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

September 23, 2027

€15.5M total; typical grant €7–8M; 2 grants expected

Supports commercialization of microbiome-based innovations to enhance resilience and sustainability in EU food systems through scalable production, market access, and collaboration.

--- ## Description This grant aims to accelerate the commercialization of innovative microbiome solutions that improve the resilience, productivity, and sustainability of food systems in the European Union. The focus is on overcoming market entry barriers for technologies and products that leverage or support microbial communities, developing scalable and cost-effective production methods, and establishing business models for widespread deployment. Proposals must foster collaboration among researchers, businesses (including SMEs and startups), public authorities, and consumer associations to co-develop, validate, and adopt these solutions. The initiative is aligned with major EU strategies in biotechnology, bioeconomy, biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and digital transition. --- ## Due Dates - September 23, 2027: Full application submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget for this topic: €15,500,000 - Typical contribution per project: €7,000,000–€8,000,000 - Expected number of grants: 2 --- ## Eligibility - Open to consortia including researchers, advisors, food and bioeconomy businesses, startups, and SMEs. - Proposals must apply the multi-actor approach (involving relevant stakeholders such as researchers, businesses, public authorities, and consumer associations in co-development and validation). - Eligible countries: EU Member States and associated countries (see [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) of the Work Programme for details). - Additional eligibility, financial, and operational capacity requirements are detailed in the [Horizon Europe General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission process. - Planned opening date for submissions: April 20, 2027. - Deadline for submission: September 23, 2027, 17:00 Brussels time. - Applications must use the [standard Horizon Europe application form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). - Proposals must adhere to page limits and formatting requirements as described in the application form and General Annexes. - Evaluation criteria and process are described in [Annex D](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) and the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). --- ## Additional Information - Projects must promote access to the EU market for innovative microbiome solutions and develop standards/methodologies for reliable, cost-effective production at scale. - Business models to facilitate commercialization for companies, SMEs, and startups are a key component. - Early engagement of stakeholders is required to ensure co-development and adoption. - Legal and financial provisions, including potential restrictions on transfer or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years after project completion, apply (see [Annex G](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf)). --- ## External Links - [Full Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-07?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=2&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) - [Online Manual for Applicants](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Annexes and Reference Documents](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/manuals) - [National Contact Points](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |---------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Research Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | IT/Portal Support | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) |

Towards commercialization of food systems microbiome solutions - European Commission

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