Budget
The maximum funding available for that period per application is € 4 000 (lump sum). The lump sum is intended to support a broad set of activities aligned with Horizon Europe and EIT Food priorities.
Key dates and deadline
The project runs from March 2026 to November 2026. The communication of the results is scheduled for 18 of February 2026.
Details
Through Test Farms, selected startups will gain access to farmers, agronomists, testing sites, and visibility opportunities. EIT Food is looking for startups that want to: Participate in real-world testing and validation of their agritech or aquatech solutions on European farms or aquaculture sites. Engage directly with farmers and agronomists to refine their products based on practical needs and field performance. Generate evidence, data, and validation results that strengthen their commercial readiness and investor attractiveness. Showcase their solutions to potential clients, partners, and funding sources through visibility and promotional activities. Contribute to a more sustainable and efficient agrifood system, bringing digital, biotech, circular, regenerative, or aquatech innovations to market. Deliver strong business KPIs, including sales growth, funding attraction, and measurable validation metrics aligned with the programme’s objectives.
Eligibility
A registered startup or early-stage scale-up operating in the agri-tech or aqua-tech industry. Solutions at TRL 6–9, meaning the innovation has been validated in a relevant environment and is ready for real-world testing with end users. Technologies that demonstrate clear novelty, strong potential for positive environmental or economic impact, and alignment with Test Farms key themes (e.g. regenerative agriculture, decarbonisation, digital farming, sustainable feed, circular systems). The ability to deploy and support the solution in the field, including sufficient staff, technical expertise, and resources to carry out the pilot in collaboration with farmers. Willingness to collect, analyse, and share performance data to support programme KPIs, contribute to impact measurement, and refine the solution following field validation. Solutions with a clear pathway to commercialisation and scaling across European farming or aquaculture systems. Readiness to work closely with farmers, technical partners, and EIT Food teams in a transparent and collaborative manner.
Additional information
The lump sum is intended to support a broad set of activities aligned with Horizon Europe and EIT Food priorities. It covers the following cost categories: Other Goods & Services (up to €500): to cover the organisation of their Demo Day activities, including printing materials, documentation, or small event-related expenses, as well as any other eligible costs approved by the Test Farms manager. Travel (up to €1380): to cover up to two essential project-related travels and associated accommodation costs, as well as the transportation of the solution to and from the testing site where applicable Direct subcontracting costs (up to €1650): to cover essential pilot-related expenses, including field adjustments and installation, as well as the rental of equipment or laboratory services required for testing their solution. Indirect Costs (up to €470): to cover indirect and overhead costs that facilitate participation in the Test Farms pilot, including administrative, managerial, and communication-related.
How to apply?
https://www.eitfood.eu/open-calls/test-farms-startups-call