The INCiTiS-FOOD project has opened Open Call 2, inviting applications from independent innovators who are developing solutions to food system challenges in African cities and towns. This call is specifically designed to support individuals, start-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working within city regions where INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs are located.
The Open Call focuses on innovations that can improve how food is produced, processed, distributed, or accessed in urban and peri-urban areas. The project is interested in practical ideas that promote sustainable, inclusive, and circular food systems, especially solutions that can work in places where land, water, and other resources are limited.
A total of 24 innovators will be selected under Open Call 2. The selection will be done at the Living Lab level, with three winners chosen per Living Lab location. This structure ensures that innovation support is spread across all participating regions and reflects local food system needs.
Who can apply
This call is open only to independent innovators, including individual innovators, registered start-ups, and SMEs.
Applicants must be residents of African city regions that host INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs.
Applications from outside these locations will not be considered, even if the idea itself is strong.
All applications must be submitted in English. Submissions in any other language will be automatically disqualified, regardless of content or quality.
The deadline for submission is February 9, 2026, at exactly 17:00 CET. This deadline is extremely strict. Eligibility is determined only by the system timestamp generated at the time of submission. Any application submitted at 17:01 CET or later will be automatically rejected by the system, even if the form still appears open.
Applicants are strongly advised to submit well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official form provided by INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call 2. Innovators are expected to clearly explain their solution, its relevance to urban food systems, and how it can create impact within their local Living Lab region.
To apply, interested applicants should complete the application form Here.
