FS4Africa is inviting applications through two distinct Open Calls aimed at enhancing food safety solutions across Africa. The initiative will support up to 15 projects through Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), providing targeted funding to expand the project’s reach and foster innovation.

Open Call 1 – Research and Technology Innovation

This funding opportunity is open to individual organizations such as start-ups, SMEs, research institutions, and cross-sectoral innovators. The goal is to back practical solutions that either improve upon FS4Africa’s existing tools or offer novel approaches to food safety issues that align with the project's wider mission.

• Number of projects supported: 10

• Total funding available: €600,000

• Funding per project: Up to €60,000

Solutions are expected to progress from TRL 4 to TRL 6 during the project timeline.

• Implementation period: February 2026 – January 2027

  • Phase 1 (Design): Feb – Apr 2026

  • Phase 2 (Development): May – Oct 2026

  • Phase 3 (Validation): Nov 2026 – Jan 2027.

Open Call 2 – Support for Innovation Hubs

This second call is directed at innovation hubs and accelerators interested in offering mentorship and capacity-building support to Open Call 1 grantees and other project participants. Activities may be virtual or conducted on-site and are expected to strengthen business development, foster social innovation, and scale entrepreneurial efforts in both African and European contexts.

• Number of projects supported: 5

• Total funding available: €200,000

• Funding per project: Up to €40,000

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is by September 30, 2025 (17:00 CET).