Download the required documents:

• Open Call Guidelines (PDF)
• Application Form (Word)
• SME self-assessment (Compulsory document for the application)

Eligibility update:

Belgian Luxembourg (Province of Luxembourg, Belgium) is now included among the eligible regions for the FSTP Open Call.

Call structure — Task description

This call is divided into two application strands:

• Strand 1 – Tools and services to support the deployment of biofertilizers to support investment cases (IC) of the project.
• Strand 2 – Open Innovation and scale up of new innovative biofertilizers.

Strand 1 — Tools and services to support the deployment of biofertilizers (supporting the project Investment Cases)

Strand 1 – Tools and services to support the deployment of biofertilizers to support ICs

IC #1: Soil and nutrient management using organic fertilizers from chicken manure. Boosts soil health and crop yields sustainably with chicken manure-based fertilizers. Geographical Areas: Região Centro and Região do Alentejo (Portugal). Maximum Grant Amount: €60,000

IC#1: Analysis of market demand for organic fertilizers from chicken manure and creation of a brand. Building a sustainable fertilizer brand through market insight and eco-friendly innovation. Geographical Areas: Região Centro and Região do Alentejo (Portugal). Maximum Grant Amount: €60,000

IC #3: Mapping by-products and waste. Development of a geo-localized map of organic waste and by-products to support biofertilizer production and cost analysis. Geographical Areas: Any of the eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €50,000

IC#3: Struvite testing with Compost + Biochar. Formulation of a biofertilizer by mixing struvite (a phosphorus-rich by-product of wastewater treatment) with compost and biochar. Geographical Areas: Emilia-Romagna (Italy). Maximum Grant Amount: €60,000

IC #3: Biostimulant Production from Compost. Production of liquid biostimulants using compost and biochar, enriched with elements such as amino acids, aimed at creating a nutrient-rich product for sustainable agriculture. Geographical Areas: Any of the eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €60,000

IC #3: Compost + Biochar Mix Development. Supports suppliers in the formulation and initial testing of biochar-based fertilizers. Geographical Areas: Any of the eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €60,000

IC #4: Measuring the effect of biofertilizers on Climate Change. Greenhouse trials using organic-origin components to evaluate their effects under conditions like drought, salinity, or extreme temperature. Geographical Area: Catalunya (Spain). Maximum Grant Amount: €40,000

IC #4: Field trials of biofertilizers adapted to specific crops. Trials focusing on fruit trees, vineyards, and olive trees to test the effectiveness and adaptability of tailored biostimulant formulations. Geographical Area: Catalunya (Spain). Maximum Grant Amount: €55,000

IC #6: Imaging the impact of a biostimulant. Imaging various crops in the field post-application of a biostimulant to observe visible effects. Geographical Areas: Any of the eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €15,000

IC #6: Temporal monitoring by spectral imaging of foliar development after application of a biostimulant. Monitors the quantity and quality of foliar development in early stages, comparing treated versus untreated plants. Geographical Areas: Any of the eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €25,000

IC #6: Cross-Environmental Impact Studies. Evaluates biostimulant-driven changes in key sustainability metrics like soil, water, biodiversity, and fertility. Geographical Areas: Any of the eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €20,000

IC #6: Lifecycle Assessment of Biostimulant Applications. Analysis of carbon sequestration dynamics and the monetization potential of biostimulant applications in agriculture. Geographical Areas: Any of the eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €15,000

IC #6: Fertilizer Impregnation Analysis. Assesses the prolonged release and assimilation effects of coated (urea-type) biofertilizers in field conditions. Geographical Areas: Any of the eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €10,000

IC #6: Agronomic tests on vines (thermal/hydric stress). Evaluates the effects of biostimulants on grapevines to improve resistance to heat and water stress. Geographical Areas: Any of the eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €5,500

IC #6: Agronomic tests on vines (nutrient recovery). Assesses how biostimulants affect post-harvest recovery of carbohydrate and mineral nutrient reserves in grapevines. Geographical Areas: Any of the eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €5,500

IC #7: Evaluation of a Bacterial Biostimulant on Yield and Soil Fertility in Exotic Crops. Sustainable crop growth through microbial biostimulants and smarter nitrogen use. Geographical Areas: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion Island, and Saint-Martin (France). Maximum Grant Amount: €60,000

If you need further informations on Strand 1, check out this additional document on the project’s Investment Cases: 

Further details on Investment Cases – Description of activities

Strand 2 — Open Innovation: Development and scale-up of innovative biofertilizers

Strand 2 – Open Innovation: Development of new products and scale up of new innovative biofertilizers

This strand aims to scale up innovative biofertilizers initiatives (TRL 6 – 8). It supports projects within these innovative product and solutions areas, categorized into the four scopes outlined below:

1) Scale-Up of Production: Development of strategies to increase production capacity while ensuring product quality and consistency is maintained. Regions for Implementation: All eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €60,000 (up to €120,000 for collaborative projects)

2) Innovative Formulants and Formulation Processes: Investigation of new formulation methods aimed at improving the efficacy and application of biofertilizers. This includes techniques such as seed treatment and the development of different physical forms (e.g., granular, pellets, crystals, powder). Regions for Implementation: All eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €60,000 (up to €120,000 for collaborative projects)

3) Evaluation of Products: Assessment of product effectiveness under greenhouse or field conditions, including the characterization of their mode of action and analysis of variability sources. Regions for Implementation: All eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €60,000 (up to €120,000 for collaborative projects)

4) Service-Related Projects: Support product deployment through the development of complementary services. These may include the creation of specific spraying tools, decision-making tools, training programs, or communication strategies. Regions for Implementation: All eligible regions. Maximum Grant Amount: €60,000 (up to €120,000 for collaborative projects)”

How to apply

1. Read the Open Call Guidelines (PDF) carefully.
2. Download and complete the SME Declaration & Application Form (Word).
3. Submit the completed application package by email in accordance with the instructions in the Guidelines.

Applications must be submitted in English and by the deadline: 14 November 2025, 17:00 CET.

For further enquiries, please contact: info@i3-4-biofertilizers.eu