EIT Food Accelerator Network
EIT Food Accelerator Network (FAN)
Status not published
2026 call deadline: 14 April 2026. The call runs annually.
Each startup receives a EUR 3 000 grant to cover travel expenses during the programme. At the end, each Hub runs a Tech Validation pitch event awarding three startups EUR 50 000 (1st), EUR 30 000 (2nd) and EUR 20 000 (3rd) to implement their tech validation project. Note: EIT Food's programme page describes this funding as being awarded through a SAFE (Simple Agreement For Future Equity) instrument, while the 2026 call page describes it as sub-grants for Technology Validation Projects - check the current call guidelines, as the instrument is material.
EIT Food (European Institute of Innovation and Technology Knowledge and Innovation Community)
ppp · supranational
Deadline: annual_call — 2026 call deadline: 14 April 2026. The call runs annually.
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Moderate — a form and supporting documents.
Who can apply
- Up to 20 employees
- Turnover up to 1,000,000
- micro enterprises
- Sectors: agri
- Stage: pre_seed, seed
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
'pre-series A, with revenues up to €1 million and a team, no more than 20 people'; technology at TRL 4-8 (prototype or pilot stage required); must be a 'registered company established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe-associated countries'. Switzerland and UK-based companies are eligible to apply, though funding is subject to their future eligibility status.
How to apply
- Choose the thematic Hub that matches your solution (six hubs: supply chains, circular solutions, biotech, agriculture, water systems, digital farming). — link
- Submit the application by the annual deadline; selection into the accelerator programme follows. — link
- Complete the programme and pitch at the Hub's Tech Validation event to compete for EUR 50 000 / 30 000 / 20 000. — link
What you will need
- Online application form
- Proof of company registration in an eligible country
- Financials evidencing revenue below EUR 1 million
Source. https://www.eitfood.eu/entrepreneurship/accelerate-food-accelerator-network — checked 2026-08-14
"The EIT Food Accelerator Network programme offers a €3,000 grant for each startup to cover their travel expenses during the programme. Additionally, each startup is offered an opportunity to compete for funding of up to €50,000 to implement their tech validation project."