Cucare recognised at the EWA 2025 Demo Day in Spain for its contribution to sustainable agrifood innovation

Cucare, the project led by Anabel Millán Leiva, was highlighted by the jury for its innovative approach to early pathogen detection in crops and insectaries, a solution aimed at reducing agricultural losses and improving sustainability across the sector. The project received the first prize of €10,000, while Circular Grain, led by Marina Hijano Moreno, received €5,000 for its plant-based beverage made from beer by-products, designed to advance circular food systems.

Beyond the prizes, the Demo Day emphasised the personal and professional growth experienced by all nine entrepreneurs. Through tailored training, expert mentoring and continuous peer support, participants strengthened their business models, gained confidence in public speaking and built connections that will continue beyond the programme.

Anabel Millán Leiva also received the Visibility Pack, which will offer her the opportunity to present Cucare at the European final Accelerating Innovation Through Women Leadership, taking place on 4 December in Warsaw.

Hosted at Fundación Cruzcampo in Seville, the Demo Day gathered professionals from the agrifood sector, representatives from EIT Food and Universidad Loyola, and collaborating organisations. The jury included Ada Bernal, Director of Institutional Relations at Heineken Andalucía and Vice President of Landaluz and Dircom Andalucía, Vanessa Galindo, Principal and General Partner at Eoniq Fund, and Darío Martínez de Azcona, entrepreneur and startup adviser.

In her opening remarks, Mercedes Pérez, Head of Entrepreneurship at Universidad Loyola, underlined the importance of supporting women founders who are driving the transformation of the agrifood sector. Iciar Etxebarria, from the EWA Communications team, highlighted how the programme continues to strengthen a growing community of women entrepreneurs across Europe, who are developing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable, resilient and innovative food system.

Since its launch in 2020, the EWA programme has supported over 450 women entrepreneurs, provided €600,000 in prizes, and facilitated over €12 million in investments. Beyond financial support, it has fostered collaboration, networking, and innovation, helping startups grow and thrive.

This year’s Demo Day is a testament to the collective effort of participants, mentors, and partners like Loyola University, who have played a pivotal role in shaping the future of agrifood entrepreneurship.