A total of 19 EU projects have been seleced for a share of €1 million in grants in the S3FOOD program’s initial funding round. Behind each project are innovative food producers and technology providers that recognize the need for more customized digital solutions for the European food processing industry, which is largely populated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

Through the implementation of digital technology, the aim is to equip these companies to meet growing market demands for improved quality control and efficiency and higher standards of food safety and traceability.

The 19 successful projects in seven European countries have been selected from more than 100 applications for the first round of S3FOOD funding. Focus areas vary widely from smart sensors for high-speed processing of brussels sprouts over mobile cobots for improved processing flexibility to smart milk metering for the dairy industry.

Driven by a consortium of 13 European partners, the three-year S3FOOD program was launched in 2019 to inspire, support and fund this digital change. Activities include study visits to technology centers, ideation, training and matchmaking sessions and the funding scheme. More than 500 SMEs have participated in S3FOOD events so far.

Diverse array of food innovation
The S3FOOD program is a three-year €5 million project. At least 75% percent of funding will go directly to SMEs in the form of vouchers, training and business coaching. SMEs can apply for a maximum of €60,000 (US$) each. For individual applications involving a consortium of SME partners, up to €180,000 (US$) may be granted, subject to terms and conditions.

Veerle De Graef notes how both the number and quality of the applications for the first funding round were unexpectedly high. “The selecion process was probably the biggest challenge we have faced so far due to the extreme diversity of the project applications and their high innovative potential,” she says. “We were very pleased to see that many SMEs submitted joint applications after finding partners at our events. This included a number of cross-border applications.”

The 19 successful projects represent 27 SMEs in total and include two cross-border projects. Focus areas vary widely from smart sensors for high-speed processing of brussels sprouts over mobile cobots for improved processing flexibility to smart milk metering for the dairy industry.

“The SMEs now have between four and 12 months to work on their projects, depending on whether they have received a grant to explore, validate, or implement a new digital solution. That means we will start seeing the first results at the end of this year,” De Graef explains.

Next deadlines for applications
Applicants who were not successful in the first funding have another opportunity as the next application deadline for exploration vouchers is September 15. The final deadline for exploration, validation and application voucher applications is the end of February 2021.