Agriculture / Rural Development / Fisheries

Challenge: Physical segregation of whole cocoa bean fractions

Physical segregation of whole cocoa bean fractions About Cargill is an American multinational and a global leader in food, agriculture, financial, and industrial solutions, with a focus on sustainability, innovation and supply chain excellence.  The Challenge The challenge focuses on improving the physical separation of cocoa bean components - nibs, shells, and fines - during processing. It aims to explore:

• New processes or mechanical systems that enable clean separation of fractions;
• Solutions that reduce misclassification and product loss;
• Approaches that mitigate caking and clumping caused by the high-fat content of cocoa nibs;

The ultimate goal is to enhance product quality and reduce waste through more accurate and efficient fraction separation. Reward Successful applicants can receive early-stage funding of up to $100,000, with potential for additional co-development or licensing support based on solution maturity. Access to testing materials and Cargill’s scientific and engineering expertise is also provided. Timeframe Deadline for Submitting Offers: 31 May 2025 Who can apply

• Applicants with TRL 2-9 solutions
• Solutions must demonstrate:
  • Effective separation of nibs, shells, and fines;
  • Less than 0.5% w/w misclassification;
  • Potential for continuous 24/7 operation at high volumes.

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: Elevating Lactose and Derivatives Through Innovative Processes and Applications by Leprino Foods

  Elevating Lactose and Derivatives Through Innovative Processes and Applications About Leprino Foods, based in the United States, is a leading dairy ingredient manufacturer focused on developing lactose-based solutions for the nutrition, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. The Challenge The challenge focuses on transforming lactose from a low-value commodity into high-demand, market-ready products. It aims to explore:

• Conversion of lactose into value-added compounds through innovative processes
• Scalable applications in materials, cosmetics, medical, and food sectors
• Novel uses for derivatives like lactobionic acid, lactulose, and hydrogels
• Opportunities where lactose outperforms cheaper carbohydrates

The ultimate goal is to unlock new markets and commercial potential for lactose-based solutions. Reward Successful applicants can receive 6 to 12 months of funded research, up to $100,000 (dependent on the scope of work), including access to pilot-scale facilities, experts access, and analytical data of input materials. Timeframe Deadline for Submitting Offers: 31 May 2025 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.