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EIT Food Accelerator Network Announces Its 2025 Corporate Programme Partners

On February 13, 2025, the EIT Food Accelerator Network, in partnership with EIT Food Corporate Venturing Services, proudly unveiled its Corporate Programme Partners for the year 2025. This strategic initiative will connect a diverse group of leading companies with promising agrifood startups, paving the way for innovative solutions that aim to transform the food system.

A New Cohort of Industry Leaders

The 2025 Corporate Programme has attracted a formidable lineup of partners, including notable industry names such as AAK, Avril, Barry Callebaut Group, Carbery Group, Cargill, Deutsche Tiernahrung Cremer GmbH Co. KG, and Unilever Foundry, alongside several others. With a mix of established corporations spanning various sectors within the food and agriculture industries, this cohort promises to inject unparalleled insights and resources into the accelerator ecosystem.

EIT Food’s Programme Manager, Yulia Bodnar, expressed excitement about the new partners: "We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic group of corporates to the EIT Food Accelerator Network. Their extensive industry knowledge and global presence are invaluable as we assist startups in transitioning their innovations into successful, market-ready solutions. Combining their expertise with the agility of startups will propel the development of sustainable, impactful food solutions."

Connecting Corporates and Startups

The EIT Food Accelerator Network is designed to effectively bridge the gap between established corporations and emerging agrifood startups. Belen Moscoso del Prado, EIT Food’s Corporate Venturing Manager, highlighted the program’s unique offering, stating: "Through our network, we create a vibrant environment where corporations can scout innovative technologies, validate cutting-edge solutions, and foster strategic collaborations that yield significant impact."

During the program, corporate partners will have the opportunity to engage in various activities such as reverse pitches, matchmaking sessions, and technology validation cases. This structured interaction not only provides corporates direct access to startups but also sets the stage for fruitful partnerships.

The program has six thematic hubs, each focusing on critical areas of innovation:
1. Circular Solutions for Food Systems — Helsinki Hub
2. Food as Medicine — Haifa Hub
3. Resilient Supply Chains (Reducing Scope 3 Emissions) — Munich Hub
4. Future-Resilient Agriculture — Warsaw Hub
5. New Ingredients and Bioprocessing — Paris Hub
6. Sustainable Food Packaging — Bilbao Hub

Partners can select one or two hubs that align closely with their business strategies. The versatility of the program allows for tailored engagement in areas where corporations see the most potential for impact.

Previous Success and Future Prospects

In the previous year, the EIT Food Accelerator facilitated over 70 collaborative studies and conducted more than 1,300 one-on-one meetings between corporate partners and startups, demonstrating a strong commitment to nurturing impactful partnerships. By fostering connections and lowering innovation risks, the program has been crucial in nurturing over 350 startups that redefine the future of food through technology and sustainability.

Moreover, corporate partners are encouraged to explore opportunities for developing pilots or proof of concepts using EIT Food's Co-Financing Tool, which helps mitigate financial risks associated with innovation.

As the program unfolds, startups are invited to apply to join the EIT Food Accelerator Network before the February 21 deadline. This provides a unique chance to engage with Europe's largest food innovation community, empowering aspiring ventures to bring groundbreaking solutions to the agrifood sector.

About EIT Food Accelerator Network

The EIT Food Accelerator Network is a pan-European program that spans 2 to 3 months, focused on validating technologies and advancing the investment readiness of promising agrifood startups. The initiative aims to connect innovators with research and university resources to ensure successful market adoption.

With support from the European Union, EIT Food fosters innovation and sustainability in the food system, focusing on empowering businesses, universities, and entrepreneurs to transform the landscape of food production.

To learn more about the EIT Food Accelerator Network and how to participate, please visit EIT Food's official website.