The Excel4Pro project has launched an Open Call to support innovation within the agri-food sector, with a specific focus on novel foods derived from plant proteins. This initiative is designed to provide financial support to startups and SMEs from Türkiye, Greece, and Ukraine, aiming to benefit a total of nine organizations. The program encourages applicants to innovate, test, validate, or implement their breakthroughs within Excel4Pro's key areas, which include protein structure-function relations, nutritional quality, and sustainable process design, thereby integrating these advancements into the broader agri-food industry.
Program Aims
• Address a wide range of challenges by providing short case studies that will enhance innovation in the agri-food sector.
• Develop and test solutions focusing on novel plant-based foods and plant-based protein innovations.
• Enhance the Excel4Pro excellence hubs by adding developed solutions and forming a lasting partnership.
Areas of Focus
• Inspiring innovation within plant protein structure and functional relations.
• Improving nutritional quality.
• Fostering sustainable process design.
Funding and Support
• The Excel4Pro Open Call will financially support at least 9 projects.
• A maximum amount of €40,000 will be allocated per project.
• A total budget of €360,000 will be allocated to startups and SMEs for project implementation.
Program Timeline and Deliverables
• Phase 1 – Design: November 2026 – February 2027 (4 months). Deliverable: Activity plan.
• Phase 2 – Development: March 2027 – July 2027 (5 months). Deliverable: Report on Results/Outcomes.
• Phase 3 – Validation: August 2027 – January 2028 (5 months). Deliverable: Final report or community-associated activities.
Application Details
• Eligibility: Startups and SMEs in Türkiye, Greece, and Ukraine are eligible to apply.
• Opening Date: Monday, January 26, 2026, at 10:00 CET.
• Submission Deadline: Proposals must be submitted before Monday, April 27, 2026, at 17:00 CET/Brussels time.
• Submission Platform: Proposals must be submitted digitally through the opencalls.fund Platform.
• Terms and Conditions: By applying, applicants automatically accept the terms and conditions of the Open Call as described in the Open Call Kit.
• Inquiries: For any questions or clarifications, please contact info@excel4pro.eu.
Application Resources
• Annex 1: Call for evaluators
• Annex 2: Open Call Text (Fiche)
• Annex 3: Hand summary
• Annex 4: Applicants Guide
• Annex 5: Proposal Template
• Annex 6: Budget Template
• Annex 7: Declaration of Honour
• Annex 8: SME Declaration
This Open Call presents a significant opportunity for startups and SMEs in the specified regions to advance their innovative solutions in the alternative plant-based protein sector. Interested parties are encouraged to review the detailed application materials and guidelines to prepare their submissions for this initiative aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in the agri-food landscape.