Call for applications to help the development of innovative business ...

Enriched Nordic · Found: 2026-03-11 08:07

The program offers up to €60,000 per project to support innovative solutions in macroalgae production, biotechnology, and downstream ...

Source: https://eufundingportal.eu/call-for-applications-to-help-the-development-of-innovative-business-ventures-in-the-european-seaweed-sector/

Funding Details

Funder

I3-4-SEAWEED (EU Interregional Innovation Investments / European Commission)

Funding Goal

To drive transformative growth in the European seaweed sector by supporting SMEs and startups in developing innovative macroalgae-based products and technologies, accelerating commercialization across food, cosmetics, and biofertilizer industries.

Funding Amount

Up to €60,000 per project (lump sum grant). Total call budget approximately €1.8 million for up to 30 projects. (60.000 € – 60.000 €)

Deadline

2025-10-22 (1st Open Call); future rounds may be planned based on OC1 naming (Fixed)

How to Apply

Applications submitted exclusively via F6S platform (separate pages for Strand A and Strand B). Required documents: completed F6S application form, technical proposal using provided template, all in PDF format and English. Evaluation by two remote experts on three criteria (Excellence, Impact & Ambition, Implementation) scored 1-5, with minimum threshold of 3 per criterion and 9/15 overall. Results announced approximately 3 weeks after deadline. Contracting phase requires proof of legal existence, SME Declaration Form, Declaration of Honour, Financial Information Form, and KYC verification.

Target Region

European Union (18 eligible countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia — specific NUTS regions apply)

Contact

Open Call inquiries: opencall-i3-4-seaweed@f6s.com | F6S platform support: support@f6s.com | EU4Algae community: contact@eu4algae.eu | Website: https://i3-4-seaweed.eu/

Official Page

https://i3-4-seaweed.eu/open-call/

Last Checked

2026-03-12 03:48

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a legally incorporated SME or consortium of up to 2 SMEs with valid VAT number
• Entity must be established in eligible regions across the 18 designated EU countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia)
• Innovation must be at minimum Technology Readiness Level 6 (prototype demonstrated in relevant environment)

Project Scope

• Project must focus on macroalgal production (Strand A) OR macroalgal biotechnology and downstream applications (Strand B)

Required Documents

• Application submitted via F6S platform in English with technical proposal using provided template (all documents in PDF)

Constraints

• Maximum one application per applicant per strand; may apply to both strands but only highest-ranked proposal per entity funded
• Must participate in mandatory 12-month capacity building program including monthly workshops and final in-person event
• Subcontracting limited to maximum 20% of total budget

Summary

The I3-4-SEAWEED Open Call is a cascade funding program under the EU's Interregional Innovation Investments instrument. It provides up to €60,000 per project to support innovative SMEs and startups in the European seaweed sector. The program targets two strands: Strand A focuses on macroalgal production (cultivation, hatchery innovation, digital monitoring, post-harvest processing), while Strand B covers macroalgal biotechnology and downstream applications (biorefinery, product development, industrial applications). Up to 30 projects are selected per call, with a total budget of approximately €1.8 million. Eligible applicants must be legal SME entities or consortia of up to two SMEs, based in eligible regions across 18 EU countries including Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and others. Projects must demonstrate a minimum Technology Readiness Level of 6 (prototype tested in relevant environment). Unincorporated startups are not eligible. Applications must be submitted in English via the F6S platform. Beyond the €60,000 grant, selected projects receive a comprehensive 12-month support program including mandatory monthly online workshops, business case development support, access to the BlueBioMatch mentor network, advisory support from consortium advisers, and participation in a final in-person workshop with project pitching. The payment is structured in three installments: 40% upfront, up to 70% after the first 6-month progress report, and the balance upon completion. The 1st Open Call ran from August 20 to October 22, 2025, with results announced November 12, 2025. The naming "1st Open Call" (OC1) suggests additional rounds may be planned under the broader I3-4-SEAWEED project framework.

Historical Context

This was labeled as the "1st Open Call" (OC1) of the I3-4-SEAWEED project, suggesting additional rounds may be planned. The 1st call ran August 20 – October 22, 2025, with results announced November 12, 2025. Selected projects commenced activities around February 2026 for a 12-month implementation period. The I3-4-SEAWEED project itself is part of the EU's broader Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) instrument supporting the European algae sector.

Sources

• https://eufundingportal.eu/call-for-applications-to-help-the-development-of-innovative-business-ventures-in-the-european-seaweed-sector/
• https://maritime-forum.ec.europa.eu/funding-opportunity-eu60000-support-algae-innovators-through-i3-4-seaweed-open-call_en
• https://i3-4-seaweed.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/I3-4-SEAWEED-OC1-Annex-1-Guidelines-for-Applicants.pdf

Similar Programs

← Back to list