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

October 22, 2025

Up to €60,000 per project (lump sum); ~30 projects funded; 12-month programme; total call budget €1.8M

Supports piloting, demonstration, and scale-up of innovative seaweed and algae-based solutions to advance the European seaweed sector.

Applicants must be SMEs (single or consortia of up to 2); minimum TRL 6; eligible regions only; mandatory in-person workshop.

--- ## Description This opportunity funds innovative projects in the European seaweed and algae sector, targeting SMEs with solutions ready for piloting, demonstration, and scale-up (minimum TRL 6). The programme aims to drive transformative growth by closing gaps in the seaweed value chain, supporting product and process optimization, and advancing new processing technologies. Two strands are available: Macroalgal Production and Macroalgal Biotechnology & Downstream Applications (e.g., food, cosmetics, biofertilizers). Selected projects will participate in a 12-month programme including onboarding, training, technical and business support, capacity building, and knowledge exchange activities. --- ## Due Dates - October 22, 2025: Full application deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum funding per project: €60,000 (lump sum, covering 100% of eligible costs, including indirect costs) - Approximate number of projects funded: up to 30 - Total call budget: €1,800,000 - Project/programme duration: 12 months - Funding is disbursed in instalments upon achievement of milestones and deliverables Eligible costs include staff, research and technical development, testing and piloting, communication and promotion, travel (including mandatory workshop), and specific equipment. Subcontracting is permitted up to 20% of the project budget. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be **SMEs** (as defined by the EU SME Definition), either as a single legal entity or a consortium of up to two legal SME entities. Applications with more than two eligible applicants are not allowed. - All applicants must have a valid VAT number and be incorporated; unincorporated startups are not eligible. - Projects must demonstrate a **minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6** at the time of application. - **Eligible regions:** Applicants must be established or operating in specific eligible regions across Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Slovakia. See full region list in the [Guide for Applicants](https://i3-4-seaweed.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/I3-4-SEAWEED-OC1-Annex-1-Guidelines-for-Applicants.pdf). - Only the highest-ranked proposal involving an SME (across both strands) will be eligible for funding. - All applications and supporting documents must be submitted in English. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted online via the F6S platform: - [Strand A – Macroalgal Production](https://www.f6s.com/i3-4-seaweed-strand-a) - [Strand B – Macroalgal Biotechnology & Downstream Applications](https://www.f6s.com/i3-4-seaweed-strand-b) - **Required documents:** Technical Proposal, Application Form, and supporting documents as outlined in the [Guide for Applicants](https://i3-4-seaweed.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/I3-4-SEAWEED-OC1-Annex-1-Guidelines-for-Applicants.pdf). - **Evaluation:** Three-stage process—admissibility and eligibility check, remote expert evaluation, ranking and final selection. - **Mandatory participation:** All funded projects must participate in the 12-month Capacity Building Programme, including a compulsory in-person workshop/study visit (budget for travel required). - **Language:** All application materials must be in English. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must address critical needs in the seaweed value chain, such as process optimization, new processing technologies, and market readiness. - Both technical and business support are provided, including mentoring, coaching, and networking. - A summary of funded proposals and participants will be published; technical details remain confidential unless otherwise agreed. - Only the highest-ranked proposal per SME (across both strands) is eligible for funding; other proposals involving the same entity will be disqualified. - See [FAQs and full eligibility details](https://i3-4-seaweed.eu/open-call/) for further clarifications. --- ## External Links - [Official Call Page (EU Funding & Tenders Portal)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/11389?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=4&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [I3-4-SEAWEED Open Call Information](https://i3-4-seaweed.eu/open-call/) - [Guide for Applicants (PDF)](https://i3-4-seaweed.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/I3-4-SEAWEED-OC1-Annex-1-Guidelines-for-Applicants.pdf) - [Strand A Application Portal (F6S)](https://www.f6s.com/i3-4-seaweed-strand-a) - [Strand B Application Portal (F6S)](https://www.f6s.com/i3-4-seaweed-strand-b) - [Webinar #1 Registration](https://www.f6s.com/i3-4-seaweed-open-call-webinar-1) - [Webinar #2 Registration](https://www.f6s.com/i3-4-seaweed-open-call-webinar-2) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [opencall-i3-4-seaweed@f6s.com](mailto:opencall-i3-4-seaweed@f6s.com) | | European Commission | [Contact page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

I3-4-SEAWEED Open Call

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