Open Call for innovative projects enhancing the valorisation of agri-food biomass

The GRAPPA Open Call (Grant Agreement 101235085) provides cascade lump-sum grants to SMEs to develop, demonstrate and commercialise solutions that maximise valorisation of agri-food biomass and side-streams, prioritising upcycled ingredients, processes, products and enabling technologies. Eligible applicants are SMEs registered in EU Member States or countries associated to the Single Market Programme, projects must be at minimum TRL 6, run for up to 12 months, and the call total budget is €2,020,000 with cut-off deadlines on 26 May 2026 and 20 October 2026. Funding ceilings are €60,000 for single-SME projects and €90,000 for consortia of 2 to 3 SMEs, and beneficiaries must provide at least 15 percent private financial contribution. Applications are submitted via the GRAPPA call website, evaluated by independent evaluators, and selected projects enter a Sub-Grant Agreement and are expected to pitch results at the GRAPPA Summit.

What it funds

Scope

Direct lump‑sum grants for innovative SME projects that develop, adopt or commercialise new processes, products or services (including digital) that maximise valorisation of agri-food biomass and side‑streams, with emphasis on upcycled ingredients for food and non‑food applications.

Total budget:€2,020,000 available under the GRAPPA Innovation Open Call.

1. 1Who can apply: Single SMEs or consortia of up to 3 SMEs registered in EU Member States or countries associated to the Single Market Programme.
2. 2Eligible projects: Must implement a new process, product or service and be at minimum TRL 6.
3. 3Project duration: Up to 12 months.

Grant amounts and co‑funding

Key dates & process

Open:26 March 2026. Multiple cut‑offs: 26 May 2026 17:00 CET and 20 October 2026 17:00 CET. Proposals submitted via the GRAPPA call site are screened for eligibility and evaluated by three independent evaluators; awarding follows ranking after each cut‑off.

How winners will engage

Awarded projects enter a sub‑grant agreement (~1 month) and laureates are expected to present at the GRAPPA summit (in‑person pitch at the 2nd European Food Biomass and Bioeconomy Summit, June 2027).

Where to apply / more info

Full call documentation, applicant guide and submission portal are available on the GRAPPA call page GRAPPA Open Call and on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal Opportunity page.

Call at a glance

Call title:Open Call for innovative projects enhancing the valorisation of agri-food biomass. Project acronym: GRAPPA. Funding programme: Single Market Programme (SMP) – COSME, Grant Agreement No. 101235085. Opening date: 26 March 2026. Cut-off model: multiple cut-off dates. Cut-off deadlines: 26 May 2026 17:00 (Brussels/CET) and 20 October 2026 17:00 (Brussels/CET). Total budget available: €2,020,000. Maximum project duration: 12 months.

Primary objective:Support innovative SMEs to develop, adopt and commercialise solutions that maximise valorisation of agri-food biomass and side-streams, including upcycled ingredients for food and non-food applications, new processes, products, services and enabling technologies (including digital). Projects must demonstrate at least TRL 6 at the start.

Eligible applicant types

Eligible applicants are SMEs only. The call targets:SMEs in the agri-food production and/or processing sector; SMEs in other sectors (for example cosmetics, nutraceuticals) that valorise biomass/by-products/side-streams from the agri-food sector; SMEs in other sectors that valorise their own biomass/by-products/side-streams for the agri-food sector; SMEs offering solutions and/or technologies for the valorisation of biomass/by-products/side-streams from the agri-food sector (development and application of new technologies or processes). Applicants must be SMEs registered in EU Member States or countries associated to the Single Market Programme.

Funding type and modality

This is cascade funding delivered as lump-sum grants to SMEs (sub-grants). Funding modality: direct grant (lump sum). The call provides fixed maximum lump-sum amounts depending on project configuration and requires private matching finance.

1. 1Single-SME projects: maximum lump-sum grant €60,000 per project (1 SME).
2. 2Collaborative SME projects (2–3 SMEs): maximum lump-sum grant €90,000 per project (for the consortium).
3. 3Private financial contribution: minimum 15% of the innovation grant must be provided by the beneficiary(ies) as private contribution (debt or own financial resources) with proof required.

Consortium requirement and project configuration

Proposals can be submitted by a single SME or by an SME consortium of up to three SMEs. Consortiums of 2–3 SMEs are eligible for a higher lump-sum ceiling (€90,000). Projects must result in the implementation of a new process, a new product, a new service or a combination of these.

Geographic eligibility (Beneficiary scope)

Eligible applicants must be SMEs legally registered in EU Member States or countries associated to the Single Market Programme. The GRAPPA partnership spans multiple EU regions and clusters; however nationality/registration restriction is EU and SMP-associated countries only.

Target sectors and technology focus

Target thematic areas:agri-food sector (production and processing), circular bioeconomy, upcycled ingredients development for food and non-food uses (e.g., cosmetics, nutraceuticals), technologies and processes for side-stream valorisation, digital tools enabling valorisation, business processes and services related to biomass valorisation. Technology readiness requirement: minimum TRL 6 at the time of application.

