INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call: Opportunities Await
INCiTiS-FOOD, an EU-funded project, has launched its first Open Call for Local Innovation Hubs (LIHs) with the aim of reinforcing multi-actor collaborations, promoting and scaling
INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call: Opportunities Await
INCiTiS-FOOD, an EU-funded project, has
launched its first Open Call for Local Innovation Hubs (LIHs) with the
aim of reinforcing multi-actor collaborations, promoting and scaling up the
solutions developed within the project, and boosting the overall impact of
INCiTiS-FOOD.
The project focuses on supporting the
implementation and fostering the development of sustainable agri-food
technologies across six African countries: Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone,
Cameroon, and Gabon. INCiTiS-FOOD is reshaping agricultural practices
through innovative, circular approaches that emphasise resource efficiency and environmental
sustainability. Operating in urban and periurban areas, the project addresses
the unique challenges of these densely populated regions by co-developing and
implementing technologies such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and insect farming.
These solutions are particularly well-suited for urban and periurban settings,
as they require minimal space yet produce sufficient food to meet local needs.
By recycling resources and reducing waste, INCiTiS-FOOD offers sustainable ways
to feed growing urban populations.
About the Open Call for Local Innovation Hubs
Launched on the 23rd of December 2024 with
the submission open until the 20th of March 2025, the Open Call invites
small consortia of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 legal entities to come
together and propose ideas that align with INCiTiS-FOOD’s vision. These
consortia can consist of civil society organisations (CSOs), including non-governmental
organisations (NGOs), and cooperatives, as well as secondary
schools and tertiary institutions, start-ups and small and medium enterprises
(SMEs). Consortia is asked to co-create and implement innovative solutions
tailored to sustainable and circular food systems, fostering collaboration and
addressing local food system challenges. The eight most successful Local
Innovation Hubs will receive funding of up to 117,500€.
Eligibility, Funding, and Areas of Interest
To ensure clarity and fairness, the Open
Call follows specific guidelines.
·
English is the official
language for submissions, meaning applications must be written in English;
those in other languages will not be considered.
·
Proposals should align with the
goals of the INCiTiS-FOOD project and respond to the needs of local
stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to explore innovative solutions in
areas such as:
o
Aquaponics and aquaculture – integration of fish farming and plant cultivation
o
Hydroponics and bioponics – exploring environmentally friendly methods of plant growth
o
Insect farming – sustainable protein production
o
Other areas, such as local pest management, snail and rabbit farming, urban
waste recovery, and alternative animal feed production.
Proposals are not
limited to the above-mentioned thematic areas, and Local Innovation Hubs
are welcome to submit proposals based on their own ideas, as long as they align
with the Open Call topic and the objectives of the INCiTiS-FOOD project.
·
All activities must comply
with EU funding regulations to prevent any instance
of double funding.
·
Successful projects are
expected to be completed within a 12-month timeframe.
·
The maximum amount of funding
that a Local Innovation Hub can receive via the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call is 117,500€
and no member of the consortium can receive more than 58,750€.
Submission Details
All applications must be submitted by 20th
March 2025, at 17:00 CET via the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call Hub.
Comprehensive resources, including application guides, are available on
the INCiTiS-FOOD official
website to help you through the process.
Please note that each consortium is allowed
only one proposal, so submit it carefully and thoughtfully!
Join the Webinar
Save the date! On March 5th at 11:00 AM
CET, INCiTiS-FOOD will host an informative webinar to provide insights into its
Open Call and answer all your questions.
During the session, participants will gain
an overview of the INCiTiS-FOOD project, including insights into its Living
Labs. The webinar will also cover a detailed explanation of the application
process and eligibility criteria for the Open Call. Furthermore, attendees will
have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the project
team.
Registration is free and open to all
interested parties. Sign up now via Zoom link!
DIRECT TRAINING IN BIOMEDICAL FIELD
The Vice Chancellor of the Bamenda University Institute of Science and Technology (BUST) announces for the interest of qualified applicants who wish to study in BUST in affiliation with the University of Buea for the 2024/2025 academic year that by virtue of Specific Agreement with UB on mentorship, BUST is duly accredited to run direct four (4) year training for the award of Bachelor Degree in the following programmes of Health Sciences:
Ø Nursing Science
Ø Medical Laboratory Science
Ø Pharmacy Science
Ø Public Health
Ø Midwifery (Reproductive Health)
Application files shall include:
– Photocopy of GCE A/L and O/L or equivalent certificates;
– Admission form of 10,000FCFA for nationals and 12,000FCFA for international students obtainable from BUST Registry;
– Photocopy of Birth certificate;
– Four passport size photos and
– Photocopy of ID Card.
