EIT Food launches open calls to put consumers at the heart of food innovation and research
EIT Food has launched two open calls focused on public engagement in the food system and will invest over €3,000,000 in selected proposals: EIT Food Consumer Observatory Call and Proof of Concepts
EIT Food, the world’s largest food innovation community, has today announced the launch of two open calls for proposals for impactful and scalable public engagement projects and consumer food research and insights knowledge. EIT Food is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.
The calls are open to organisations and individuals who aim to champion public engagement to accelerate:
- Improvements in conditions for enhanced public trust in the food system
- Better health outcomes from our diet
- Improved environmental impact of the agrifood system
- The transition to a circular and sustainable economy.
EIT Food Consumer Observatory Call
EIT Food is looking for organisations to join their new programme that will identify trends across the food system and create a valuable resource for consumer research and insights. As part of this call, EIT Food is seeking proposals from individuals, organisations and consortia from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associate Countries across five different work packages, including project management, trend watch mechanism development, data visualisation, communication and financial sustainability.
Those selected for funding will help position EIT Food at the forefront of the latest consumer insights on agrifood topics. Proposals for the Consumer Observatory call can be submitted by 15 November 2022. More information on call guidelines and the application process can be found here.
Proof of Concepts Call
EIT Food is looking for innovative public engagement project ideas which have the potential for societal impact, to be tested for six months in a Proof of Concept phase.
Project proposals should aim to test proof of concept for ideas in one of the following areas:
- Equipping individuals to make more informed choices
- Increasing transparency and engagement in the food system
- Including consumers in shaping the future of the food system.
Proposals for the Proof of Concepts call can be submitted by 15 November 2022. More information on call guidelines and applications can be found here.
“Consumers are central to the development of a better food system. They are the driver of food trends and the ultimate reason why food is produced. Through these calls, EIT Food will support impactful public engagement projects, individuals and organisations that share the goal of putting consumers at the centre of food innovation and research. We want to hear from those who share our mission of creating a healthier, more sustainable and trusted food system.”
For more information, please contact: communication@eitfood.eu
About EIT Food 
EIT Food is the world’s largest and most dynamic food innovation community. We accelerate innovation to build a future-fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all. ​       
Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, we invest in projects, organisations and individuals that share our goals for a healthy and sustainable food system. We unlock innovation potential in businesses and universities and create and scale agrifood startups to bring new technologies and products to market. We equip entrepreneurs and professionals with the skills needed to transform the food system and put consumers at the heart of our work, helping build trust by reconnecting them to the origins of their food.
We are one of nine innovation communities established by the European Institute for Innovation & Technology (EIT), an independent EU body set up in 2008 to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe.     
Find out more at www.eitfood.eu or follow us via social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. 
