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EIT Food Accelerator Network Announces 2025 Partners

The EIT Food Accelerator Network, in collaboration with EIT Food Corporate Venturing Services, is excited to announce its Corporate Programme Partners for 2025. This initiative includes a prestigious lineup of companies such as AAK, Avril, Barry Callebaut Group, and Mars Petcare, among others. The collaboration aims to facilitate groundbreaking innovations and transform the food system significantly.

A Collaborative Approach to Food Innovation

The essence of the EIT Food Accelerator Network is the integration of industry insights with the agility of startups. This year’s cohort of partners brings together a wealth of expertise and global reach, essential for nurturing the innovations poised to redefine the food landscape. "We are thrilled to welcome this exciting cohort of corporates. Their extensive industry knowledge and reach are pivotal for our startups, as we strive to convert their innovations into successful market solutions," noted Yulia Bodnar, Program Manager of the EIT Food Accelerator Network.

Belen Moscoso del Prado, Corporate Venturing Manager, emphasized the program’s role in creating a dynamic ecosystem. As part of the Accelerator Network, these corporates will not only scout for cutting-edge innovations but will also validate technologies and form strategic collaborations that are impactful on a global scale.

Unique Opportunities for Corporate Partners

The corporate partners have a unique opportunity to engage with advanced AgriFoodTech startups. Throughout the program, they will participate in various key events such as reverse pitches, matchmaking sessions, and tech validation cases. This direct interaction allows corporates to connect with startups personally, both online and in-person, facilitating a robust exchange of ideas and solutions.

In 2025, the program will focus on several crucial themes:

• - Circular solutions for food systems (Helsinki Hub)
• - Food as medicine (Haifa Hub)
• - Resilient supply chains and reducing scope 3 emissions (Munich Hub)
• - Future-resilient agriculture (Warsaw Hub)
• - New ingredients and bioprocessing (Paris Hub)
• - Sustainable food packaging (Bilbao Hub)

In 2024, the initiative fostered over 70 co-pilot studies and facilitated more than 1300 meetings between corporations and startups, highlighting the program's significant impact on collaborative innovation.

Road to Innovation

Beyond the initial program structure, corporate partners can initiate pilots or proofs of concept (PoC) through EIT Food's PoC Co-Financing Tool. This resource is designed to mitigate the risks associated with innovation while fast-tracking real-world applications of the technological advancements developed through the program.

Since its establishment, the EIT Food Accelerator Network has supported over 350 startups, all contributing to a more sustainable and innovative food industry. As a part of this expanding network, AgriFoodTech startups with innovative ideas are invited to apply, as the upcoming deadline is set for February 21, 2025.

For further details, visit the EIT Food website, where more information and application forms can be found.

About the EIT Food Accelerator Network

The EIT Food Accelerator Network is a comprehensive 2-3 month program targeted at the most promising AgriFoodTech startups. It facilitates access to top industry players, assists startups in refining their technology, and prepares them for successful market entry. Collaborations within the six designated Hubs help startups identify research centers, universities, and facilities to ultimately link innovation with adoption in the market.

Closing Thoughts

As the world faces escalating challenges within the food sector, initiatives like the EIT Food Accelerator Network are crucial. This venture provides the necessary framework for fostering innovation while addressing pressing issues related to sustainability, food security, and health. The 2025 corporate partnerships are set to unlock new avenues for collaboration and technological advancements, steering the future of food innovation in a positive direction.