SPIN4EIC Agriculture, food and beverage

Future-proofing the vision for agriculture and food: a vision for tomorrow

How do we build a resilient food system that can withstand the shocks of tomorrow? In the publication “Future-proofing the vision for agriculture and food,” the Commission doesn't just imagine the future — it rigorously tests it. Using a method called foresight wind-tunnelling, 12 carefully crafted vision statements were tested against four plausible future scenarios. The result? A deep dive into how robust and adaptable our current goals really are. The study makes one thing clear: policy coherence and cross-sector coordination are not optional — they’re essential. With challenges like climate change, social inequality, and global market instability looming, a holistic and anticipatory approach is the only way forward. This isn’t just a vision, it’s a blueprint for a sustainable, competitive agricultural future. 🔗 Explore the full publication here

Challenge: Novel proteins, peptides and amino acids with health benefits by PepsiCo

Novel proteins, peptides and amino acids with health benefits About  PepsiCo is a global food and beverage corporation dedicated to innovation, sustainability and enhancing consumer experiences, with an emphasis on creating advanced solutions that optimize operations, minimize environmental impact and enhance customer engagement. The Challenge   The challenge focuses on identifying novel proteins, peptides, and amino acids that deliver specific, measurable health benefits beyond basic nutrition. It aims to explore:

• Functional ingredients that support weight management
• Solutions that promote muscle development, retention, or repair
• Protein-derived compounds targeting health areas such as heart health, cognition, digestion, satiety, hormonal management, and overall wellness

The ultimate goal is to discover GRAS-compliant or CFR Title 21–compliant ingredients with promising in vivo or human-relevant data, minimal impact on taste and texture in beverage applications, and a clear path to commercial-scale production. Reward Successful applicants may receive up to $60,000 in funding for potential trials at pilot plants for the production of consumer products. Additional benefits may include collaboration with PepsiCo R&D technical teams, access to internal experts for support on secondary clinical studies, and opportunities for sample testing, feedback, and onsite meetings to support the refinement and commercialization of proposed solutions. Timeframe

• Deadline for Submitting Proposals: August 31

Who can apply  

• Applicants with TRL 5-9 solutions

How to apply  Application through HALO Platform. Find here all the details and the submission page  The SPIN4EIC consortium is not responsible for the challenges launched by private or public buyers. Each participating entity is solely responsible for its own challenge, including the selection process, communication with applicants, and all information provided to participants.

Challenge: Compounds with biological activity against rice blast disease by UPL

  Compounds with biological activity against rice blast disease About  UPL is a global agricultural company on a mission to reimagine sustainability for farmers and food systems and committed to driving growth, supporting industry success, and advancing a more sustainable food future across the regions and communities it serves. The Challenge   The challenge focuses on identifying new compounds with biological activity against Pyricularia oryzae, the pathogen responsible for rice blast disease. It aims to explore:

• Natural extracts, synthetic molecules, or compounds from any origin with antifungal activity
• Substances with known CAS numbers, structural formulas, or brief origin descriptions
• Candidates showing preliminary lab, greenhouse, or field efficacy against rice blast
• Molecules with physicochemical properties suitable for field application and safe for rice plants

The ultimate goal is to discover sustainable and globally compliant alternatives to current fungicides, which are under increasing regulatory pressure and face market restrictions, particularly in the EU. Reward Successful applicants may engage through models such as co-development, licensing, supply or material transfer agreements, and consulting. Additional benefits include access to global R&D expertise, testing facilities (labs, greenhouses, field stations) and the company’s direct market access worldwide. Timeframe

• Deadline for Submitting Proposals: July 31

Who can apply  

• Applicants with TRL 3-9 solutions

How to apply  Application through HALO Platform. Find here all the details and the submission page  The SPIN4EIC consortium is not responsible for the challenges launched by private or public buyers. Each participating entity is solely responsible for its own challenge, including the selection process, communication with applicants, and all information provided to participants.

From screens to fields: how digital tech is transforming agriculture

From screens to fields: how digitalisation is transforming agriculture is a concise and compelling look at how digital technologies are revolutionizing modern farming. Starting with the first GPS-based field monitoring system in 1995, the publication charts the rapid rise of precision agriculture—now used on the vast majority of cropland across North America, Europe, and Australia. From AI-powered sprayers that cut herbicide use by 90% to soil sensors that halve irrigation needs, smart tools are now central to sustainable, efficient farming. The publication also highlights emerging frontiers like generative AI, while addressing key challenges: data security, tech access, infrastructure, and training. Essential reading for anyone shaping the future of agrifood, From screens to fields captures both the promise and the path forward in digitally driven agriculture. Read the full research paper here!