EIT Food Accelerator Network (FAN) – Call for Startups 2026

The EIT Food Accelerator Network (FAN) is a multi-hub European accelerator programme supporting high-impact agrifood and foodtech startups to validate their technologies and accelerate market readiness.

The 2026 call invites ambitious startups to join one of six specialised hubs across Europe, each focused on a key theme shaping the future of food systems.

Accelerator Hubs & Themes

Selected startups will join one of the following programmes:

• Munich, Germany – Smart and Low-Carbon Supply Chains
• Helsinki, Finland – Circular Solutions for Food Systems
• Paris, France – Biotech Ingredients, Products and Processes
• Warsaw, Poland – Future Resilient Agriculture
• Catania, Italy – Water-Smart Agrifood Systems
• Wageningen, Netherlands – Digital & Autonomous Farming Solutions

Programme Overview

• Duration: 2–3 months (September–December 2026)
• Format: Delivered in parallel across six European hubs
• Focus: Technology validation, commercial acceleration, and investment readiness

Startups will undergo a rigorous selection process evaluated by entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. Once selected, participants gain access to:

• Expert mentorship and tailored coaching
• European research facilities and validation infrastructure
• Industry and corporate connections
• Investment readiness support
• Access to the EIT Food Innovation Community

The programme supports startups in refining their technology roadmap, strengthening their go-to-market strategy, and accelerating adoption in the market.

Funding Opportunities

At the end of the programme, each hub will host a Technology Validation Pitch Event.

The top three startups per hub (18 in total) will receive:

• €50,000 (1st place)
• €30,000 (2nd place)
• €20,000 (3rd place)

The subgrant will support the implementation of a Technology Validation Project in 2027, in collaboration with leading universities, research centres, or specialised facilities of the startup’s choice.

Are you eligible?

To apply for the EIT Food Accelerator Network programme:

• You must be a registered company established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe-associated countries (NB; this includes the UK) in or after 2016
• Your business innovation must be underpinned by a technology with a prototype, or pilot project (paid or unpaid) with TRL 4-8
• It must also fall under one of EIT FAN’s themes
• Your company must be pre-series A, with revenues up to €1 million and a team, no more than 20 people
• Ideally, you will have successfully completed customer validation
• Ideally, you will be able to demonstrate traction, for example, through letters of support, sales, or signed letters of intent

Switzerland and UK-based companies are eligible to apply. However, eligibility for funding will be determined based on Switzerland’s and the UK’s eligibility status for EU funding at that time.

Register for the "Ask us anything" webinar:

March 5th: https://eitfoodhive.eu/networks/events/205719
March 24th: https://eitfoodhive.eu/networks/events/205989