#Belgium #Leuven #startups #Food Innovation #EIT Food Accelerator

EIT Food Accelerator Network Reveals 2025 Cohort

On May 16, 2025, the EIT Food Accelerator Network (EIT FAN) proudly announced its latest cohort comprising 65 groundbreaking startups. Selected from hundreds of applications across Europe, these startups were evaluated by more than 60 industry experts. This initiative aims to transform the European food ecosystem, addressing pressing challenges in sustainability, health, and transparency.

The EIT Food Accelerator Network serves as a leading food innovation hub in Europe, orchestrating an ecosystem that fosters collaboration among innovators, experts, investors, and businesses. At the core of this program lies a powerful idea: true transformation occurs when those in need of innovation are connected with its creators and those who can fund and scale these solutions.

Benoit Buntinx, Director of Entrepreneurship at EIT Food, emphasized, "To truly transform our food system, we need more than just innovation; we require bold collaboration. EIT FAN creates a launchpad where innovative ideas can translate into real impact."

A Visionary and Diverse 2025 Cohort

The 2025 cohort is set to push the boundaries of food innovation, aligning with EIT FAN's six strategic pillars:
1. Circular Food Solutions – Helsinki Centre
2. New Ingredients and Bioprocessing – Paris Centre
3. Sustainable Food Packaging – Bilbao Centre
4. Future Resilient Agriculture – Warsaw Centre (co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development)
5. Resilient Supply Chains and Scope 3 Emissions – Munich Centre
6. Food as Medicine – Haifa Centre

Each startup tackles critical challenges regarding health, sustainability, transparency, and resilience, showcasing the depth and ambition of the European food innovation ecosystem.

Driven by Leading Industry Partners

Participants in the accelerator gain access to mentorship, technology validation, and direct connections with the corporate partners of the EIT FAN program. Notable partners include AAK, Anadolu Efes, Avril, Barry Callebaut Group, Bayer AG, Carbery Group, Cargill, and Unilever Foundry.

Marie Russier, EIT Food's Entrepreneurship Program Director, added, "The program is designed not only to accelerate growth but also to integrate startups into a purpose-driven ecosystem that fosters long-term sustainable change."

Proven Model with Growing Impact

Since its inception in 2018, EIT FAN has supported 348 startups across Europe, establishing a strong track record of helping businesses achieve growth, investment readiness, and commercial traction. Participants benefit from a hands-on program, expert-led workshops, and exclusive access to premier industry events.

Yulia Bodnar, the program director of the EIT Food Accelerator Network, remarked, "We are delighted to welcome these exceptional startups. Each brings a spark of transformation, and our role is to help turn that spark into a lasting flame by equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and community they need to make a real impact and achieve long-term success."

For those interested in learning more about EIT Food Accelerator Network, further information can be found at EIT Food's website or follow their activities on LinkedIn. Additionally, you can explore the 2025 Cohort announcement video and PDF announcement.

Conclusion

EIT Food represents the largest and most dynamic food innovation community globally, aiming to build a future-prepared food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all. Supported by the EU, EIT Food invests in projects, organizations, and individuals who share its goals for a healthy and sustainable food system.