Food Accelerator Network (FAN)

Food Accelerator Network, or FAN, is EIT Food's pan-European accelerator for pre-Series A agrifood startups. It runs six themed hubs across Europe and gives selected startups a €3,000 travel grant, mentoring, corporate introductions, and investor connections over a two to three month programme. The structure is practical and highly commercial, with the focus on market access and validation rather than broad incubation. The top three startups at the end of the programme compete for a Tech Validation Prize of €50,000, €30,000, and €20,000, and that prize is issued as a SAFE rather than pure cash. Eligibility is specific: companies must be registered in an EU member state or a Horizon Europe-associated country, including the UK; founded from 2016 onward; pre-Series A; at or below €1,000,000 in revenue; and no larger than 20 people. The program expects TRL 4 to 8 and is delivered through six university and accelerator partners across Europe. The strongest applicants are companies with a product that can survive scrutiny from both partners and investors. Teams that can show clear validation, a tight commercial story, and a fit with one of the hub themes tend to benefit most from the network. The annual cycle and the mix of cash support, mentorship, and SAFE-based upside make FAN most useful for startups that are already beyond idea stage and need credible traction-building.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.