HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-08 call

The TÜBİTAK MAM Food Technologies Research Group expresses its interest in participating in consortia under the HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-08 call to contribute to the development of human-centric, generative AI-based solutions from a food systems perspective. With a flexible contribution model, where roles may evolve depending on the overall project design and consortium needs.

Expertise and Scientific Contribution

Our research group has long-standing expertise in food systems, food processes, and their nutritional and health impacts, alongside a strong track record of successful participation in HORIZON and TWINNING projects. Within this call, we aim to contribute to the R&D process by supporting the scientific grounding of AI solutions, ensuring that they are:

• aligned with food purchasing, preparation, and preservation processes,

• consistent with dietary health and sustainability objectives, and

• supported by scientifically robust impact indicators.

Data Generation, Infrastructure and Technical Capabilities

TÜBİTAK MAM hosts a strong experimental and analytical infrastructure for high-quality data generation and integration related to food systems. Our capabilities include:

• data generation based on NIR spectroscopy,

• production of high-quality datasets from shelf-life and food quality monitoring sensors,

• 9 Pilot processing lines and a Pilot plant (in total with more than 250 food processing machinery),

• SHIME digestive system simulation system, and

• advanced food laboratories enabling non-destructive measurements (e.g., NIR, NMR and more).

• 22 researchers and 7 technicians with advanced expertise in the field.

In addition, we collaborate closely with research groups within TÜBİTAK MAM that focus on sensor technologies and data generation, enabling the integration of new data sources for research-driven AI development.

Ecosystem, Stakeholder Engagement and Innovation Capacity

The Food Technologies Research Group is actively connected to a broad innovation ecosystem through TÜGİP (Türkiye Food Innovation Platform) and the MARTEK Incubation Center, both hosted within TÜBİTAK MAM. This ecosystem enables direct engagement with start-ups, micro-enterprises, SMEs, large industrial actors, NGOs, cooperatives, public authorities, and universities.

Established by the TÜBİTAK MAM Food Technologies Research Group and funded under the Competitive Sectors Programme (CSP) of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, with co-financing from the European Union and the Republic of Türkiye, the TÜGİP platform currently brings together more than 200 sectoral members. Through this structure, TÜGİP facilitates early-stage interaction among technology developers, innovative SMEs, and end-user stakeholders.

Potential Role in the Consortium

Within this call, we foresee contributing as an R&D-oriented partner, rather than a pure technology deployer, by:

• embedding food systems knowledge into AI solution development,

• strengthening data generation, data quality, and data relevance aspects, and

• supporting the scientific assessment of dietary health and sustainability impacts.

Depending on the project structure, the group is open to taking responsibility as a WP leader or as a technical research partner contributing to specific tasks.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss how our expertise and infrastructure could be integrated into ongoing or planned consortia under this call. Contribution areas can be further refined in line with project needs and consortium objectives.