SERVICES

Access to Funding

Assisting enterprises in securing European Union (EU) grants, enabling them to undertake impactful projects and connect with other international partners.

EU Deep-Tech Initiative for Women Entrepreneurs

The European Union regularly offers targeted funding and comprehensive support services to empower women founders who lead innovative early-stage deep-tech SMEs.

This recurring EU initiative provides selected enterprises with up to €75,000 non-dilutive funding and a six-month tailored programme, comprising expert mentoring, investor networking, business development, and market readiness training.

Recognizing the significance of this recurring funding opportunity, ICPE is proactively preparing SMEs from member states for the next call cycle, anticipated in early 2026.

EU Grant Opportunity - Innovative Food Safety

ICPE encourages its African member states to share a new grant call supporting innovative solutions that improve food safety in the informal food sector. The funding targets challenges such as mycotoxins, pesticide residues, microbial contamination, and lack of traceability.

Projects must involve local stakeholders and demonstrate impact through real-life testing. The grant follows the EU’s lump-sum model with a 12-month implementation plan across three phases.

This initiative aims to strengthen public health, support SMEs and research institutions, and foster cooperation between African and European partners. Applications are open to single entities.

EU Grant Opportunity: International Market Feasibility and R&D Collaboration

The International Market Feasibility Grant is an EU-supported initiative designed specifically for innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) aiming to validate and commercialize their innovative technologies, products, or services in global markets.

This strategic funding mechanism empowers SMEs from ICPE member states to enter into partnerships with innovative EU companies.

The core purpose of this initiative is to reduce risks associated with international expansion by supporting comprehensive feasibility studies, enabling SMEs to explore the potential of new international markets and identify reliable local partners. 

Past Grant Opportunities

This section provides access to past grant opportunities, which are no longer open for submission but remain available for informational and reference purposes.

EU Grant Opportunity for Innovation Development in Drone Technologies

ICPE invites its member states to disseminate this EU-funded opportunity to relevant research and technology stakeholders, including drone manufacturers, SMEs, AI and IoT companies, and research institutes. This grant supports the development and demonstration of innovative drone-based solutions addressing real-world challenges in agriculture, forestry, and rural areas.

Projects will explore novel applications, data services, hardware improvements, and regulatory frameworks to foster safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable drone operations.

EU Grant Opportunity for Agricultural Digital Solutions (ADS)

ICPE invites its member states to forward this opportunity to relevant authorities, SMEs, startups, and research organizations. This grant supports innovative digital solutions aiming to democratize digital farming by improving agricultural productivity, sustainability, and economic viability through advanced digital technologies.

Eligible applicants must apply as small consortia (ADS provider and end-user) and engage actively with local stakeholders.