Transform the Blue Bioeconomy with this Open Call: Up to €60,000 EU Funding for SMEs Driving Innovation in Seaweed Production and Processing
About I3 4 SEAWEED
I3‑4 SEAWEED is an EU‑funded initiative advancing macroalgae innovation across Europe. The project fosters interregional collaboration among SMEs, research institutions, tech hubs, and industry clusters to scale sustainable seaweed value chains. Targeted sectors include food, biofertilisers, and cosmetics, with a focus on new cultivation systems, monitoring, traceability, and post‑harvest processing. It also aims to deliver market-ready business cases and build a long-term innovation ecosystem.
About I3 4 SEAWEED – Strand A: Macroalgal Production Open Call
The Open Call (Strand A – Macroalgal Production) supports up to 30 innovation projects, each receiving €60,000 and entry into a 12‑month support programme combining:
- A Project Implementation Framework
- A mandatory Capacity Building Programme
This empowers SMEs to validate processes, pilot cultivation methods, and reinforce sustainability in macroalgal production.
Why Apply?
I3 4 SEAWEED – Strand A: Macroalgal Production offers more than just financial backing. Successful applicants will receive lump-sum support to advance their macroalgal R&D activities, alongside mentoring and structured implementation guidance to ensure efficient delivery. With a focus on projects at TRL 6 and above, the programme is designed to help innovations quickly spring and reach commercial impact. Last, but not least, participants will have the chance to collaborate with cross-border clusters driving the blue bioeconomy across Europe.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Legal SMEs (or consortia of up to two SMEs), each with a valid VAT number. Unincorporated startups are not eligible.
- Entities located in regions served by I3‑4 SEAWEED consortium partners, or in less developed or outermost EU regions.
- Technology Readiness Level: Submissions must start at TRL 6 or above, aimed at completing value chains or advancing cultivation technologies.
- Submission Rules: Applicants can apply to both Strand A and B, but no more than one application per strand is permitted. Multiple submissions from the same entity are not allowed.
How to Apply?
- Download the full documentation pack and Annex 1 – Guidelines for Applicants from the official site.
- Choose Strand A (Macroalgal Production).
- Complete the specific Strand A submission form on F6S, following the template and annex requirements.
- Submit before Deadline – no later than 22 October 2025 at 17:00 CEST.
- Prepare for Mandatory Engagements: Include logistics for the study visit and workshop in your plan and budget.
Evaluation & Selection Process
The I3-4-SEAWEED Open Call follows a three-phase evaluation procedure:
- Admissibility & Eligibility Check
- All applications are screened for compliance with eligibility rules: type of applicant (SME or SME consortium), TRL ≥ 6, eligible region, complete documentation, and submission in English.
- Non-compliant applications are rejected with justification.
- Remote Expert Evaluation
- Each proposal is assessed by at least two independent experts with relevant domain knowledge.
- Applications are scored against three main criteria:
- Excellence: clarity of objectives, innovation, team expertise.
- Impact & Ambition: potential for industry transformation, scalability, alignment with I3-4-SEAWEED investment cases.
- Implementation: feasibility, resources, team structure, gender balance.
- Each criterion is scored 1 to 5, with a minimum of 3/5 per criterion and an overall threshold of 9/15.
- The sub-criterion “Relevance to investment cases” carries additional weight.
- Ranking & Selection
- Proposals are ranked by overall score.
- In case of ties, the order is decided by: Impact & Ambition, Excellence or Implementation
- If still tied, gender balance is considered (closer to 50/50 preferred).
- The top 30 projects advance to contracting, with up to 3 reserve projects per strand.Applicants receive an Evaluation Summary Report (ESR).
- Appeals
- Applicants can appeal within 3 working days if they believe admissibility, eligibility, or evaluation procedure was misapplied.
Programme Structure
Two components run in parallel:
- Project Implementation Framework – two 6-month periods, each ending with a progress report and payment.
- Capacity Building Programme (mandatory) – monthly online workshops, mentoring, business coaching, plus one final in-person workshop.
- Mandatory Activities:
- At least one representative must attend the study visit and the final in-person workshop at a partner facility.
- Projects are expected to allocate at least 1 person-month (PM) to capacity building activities.
Financial Distribution
Funding is disbursed in three instalments as lump sums tied to milestones:
| Stage | Requirement | Payment | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Initial pre-financing |
Signature of sub-grant agreement |
40% of grant |
Upon contact |
|
Period 1 |
Submission & approval of Progress Report #1 |
Up to 70% total (i.e. next 30%) |
Month 6 |
|
Period 2 (Final) |
Submission & approval of Progress Report #2 |
Remaining 30% |
Month 12 |
- Reports must be submitted within 7 working days after each reporting period.
- Payments are processed within 5 working days after approval of reports.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: 22/10/2025 – 17:00 CEST
- Proposal Evaluation: 27 October 2025 – 12 November 2025
- Results announcements: 12 November 2025
- Sub-grant agreement signature: November 2025 – February 2026
- Expected launch date of sub-projects: March 2026
(Check full call guidelines)
Final Thoughts on I3-4 SEAWEED Open Call
The I3‑4 SEAWEED – Strand A call is a compelling chance for SMEs active in seaweed cultivation and sustainable innovation to gain both funding and targeted support. It offers a holistic path to boost macroalgal production capabilities and strengthen your place in the emerging blue bioeconomy.
More Information
- Project website
- Open call details
Online Q&A/ discussion board – Strand A
Support emails: info@i3-4-seaweed.eu; opencall-i3-4-seaweed@f6s.com
F6S platform support team: support@f6s.com (For issues with the submission, resubmission, access to the platform, etc.)
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Open Call Analysis: I3‑4 SEAWEED – Strand A: Macroalgal Production
