Applications now being taken across the three programmes, which cater for all stages of an entrepreneur’s journey – from market potential to commercial upscaling – supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.
From tackling food waste to advancing developments in protein diversification, EIT Food is passionate in supporting the next generation of agrifood startups helps to deliver real-life value for European citizens.
“To help build a future-fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all, we need to create connections right across the food ecosystem, empowering entrepreneurs to develop new ideas and innovations,” said Benoit Buntinx, director of Business Creation at EIT Food.
“The Entrepreneurship Programmes offer European entrepreneurs unparalleled support and networking, helping to bring about true innovation in the agrifood sector.
Where are you on your journey?
The three platforms cater for all stages of business growth: from market potential (EIT Food Seedbed Incubator); business acceleration and market tech validation (EIT Food Accelerator Network); to commercial capabilities upscaling (EIT Food RisingFoodStars).
Startups that are successful in their application could receive funding of up to €500,000 from EIT Food, as well as leveraging external funding from EIT Food’s investor community.
Participants will join the world’s largest agrifood innovation community. They will also benefit from sector-leading training, personalised mentoring, high-impact pilot projects and access to the world’s largest food innovation network, as well as exposure, resources and tools needed to grow and succeed.
“Thanks to our unique European powerhouse of corporate partners, research institutes, decision makers, experts and investor networks, EIT Food is able to connect startups with the right resources at the right time,” added Buntinx.
Applications for the 2023 programmes close on 26 March 2023. All applications will then be evaluated in April 2023, with the selected candidates announced by May.
The launch of the 2023 Entrepreneurship Programmes follows a strong track record of EIT Food supporting startups to achieve their full potential.
In 2022, EIT Food received over 600 applications from 30+ countries and supported more than 120 startups that attracted €407 million of public and private investment.