Innovative solutions for sustainable novel food processing

Specific challenge: Over recent decades, much research on innovative food processing technologies has been carried out with a view to combating pathogens, reducing spoilage and waste, optimising process efficiency, reducing the need for chemical preservatives, improving the functionality of foods, and improving the nutritional and sensorial properties of food responding to the demands of the different consumer niches and markets, also in terms of affordability. However, risks associated with scaling-up have often impeded real-scale demonstration of the viability of innovative solutions, and market failures and barriers have hindered the uptake of promising research and innovation results in novel food processing by industry and in the market. One way of supporting sustainable food security is through demonstration and first application in the market of eco-innovative solutions in sustainable novel food processing.

Scope: Proposals could comprise activities such as prototyping, testing, demonstrating and piloting in a (near to) operational environment, as well as experimental production, all with a view to paving the way for subsequent market replication. Proposals may, possibly, include limited R&D activities. In cases where there are clear market failures or barriers to uptake, proposals could comprise activities such as validating the benefits for the users/buyers of the first application in real life operating conditions, validating technical and economic performance at system level, validating standards, as well as activities to prepare market uptake and ensuring optimal access to and dissemination of results. Participation of SMEs is encouraged.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 2 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected impact:

         Wider and faster deployment of innovative solutions for sustainable novel food processing resulting from greater user acceptance, higher visibility of innovative solutions and the creation of scalable markets.

         Improved competitiveness as well as opportunities for growth, diversification and job creation for the EU food (equipment) sector in general and SMEs in particular

Type of action: Innovation actions