Project stage and expected maturity

Intended projects must be at development-to-demonstration/commercialisation readiness:minimum TRL 6 (system/subsystem prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment) and targeting further development, validation, demonstration or market entry within the one-year project duration. Typical expected stages: development, validation, demonstration and early commercialisation/scale-up activities.

Eligible activities and expected deliverables

Eligible activities include development, adoption and commercialisation steps for upcycled ingredients, processes, products, services, enabling technologies (including digital), pilot or demonstration activities bringing TRL forward, market validation, regulatory/compliance steps relevant for food or non-food applications, business model refinement, go-to-market and internationalisation planning. Projects must include concrete results and impacts, budget estimation, a commercialisation strategy and use of the System Innovation Readiness Level (SIRL) assessment tool as part of project planning.

Application and submission process

Application method:open call with multiple cut-offs. Submission must be done through the GRAPPA call website and application form provided there. Applicants must complete an eligibility check; proposals that pass eligibility are evaluated by three independent evaluators. Top-ranked proposals meeting threshold scores are awarded and enter a Sub-Grant Agreement phase (approx. one month). The evaluation period is intended to conclude within two months after each cut-off date.

Required application materials:Applicants must submit the GRAPPA application form and supporting documents via the call website. Required content includes: project description addressing the call challenges; demonstration that the project implements a new product/process/service; TRL evidence (minimum TRL 6); work plan and timeline (max 12 months); budget estimation and financial plan including evidence of at least 15% private contribution; commercialisation strategy and market impact; anticipated results and impacts; use of SIRL assessment tool; details on consortium partners if any; administrative/legal documentation proving SME status and country registration. Awarded projects' beneficiaries will be required to participate in a pitch presentation at the GRAPPA Summit in June 2027 with in-person attendance.

Evaluation, selection and award

Evaluation is performed by three independent evaluators following criteria and procedures set out in the GRAPPA open call applicant's guide available on the call website. The combined scores determine final ranking. Top-ranked proposals above thresholds are invited to sign a Sub-Grant Agreement and receive the lump-sum grant. The Sub-Grant Agreement phase typically lasts about one month and precedes project start. The evaluation aims to be completed within approximately two months after each cut-off date.

Application stages and process flow

1. 11. Prepare application: complete application form and required annexes; gather proof of SME status and private contribution.
2. 22. Submit via GRAPPA call website by cut-off date (open call).
3. 33. Eligibility check by call administrator.
4. 44. Evaluation by 3 independent evaluators (technical, commercial and impact assessment as per guide).
5. 55. Ranking and selection of proposals meeting threshold scores.
6. 66. Notification and Sub-Grant Agreement drafting (approx. 1 month).
7. 77. Project implementation (up to 12 months) including required reporting and participation in GRAPPA activities.
8. 88. Laureates present a pitch at GRAPPA Summit (June 2027) in person.

Success rates and competitiveness

The call total budget is €2,020,000. Individual awards range between €60,000 and €90,000; therefore the maximum number of projects funded depends on the mix of single vs collaborative awards. Exact historical success rates are not published in the call text; competitiveness will depend on quality of applications and alignment with GRAPPA priorities. Applicants should consult the applicant's guide and aim for high technical readiness, clear commercialisation plans and strong impact demonstration to maximise selection chances.

Co-funding and financial obligations

Co-funding requirement:beneficiaries must provide at least 15% private financial contribution to match the innovation grant. This contribution can be debt or own financial resources. Proof of this private contribution is required during the award/sub-grant process. Funding is delivered as lump-sum payments under the Sub-Grant Agreement; beneficiaries are responsible for ensuring eligible costs align with the agreement conditions and providing required proof documents as requested.

Application templates and structure

The call documentation includes an Application Form and an Open Call Applicant's Guide available on the GRAPPA call website. While the full templates are hosted on the call portal, the expected structure applicants should prepare is: 1) Administrative section (applicant legal details, SME proof, partner details), 2) Project summary and objectives, 3) Technical description (TRL evidence, SIRL assessment, technical tasks, pilot/demo plan), 4) Implementation plan and Gantt (max 12 months), 5) Budget and financial plan (including demonstration of 15% private match), 6) Commercialisation and market strategy (go-to-market, IP, regulatory pathways), 7) Expected impacts and KPI indicators, 8) Risk assessment and mitigation, 9) Annexes (CVs, letters of support, legal documents). Applicants must follow the specific Application Form layout provided on the portal.

Important obligations for awardees

1. 1Participate in project monitoring and reporting as specified in the Sub-Grant Agreement.
2. 2Provide proof of the required private financial contribution (15%).
3. 3Undergo SIRL assessment and include it in project reporting.
4. 4Attend and present a pitch at the GRAPPA Summit during the 2nd European Food Biomass and Bioeconomy Summit in June 2027 (in-person participation required for laureates).
5. 5Comply with EU funding publicity, legal and financial obligations and GDPR where applicable.

