Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The FCI4Africa Open Call 1 (OC1) provides up to €50,000 funding per project to support research and technology stakeholders developing innovative tools and solutions. With a total budget of €400,000, the call funds 8 single-applicant sub-projects focused on improving business models, datasets, and technological frameworks. The program aims to accelerate innovation, testing, and validation within the FCI4Africa project ecosystem.
What Is FCI4Africa Open Call 1?
The FCI4Africa Open Call 1 (OC1) is a funding initiative designed to support targeted research and technology sub-projects within the broader FCI4Africa framework.
It focuses on:
- Developing and improving innovative tools and solutions
- Testing existing business concepts and technologies
- Generating datasets for system improvement
The goal is to strengthen innovation ecosystems across Africa by supporting practical, high-impact projects.
Key Objectives of the Call
The program aims to:
- Enhance existing tools and business models developed under FCI4Africa
- Support new ideas and technological solutions
- Generate high-quality datasets for validation and refinement
- Improve methodologies and frameworks
- Accelerate research and innovation outcomes
Core Focus Areas Explained
Testing and Improvement of Existing Solutions
Projects should:
- Validate existing tools
- Optimize performance and usability
- Improve scalability and efficiency
Development of New Solutions
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Create innovative tools addressing specific FCI4Africa challenges
- Introduce new methodologies or approaches
Data Generation and Validation
Projects must:
- Produce datasets that support tool refinement
- Improve business models and decision-making systems
Funding Details and Structure
Total Budget
- €400,000 allocated for the call
Number of Projects Funded
- 8 sub-projects will be selected
Funding Per Project
- Up to €50,000 per project
Project Scope
- Focused, short-term innovation and validation projects
- Designed to produce tangible and measurable outcomes
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Technology developers
- R&D-focused SMEs
- Innovation-driven startups
- Multidisciplinary research actors
Key Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must:
- Apply as a single entity (no consortia allowed)
- Have capacity to deliver research and technological innovation
- Align with FCI4Africa project objectives
Why This Call Matters
Innovation Acceleration
- Supports early-stage and applied research
- Enables testing and validation of new ideas
Data-Driven Impact
- Encourages creation of datasets for continuous improvement
- Strengthens evidence-based innovation
Ecosystem Development
- Builds capacity across African research and technology sectors
- Enhances collaboration between academia and industry
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Identify a Relevant Idea
- Choose a concept aligned with FCI4Africa use cases or challenges
- Focus on innovation, testing, or data generation
Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal
Include:
- Project objectives and innovation focus
- Methodology and technical approach
- Expected outputs (tools, datasets, improvements)
- Timeline and milestones
Step 3: Prepare Budget
- Request funding up to €50,000
- Ensure costs are realistic and justified
Step 4: Verify Eligibility
- Confirm single-applicant status
- Ensure alignment with research and technology criteria
Step 5: Submit Application
- Complete all required forms
- Clearly demonstrate impact, feasibility, and innovation
Step 6: Evaluation Process
Applications are assessed based on:
- Relevance to FCI4Africa objectives
- Innovation and originality
- Technical feasibility
- Expected impact and data contribution
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals outside FCI4Africa scope
- Attempting to apply as a consortium
- Lack of clear innovation or measurable outputs
- Weak methodology or unclear technical approach
- Poorly defined datasets or impact
Tips for a Strong Application
- Align clearly with FCI4Africa challenges and use cases
- Focus on practical, testable solutions
- Highlight data generation and validation
- Provide a clear implementation plan
- Keep the proposal concise and structured
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for this call?
Universities, research institutes, SMEs, startups, and technology developers.
2. Can organizations apply as a consortium?
No, only single applicants are allowed.
3. What is the maximum funding per project?
Each project can receive up to €50,000.
4. How many projects will be funded?
A total of 8 sub-projects will be selected.
5. What type of projects are supported?
Projects focused on innovation, testing, tool development, and data generation.
6. Is data generation required?
Yes, projects are expected to produce datasets for improving tools and methodologies.
7. What is the total budget for the call?
The total available funding is €400,000.
Conclusion
The FCI4Africa Open Call 1 (OC1) is a strategic funding opportunity for research and technology stakeholders to develop and validate innovative solutions. By supporting focused sub-projects with strong data and technological outputs, the program plays a vital role in advancing innovation ecosystems and research impact across Africa.
For more information, visit FCI4Africa.