NB:
Ø Admissions into first year of study in the above-mentioned departments are currently ongoing.
For more information, visit BUST Campus located adjacent Starlight College Mile six Nkwen during working hours (9:00 a. to 2:30 pm), or contact us by phone/WhatsApp 677261789. You can also visit www.bustedu.com
Join Us in Cameroon for the INCiTiS-FOOD First Roadshow Event
INCiTiS-FOOD is thrilled to invite you to the first event in our Roadshow series, taking place at Bamenda University of Science and Technology (BUST) in Cameroon on 23rd October 2024. This event offers an opportunity to learn more about the key objectives of the INCiTiS-FOOD project, its Open Calls, and the innovative technologies being used in our Living Labs.
An Open Call aims to select participants to contribute to specific challenges in food systems within the INCiTiS-FOOD project. It invites applicants, such as entrepreneurs, startups, or institutions, to submit proposals that address targeted topics related to sustainable and circular food systems, such as aquaponics, hydroponics, and insect farming. The Open Calls provides financial grants to selected Local Innovation Hubs (LIHs) and prizes for independent innovators. These participants are expected to replicate or scale innovative food solutions developed in INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs.
Participants have the unique chance to learn more about the requirements and eligibility criteria for Open Call, including how to use technology in their applications. They’ll also explore ways to connect with the INCiTiS-FOOD technology to develop innovative products and services. The event will feature a guest panel discussing innovation and food security, along with an opportunity for participants to pitch ideas and receive training, followed by personalised feedback. Additionally, this is a great opportunity for networking and building meaningful connections in the industry.
During the Roadshow event, the participants will also be able to learn more about the BUST Living Lab and discover the circular agri-food technologies it has implemented over the past two years as part of the INCiTiS-FOOD project.
About the INCiTiS-FOOD project
INCiTiS-FOOD, a 4-year EU-funded initiative, started in January 2023, has spent the past two years advancing sustainable agri-food technologies to tackle food and nutritional security challenges while promoting environmental justice across Africa. Focusing on Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, and Gabon, the project aims to reshape the future of food production in these regions.
By co-creating and implementing circular agri-food technologies such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and insect farming, the project introduces solutions that recycle resources and minimise waste, making food systems more sustainable. These innovations ensure nutrient recovery and energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact while enhancing agricultural productivity.
A key driver of INCiTiS-FOOD’s success has been its network of 8 Living Labs spread across 6 African countries. These labs serve as on-the-ground hubs for testing and adapting technologies in real-world conditions, fostering local involvement and ensuring that solutions are relevant to African contexts. In the Living Labs, INCiTiS-FOOD partners cultivate vegetables and produce fish using aquaponic and hydroponic systems. They also cultivate insects, with a special focus on the protein-rich Black Soldier Fly, which is suitable for both human consumption and as livestock or aquaculture feed. They also organise workshops and onboarding training. These user-driven approaches encourage innovation through co-creation, empowering communities and stakeholders to develop scalable solutions tailored to their needs. For more information on our Living Labs and their progress, visit the Knowledge Hub on our website.
Through these efforts, the project is not only advancing food and nutritional security but also building a more inclusive, circular, and resilient food system for Africa, supported by strong EU-AU partnerships.
The INCiTiS-FOOD Project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and all the information is available on the project’s website, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.
About Bamenda University of Science and Technology
Situated in northwestern Cameroon, the Bamenda University of Science and Technology (BUST) is a leading private university in the country. The Living Lab (LL) at BUST is hosted within the Department of Animal Science and the Department of Agronomy and Soil Sciences and is very important for the INCiTiS-FOOD project.
Location of the BUST’s Living Lab offers a unique advantage due to the region’s two distinct climates—a rainy season and a dry season—providing an ideal environment for testing and gathering valuable data. In addition to building sustainable technologies such as aquaponic and hydroponic systems, where various types of vegetables are successfully cultivated, the lab supports INCiTiS-FOOD’s mission by organising onboarding workshops and ecosystem-building activities, helping to foster innovation and collaboration in the region.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Name: Balgah Roland
Email: balgahroland@gmail.com
Disclaimer The information and views set out in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Union. Neither the European Union institutions and bodies nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein. Additionally, the associate partner ZHAW has received funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
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