Mentioned countries and geographic notes

Explicit country mentions in the call text:EU Member States and countries associated to the Single Market Programme. The GRAPPA partnership lists cluster partners and regions across several EU countries (the call is implemented across partner clusters in multiple EU regions). No specific non-EU countries are eligible except those formally associated to the Single Market Programme.

How to apply and where to find documentation

Applications must be submitted via the GRAPPA call website linked from the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Full call documentation, including the Open Call Applicant's Guide and the Application Form, is available for download on the call website. Applicants should read the guide carefully to understand evaluation criteria, eligibility checks and required annexes before submission. For detailed call documentation consult the official portal and GRAPPA resources GRAPPA Call Portal. ¹

Summary — What is this opportunity about?

The GRAPPA Open Call offers lump-sum innovation grants to European SMEs to accelerate the development, demonstration and commercialisation of solutions that increase valorisation of agri-food biomass and side-streams. It focuses on upcycled ingredients for food and non-food uses, new processes, products, services and enabling technologies (including digital). Projects must be led by SMEs registered in EU Member States or Single Market Programme associated countries, be at least TRL 6 at application, and run for up to one year. Funding ceilings are €60,000 for single-SME projects and €90,000 for collaborative SME projects (2–3 SMEs). Awarded projects must provide evidence of at least 15% private financial contribution and will be selected after eligibility checks and evaluation by three independent evaluators. Successful applicants will sign a Sub-Grant Agreement and will be required to present results at the GRAPPA Summit in June 2027. The total call budget is €2,020,000 and applications are accepted at two cut-off dates in 2026. This call is intended for SMEs ready to move from development to demonstration and early commercialisation of circular biomass-based solutions and to connect to regional clusters, acceleration activities and internationalisation support offered by the GRAPPA / I4BE partnership.

Footnotes

1. 1Official GRAPPA Open Call documentation, applicant's guide and application form are available on the GRAPPA call website and the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

This open call under the GRAPPA project (Grant Agreement 101235085) provides cascade funding to SMEs for developing innovative solutions that maximise the valorisation of agri-food biomass and side-streams, contributing to sustainable agri-food ecosystems. It focuses on upcycled ingredients, products, processes, and technologies (including digital) for food and non-food applications, with projects requiring a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6.

Key Dates and Budget

Opening Date:26 March 2026.

Cut-off Deadlines:First: 26 May 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time; Second: 20 October 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.

Total Budget:€2,020,000.

Project Duration:Maximum 1 year.

Eligibility and Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants are SMEs registered in EU Member States or countries associated to the Single Market Programme. Proposals can be submitted by a single SME or consortia of up to 3 SMEs.

Targeted SMEs

• SMEs in agri-food production and/or processing sector.
• SMEs in other sectors (e.g., cosmetics, nutraceuticals) valorising biomass/by-products/side-streams from the agri-food sector.
• SMEs in other sectors valorising their own biomass/by-products/side-streams for the agri-food sector.
• SMEs offering solutions/technology for valorising agri-food biomass/by-products/side-streams (new technologies or processes).

Projects must implement a new process, new product, new service, or combination thereof, at TRL 6 or higher. Applicants must include budget estimation, results/impacts, commercialisation strategy, and use a System Innovation Readiness Level (SIRL) assessment tool.

Funding Details

Grants require at least 15% private financial contribution (debt or own resources), with proof required. Funding is provided as lump-sum grants through cascade funding under the Single Market Programme SMP-COSME.¹

Application and Evaluation Process

1. 1Submit proposals via the GRAPPA call website.
2. 2Eligibility check on mandatory information.
3. 3Evaluation by 3 independent evaluators within 2 months of each cut-off, using transparent procedure detailed in the Applicant's Guide.
4. 4Top-ranked proposals meeting thresholds awarded and contacted for Sub-Grant Agreement (approx. 1 month).
5. 5Laureates must participate in-person in pitch at GRAPPA summit (2nd European Food Biomass and Bioeconomy Summit, June 2027).

Consult GRAPPA Open Call Documentation, Applicant's Guide, and Application Form on the call website. For GRAPPA project info, visit the project website and LinkedIn.

Project Context: GRAPPA

GRAPPA (Green Resilient Approaches to anchor European food-producing and processing SMEs into global value chains through connecting place-based biomass system innovation actors) involves 6 innovation clusters from 4 countries: Flanders’ FOOD, WAGRALIM, FOOD+i, CLUSAGA, InnovAlliance, ATECluster. Coordinated by I4BE – Ingredients for the Bioeconomy.

Primary source:EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Additional details: GRAPPA Project Site.

Footnotes

1. 1Funding under SMP-COSME via EUROCLUSTERS for Europe's recovery.