Excel4Pro, a Horizon Europe-funded project in which TÜBİTAK is a consortium partner, has opened applications for the 1st Cycle of the Excel4Pro Acceleration Programme. The programme supports entrepreneurs, researchers, start-ups and innovative teams in developing promising FoodTech and agri-food solutions and bringing them closer to the market.
Participants will benefit from entrepreneurship and sector-specific training, tailored mentoring, expert guidance and networking opportunities, all aimed at strengthening innovation and supporting the commercialisation and market uptake of their solutions.
Who can apply?
Individual entrepreneurs and teams, researchers, students, start-ups, spin-offs and SMEs are eligible. Applicants do not need to have an incorporated company. The programme primarily targets Türkiye, Greece and Ukraine, while applications from other European countries are also welcome.
Focus areas:
Plant-based proteins, food processing, agri-food innovation, bioprocessing, digital FoodTech technologies, and sustainable food technologies and packaging. Early-stage projects, from idea to minimum viable product (MVP), are encouraged. The target range is TRL 3–6, although this is not a strict requirement.
How to apply:
Applicants submit the official application form together with an initial pitch deck. Applications undergo an eligibility check rather than competitive ranking. Eligible applicants can join the Training Programme; participation in it does not guarantee a place in the Mentoring Programme or the Demo Day.
Application deadline: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET
Learn more:Excel4Pro Acceleration Programme
Apply here:https://yildiztto.com.tr/forms/excelpro/
Excel4Pro brings together 17 partners from academia, business, public authorities and civil society to share knowledge and develop solutions to global agri-food challenges.