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Official call identifier: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-06
Objective of the call
The objective of this call is to enhance agrobiodiversity in agricultural systems to improve food security, resilience, and long-term competitiveness. It aims to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of diversified agroecosystems, support farmers in adopting biodiversity-friendly practices, and strengthen their position in value chains through improved market access and income opportunities.
Scope of activities
Projects should focus on assessing and demonstrating the benefits of agrobiodiversity at farm level, including economic impacts and resilience outcomes. Activities include developing strategies to scale biodiversity practices, testing financial instruments such as nature credits, and creating decision-support tools to evaluate risks of diversification. Proposals should also address cost-benefit analysis of diversification, behavioural drivers of adoption, and pathways for product valorisation, including processing, storage, and collaboration with the food industry. A multi-actor approach is required, involving farmers and relevant stakeholders, and cooperation with existing EU initiatives and international partners is encouraged.
Eligible applicants
- Innovative SMEs, startups and enterprises aiming to scale and strengthen competitiveness
- Public-sector organisations driving transformation and societal impact
- Research and academic institutions commercialising knowledge
- Non-profit organisations delivering purpose-driven innovation
- Participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States, Iceland and Norway, associated countries, OECD countries and MERCOSUR countries. (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C)
- Minimum 3 independent partners from 3 eligible countries
Specific consortium we are looking for:
Consortia should include farmers, land managers and foresters, research organisations, agribusinesses, breeders, and food industry actors. Inclusion of stakeholders involved in finance, such as entities working with nature credits, as well as organisations providing decision-support tools and policy expertise is expected. Active participation of practitioners is required under a multi-actor approach, ensuring co-creation and practical implementation of solutions.
Eligible costs
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum contribution under the Horizon Europe Lump Sum Model Grant Agreement. Activities may include:
- Research and development of advanced photonic devices and circuits
- Integration of novel materials and architectures
- Prototype fabrication and testing
- System-level validation in representative application domains
- Performance benchmarking and optimisation
- Dissemination and exploitation activities
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)
Funding rate:
Up to 100% of total eligible costs
EU contribution per project:
Around EUR 6,000,000
Number of funded projects:
Up to 2 projects
Project duration:
Typically 36 months
Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
up to TRL 4 (development of technologies above TRL 4 is out of scope)
*Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) describe the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully deployed, market-ready solutions (TRL 9).
Deadline for submission
17 September 2026