#Belgium #Leuven #startups #EIT Food #AgriFoodTech

A Groundbreaking Step in AgriFoodTech

The EIT Food Accelerator Network (EIT FAN) has recently revealed its cohort for 2025, featuring an impressive lineup of 65 pioneering startups, carefully chosen by a panel of over 60 industry experts from numerous applications across Europe and Horizon Europe-associated countries. This initiative aims to fuel the transformation of the agri-food technology sector, a vital area given the increasing global food challenges and the urgent need for sustainability.

A Collaborative Ecosystem

EIT FAN plays a pivotal role as one of Europe’s foremost agri-food accelerators. It fosters an ecosystem where innovators, industry specialists, investors, and corporations can come together to drive change in food systems. Director of Business Creation at EIT Food, Benoit Buntinx, emphasized that real advancements in the food system demand more than innovation alone; they require substantial collaboration. The program acts as a launch pad, turning innovative concepts into substantial, real-world impacts.

The 2025 Cohort's Vision

This year's selected cohort reflects EIT FAN's strategic focus on various critical areas related to food innovation. The startups are aligned with six strategic hubs, each concentrating on unique challenges:

1. Circular Food Solutions - based in the Helsinki Hub
2. New Ingredients and Bioprocessing - from the Paris Hub
3. Sustainable Food Packaging - located in the Bilbao Hub
4. Future-Resilient Agriculture - connected to the Warsaw Hub in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
5. Resilient Supply Chains and Scope 3 Emissions - part of the Munich Hub
6. Food as Medicine - established in the Haifa Hub.

Each startup addresses pressing issues such as health, sustainability, transparency, and resilience, showcasing the ambition and depth of Europe’s agrifood innovation landscape.

Industry Partnerships

Startups joining this multifaceted ecosystem will gain access to mentoring, technology validation, and invaluable connections with leading corporate partners from the EIT FAN network. This includes well-known names like AAK, Barry Callebaut Group, Bayer AG, and Unilever Foundry among others. Marie Russier, the Head of Entrepreneurship Programmes at EIT Food, highlighted that the program is designed not merely to stimulate growth but to deeply root the startups within a purpose-driven community that aims to incite sustainable, long-lasting changes in the agri-food landscape.

A Proven Track Record

Since its inception in 2018, EIT FAN has effectively supported 348 startups across Europe, establishing a strong reputation for facilitating growth, investment readiness, and market traction in the competitive agrifood sector. Participants enjoy a comprehensive curriculum, expert-driven workshops, and exclusive invitations to premier industry events. Yulia Bodnar, the Program Manager for EIT Food Accelerator Network, expressed excitement at welcoming new startups, each of which brings unique elements promising transformative impacts in the food industry. The organization’s goal is to provide the necessary tools, networks, and mentorship to nurture these nascent ideas into significant, lasting ventures.

For more details about EIT FAN and its groundbreaking initiatives, interested parties are encouraged to visit EIT Food Accelerators and stay connected through EIT Food’s LinkedIn profile.

EIT Food stands as the world’s largest food innovation community dedicated to accelerating efforts towards a sustainable food system, beneficial for all. This comprehensive approach is supported by funding from the EU, highlighting a collective ambition for healthier, more sustainable food solutions across Europe and beyond.