#Belgium #Leuven #Food Innovation #EIT Food #Sustainable Startups

EIT Food Accelerator Network Welcomes 65 Groundbreaking Startups for 2025

The EIT Food Accelerator Network (EIT FAN) has announced its cohort for 2025, spotlighting 65 innovative startups selected from hundreds of applicants across Europe and beyond. This initiative showcases the exciting potential of agri-food technology and aims to drive transformation in the food industry.

The Selection Process

The start-ups were chosen based on their innovative approaches to tackling critical challenges in the food industry, as assessed by over 60 industry experts. These finalists represent a diverse array of agri-food solutions, addressing pressing issues related to health, sustainability, and transparency.

EIT FAN's Vision

Benoit Buntinx, Director of Business Creation at EIT Food, stated that true change in the food system requires collaboration beyond just innovation. EIT FAN provides a platform for startups to connect with those who need innovations, those who develop them, and those who can fund and disseminate the solutions, emphasizing that real change requires a unified mission.

Focus Areas of the 2025 Cohort

The 2025 cohort of startups is organized around six thematic EIT FAN Hubs, each focusing on key challenges in the industry:

• - Circular Solutions for Food - Helsinki Hub
• - New Ingredients and Bio-Processes - Paris Hub
• - Sustainable Packaging - Bilbao Hub
• - Future-Ready Agriculture - Warsaw Hub, co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
• - Resilient Supply Chains and Scope-3 Emissions - Munich Hub
• - Food as Medicine - Haifa Hub

Each hub reflects the extensive range of European food innovations that aim to tackle the future's biggest challenges.

The Support Ecosystem

Participating startups will gain access to a wide array of resources, including mentorship, technical validation, and direct connections with industry leaders such as AAK, Cargill, Unilever Foundry, and many others. According to Marie Russier, Head of Entrepreneurship Programmes at EIT Food, the program not only accelerates startups but also embeds them in an ecosystem dedicated to fostering lasting impact and true partnerships.

Proven Track Record

Since its inception in 2018, EIT FAN has supported 348 startups across Europe, demonstrating a strong record of promoting growth, enhancing investment readiness, and facilitating market access. Many of these companies have successfully established themselves in their respective markets through practical training, expert-led workshops, and exclusive access to crucial industry events.

Looking Ahead

Yulia Bodnar, Programme Manager at EIT FAN, expressed excitement about welcoming the new startups, each bringing unique perspectives and a spark for change. The network's goal is to ignite a sustainable flame from these innovative ideas, empowering long-term success and growth.

About EIT Food

EIT Food is recognized as the world's largest and most dynamic community dedicated to food innovation. It aims to promote projects that align with the vision of creating a sustainable food system capable of providing healthy and environmentally friendly food for all. With backing from the European Union, EIT Food invests in initiatives that share this vision, driving forward its mission to enhance the agri-food sector.

For more details, visit EIT Food's website or follow them on their social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.