EIT Food Accelerator Network Unveils 2025 Cohort of Innovative Startups Transforming AgriFoodTech in Europe
On May 9, 2025, the EIT Food Accelerator Network (EIT FAN) proudly unveiled its 2025 cohort, which includes 65 innovative startups. This selection comes after thorough evaluations by over 60 industry experts, showcasing a variety of solutions aimed at revolutionizing the agrifood landscape across Europe and Horizon Europe-associated countries.
EIT FAN serves as a vital conduit for fostering collaboration amongst innovators, industry professionals, and investors with the shared goal of radically transforming food systems. Benoit Buntinx, Director of Business Creation at EIT Food, emphasized the importance of synergy in driving meaningful changes, stating that “true change happens when you connect those who need innovation with those creating it.”
A Diverse and Visionary 2025 Cohort
The cohort for the year 2025 is pushing boundaries in food technology by aligning with EIT FAN’s six strategic hubs, each tailored to address critical industry challenges:
- - Circular food solutions – Helsinki Hub
- - New ingredients and bioprocessing – Paris Hub
- - Sustainable food packaging – Bilbao Hub
- - Future-resilient agriculture – Warsaw Hub (co-funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development)
- - Resilient supply chains and scope 3 emissions – Munich Hub
- - Food as medicine – Haifa Hub
Collectively, these startups tackle significant issues related to health, sustainability, supply chain transparency, and resilience, demonstrating the ambitious nature of Europe’s agrifood innovation ecosystem.
An Ecosystem Powered by Industry Leaders
Participating startups will gain access to mentorship, technology validation, and vital connections with EIT FAN’s corporate partners, which include prominent brands like AAK, Bayer AG, Cargill, and Unilever Foundry. Marie Russier, Head of Entrepreneurship Programmes at EIT Food, remarked, “The programme is designed not just to accelerate growth, but to embed startups in a purpose-driven ecosystem that drives sustainable, long-term change.”
Since its inception in 2018, EIT FAN has supported 348 startups, forming a reputation for successfully guiding ventures toward growth, investment readiness, and market viability. Startups benefit from a curriculum filled with expert-led workshops and exclusive insights gained from significant industry events.
A Proven Model with Growing Impact
During the unveiling ceremony, Yulia Bodnar, Programme Manager of EIT Food Accelerator Network, emphasized the importance of nurturing transformative ideas. “Each brings a spark of transformation, and our role is to help turn it into a lasting flame by providing the tools, mentorship, and community to ignite real impact,” she stated.
For anyone interested in learning more about EIT Food Accelerator Network and its initiatives, additional information can be found on their official webpages, alongside opportunities to follow their journey on various social media platforms.
As the largest and most dynamic food innovation community globally, EIT Food is at the forefront of accelerating initiatives that promote the development of healthy and sustainable food systems. Supported by the EU, their commitment is to invest in projects and people aligned with a vision of a bright and viable future for food production.
To keep up with the exciting developments from the EIT Food Accelerator Network, make sure to stay connected through their various channels. With innovation and collaboration at the heart of their mission, the future of agri-food technology is looking bright.