The Excel4Pro Open Call successfully attracted strong participation from startups and SMEs across Türkiye, Greece, and Ukraine, highlighting growing regional momentum around sustainable plant-based protein innovation and cross-border collaboration in the agri-food sector.
Strong Participation Across the Three Ecosystems
A total of 53 applications were submitted from the three participating countries. Türkiye accounted for the largest share with 34 applications (64.2%), followed by Greece with 12 applications (22.6%) and Ukraine with 7 applications (13.2%).
The results demonstrate particularly strong engagement from the Turkish innovation ecosystem while also confirming active participation across the wider region. Greece and Ukraine’s contributions ensure active representation across all three targeted Excel4Pro ecosystems, reinforcing the project’s regional dimension and collaborative approach.
Focus Areas Reflect Key Innovation Priorities
Applications were distributed across Excel4Pro’s three strategic focus areas. Sustainable Process Design emerged as the leading theme with 21 applications (39.6%), reflecting growing interest in scalable and environmentally responsible food production technologies.
Both Plant Protein Structure & Functionality and Improved Nutritional Quality received 16 applications each (30.2%), demonstrating balanced innovation activity across all thematic areas and highlighting the diversity of solutions being developed within the plant-based protein sector.
Strengthening the Cross-Border Excellence Hub
The Open Call results confirm strong alignment between regional market needs and Excel4Pro’s mission to build a connected Excellence Hub for sustainable plant-based protein innovation. Through funding, collaboration opportunities, and scientific support, the project continues to strengthen innovation ecosystems and foster long-term partnerships among startups, SMEs, researchers, and industry stakeholders across Türkiye, Greece, and Ukraine.
Excel4Pro aims to accelerate the development of sustainable, nutritious, and market-ready plant-based food solutions capable of addressing emerging environmental and consumer challenges. The strong response to the Open Call reflects increasing regional interest in future-oriented agri-food technologies and demonstrates the growing capacity of local innovators to contribute to the global transition toward sustainable food systems.
Looking Ahead
As Excel4Pro moves into the next phase, we will continue supporting innovative SMEs and startups through mentoring, networking, scientific collaboration, and innovation-driven activities. By strengthening regional cooperation and enabling knowledge exchange, Excel4Pro is helping shape a more resilient and sustainable agri-food future for the region and beyond.