EIT Food Impact Funding Framework — Collaborative Missions

The main goal of this funding opportunity is to drive significant, long-term change in food systems by supporting collaborative programmes. The focus is on improving health outcomes through better diets, reducing environmental impacts from food systems, and tackling challenges related to food integrity and complex supply chains. Key areas include knowledge exchange, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and public engagement. The programme aims to connect stakeholders across economic, industry, and social value chains for systemic impact. Eligible applicants are based in EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associate Countries, or, in certain cases, low- to middle-income countries.

• Projects must be submitted by a lead partner representing a consortium of at least two independent entities from two different eligible countries.
• The consortium must represent at least two areas: industry, research, or education, with at least one industry or social enterprise partner.
• Proposals must address one or more Mission targets and deliver connected activities, not just single projects.
• Projects must deliver measurable impact within Europe.
• Project duration must be between 6 and 24 months.
• Applications must include KPIs, deliverables, outputs, budget, risk register, and supporting documents.

Examples:

• A partnership between a food technology company and a university to develop and pilot new healthy food products, running innovation workshops and public education campaigns.
• A collaboration between a research institute and a social enterprise to reduce food waste through digital tools and community engagement in two European countries.
• An industry-education alliance creating a skills programme for sustainable agriculture, involving both classroom training and field demonstrations across multiple EU countries.

• Staff costs for project management and coordination
• Expenses for programme development and delivery
• Costs for impact and performance monitoring (suggested 5–10% of budget)
• Subcontracting services (up to 15% of total costs)
• Depreciation costs (up to 10% of total costs; higher amounts require EIT Food approval)
• Materials and supplies directly related to project activities
• Travel and accommodation for project staff
• Costs for communication, dissemination, and outreach
• Expenses for impact assessment methodologies
• Commercial development costs (if relevant, with specific work packages)

Restrictions: Sub-granting to third parties is not allowed. Internal costs for EIT Food are not eligible. All costs must be justified, relevant, and comply with the guidelines.

• Total budget of the grant: 30.000.000€ (2023–2025 scheme)
• Co-financing rate: Up to 70% funded by EIT Food; minimum 30% co-funding required
• Maximum per project: 1.000.000€ per year for up to 2 years
• Maximum project duration: 24 months (with possible 12-month extension based on performance)
• Other financial details: Payments are linked to achieving deliverables and KPIs. Regular reporting is required. Projects may request a third year of funding based on results. Commercial projects may need to reinvest gains in the community through a Success Sharing Mechanism, unless a waiver is granted. Budget for impact assessment should be 5–10%.

• Applicants must be legally incorporated in an EU or Horizon Europe eligible country for at least one year and have at least one year of published accounts showing business activity.
• One-person legal entities are not eligible.
• Non-EU/Non-Associated Country organizations must be formally registered in their country of business.
• Applicants receiving EIT funding must provide an EU PIC Number.
• Proposals must address at least one Mission target and deliver connected, collaborative activities.
• Project duration must be between 6 and 24 months.
• Applications must be complete, submitted on time, and in English, with all required documents (such as Business Model Canvas, Launch Plan, KPIs, budget, risk register).
• Consortia must include at least two independent entities from two different eligible countries, representing at least two of: industry, research, or education, and must include at least one industry or social enterprise partner.