GRAPPA Innovation Open Call

This scheme supports European SMEs in developing, adopting and commercialising innovative products, processes, services and technologies that improve the valorisation of agri-food biomass and side-streams. The call is intended to strengthen circularity, innovation uptake and business resilience in the agri-food value chain.

GRAPPA offers a concrete opportunity for SMEs that want to turn agri-food biomass and side-streams into new value. The call supports innovation projects from TRL 6 onwards that focus on new products, services, processes or technologies, including digital solutions where relevant. This can be highly attractive for entrepreneurs working on upcycled ingredients, nutraceutical applications, cosmetics-related valorisation routes or enabling technologies for biomass processing.

A single SME can apply on its own, so collaboration with another organisation is not mandatory. A consortium is also possible, with up to three SMEs, and in that case at least one SME must be active in food processing or food production.

Entrepreneurs from both Germany and the Netherlands may apply, as the call is open to SMEs registered in EU Member States and countries associated to the Single Market Programme.

Financial support is available as a lump sum of up to €60,000 for a single SME project and up to €90,000 for a collaborative project, with a maximum of €60,000 per SME. Applicants must add at least 15% private co-financing from debt or own resources and be able to prove this.

There are also administrative obligations: the application must be submitted in English, the form must be signed and stamped or electronically signed, and the project budget must be justified per cost category. Selected SMEs must use the SIRL assessment approach, indicate participation in supportive activities, and contribute to required monitoring. Laureates must also attend an in-person pitch presentation at the GRAPPA summit in June 2027. Because the support focuses on innovation acceleration rather than basic research, the call is especially relevant for SMEs that are ready to validate, test and bring a solution closer to market.

Eligible costs include direct staff costs for employees working on the project, up to 80% of the total project budget per SME. Subcontracting for external expertise is allowed, but subcontracting to universities, research institutes or other RTOs may not exceed 30% of the project budget. Other direct costs may include travel, equipment depreciation or rental/lease, consumables, dissemination, translations, publications and intellectual property related costs, provided they arise during the project period and comply with normal accounting rules.

Companies with an interest in the program can get more support via the TECH.LAND partners. For more information, please contact:

Vincent Bökkerink
Project Developer and funding TECH.LAND
X-Border Cooperation North Westphalia & East Netherlands
https://techland.org/
bokkerink@techland.org
+31 6 51 98 75 07