving local authorities, planners, SMEs, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, civil society, and citizens.
