Proof of Concept & Technology Validation Call
Proof of Concept & Technology Validation Call supports biotech start-ups in validating technologies and demonstrating them at larger scale to reduce risk and advance toward commercial deployment.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: January 11, 2027 (EIT Food deadline) | January 18, 2027 (EU portal deadline)
Funding Amounts: EUR 930,000 total funding available
Summary: Supports biotech start-ups in validating technologies and demonstrating them at larger scale toward commercial deployment.
Key Information: Technology readiness level at the deadline determines the route; the same technology cannot enter both routes.
Description
EIT Food’s Biotech Proof of Concept call supports biotech start-ups across two development gaps between promising science and commercial deployment. Supported by the European Commission through the EIT Food Business Plan 2026–2028 project, it offers a Validation route for technologies at technology readiness levels (TRLs) 4–6 and a Demonstrator route for technologies at TRLs 7–9.
The call aims to foster collaboration between start-ups and corporate partners to validate technologies, test commercial assumptions, and generate evidence for future scale-up and investment. Support includes, where relevant, facilitating access to pilot facilities, laboratories, and specialised infrastructure held by Alliance members. Projects should reduce technical and commercial risk and establish a clear pathway toward further development, pilot expansion, and market adoption.
