The ValuSect consortium will open its second call for interest to receive vouchers on 6 December 2021. A budget of €440.000 will be made available in the form of services for SMEs located in North-West Europe to help them develop their innovative idea around edible insects.
In April 2021, the ValuSect consortium already attributed €410.000 worth in services to 17 SMEs in order to support them in accelerating the development of insect-based foods in Europe. After the success of its first call, the consortium is glad to announce the opening of a second opportunity to boost the edible insects sector. 440.000 euros worth in services will be divided between the selected applicants.
As for the first call, the vouchers will be worth €10.000, €20.000 or €40.000 in services provided by the project partners. The menu of services will slightly differ from last time but will still include the same categories of services: technological services, food development and innovation, consumer acceptance and strategic business services, all related to insect-based food products. The menu of services and the application form will be made available on 6 December on our website.
The call is open to all food, beverage or agri-food SMEs located in North-West Europe* and which have an innovative idea for the development of the insect business in Europe. Activities related to three insect species only will be supported: grasshoppers, crickets and mealworms (Locusta migratoria, Acheta domesticus and Tenebrio molitor). Furthermore, it is important to note that this call only concerns insects as food, and not as feed. A vouchers call for the insect as feed industry will be open on 17 January 2022.
Do not miss our Q&A session on 30 November
A virtual information session will be organised on 30 November from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm CET (10:30 am to 11:30 am UK time) to offer guidance on how to apply for a voucher.
The procedure will be thoroughly explained: objectives, application process, quick look at the guide to services… And participants will get time to ask their questions.
How to apply?
The application process will consist of only one phase. Applicants will be asked to submit a form providing general information about their company and their innovative idea in the edible insect sector by 7 January 2022. Successful SMEs will receive an answer in March 2022.
Contact: helene.herman@alienor.eu
*We are aware that there is uncertainty in the UK with regard to novel foods authorisation and edible insects. Any UK business should check with their local authority Environmental Health Officials for the latest information.
If you would like to read our press release in French, click here
If you would like to read our press release in Dutch, click here
