EIT Food Accelerator Network announces 2024 cohort
“It is our job to identify and support impactful agrifoodtech startups, so that they can tackle the biggest challenges within the European food system, transform it and develop their capacity as founders. Through our EIT Food Entrepreneurship programmes we create connections right across the food ecosystem, empowering entrepreneurs to develop new ideas and innovations, helping them to launch accelerate and scale.”
During the evaluation process, over 60 industry experts ensured that the selected startups not only have the potential to disrupt the food industry, but that they also share EIT Food's commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable, and transparent food system in alignment with EIT Food Accelerator Network’s mission emphasised themes for each of our five innovation hubs:
1. Food bioprocessing, Helsinki Hub
2. Next generation of plant sourced solutions, Paris Hub
3. Sustainable food packaging, Bilbao Hub
4. Future proof agriculture, Munich Hub
5. Food as medicine, Haifa Hub
The EIT Food’s Accelerator Network programme brings together emerging startups, research centres, experts, change makers, corporate partners, and investors, linking those who need technology and innovations, those who are developing it, and those who might finance and scale it, the EIT Food Accelerator Network is undeniably one of Europe's top startup accelerator programmes in agrifoodtech.
Startups joining the cohort will benefit from access to the world’s largest and most dynamic agrifood community of industry experts and leaders, research institutions, investors and our incredible EIT Food Accelerator Network programme corporate partners: AAK, Avril, Bayer Crop Science, Barry Callebaut Group, Cargill, Corteva Agriscience, Peter Cremer Holding GmbH & Co. KG, DELTA FOODS SA, EFES, General Mills, Hijos de Rivera, ICL Group, IFF, Kerry, Lantmännen, Mondelēz International, Paulig Group/PINC, Roquette, Südzucker Group, Sodexo, Syensqo and Tesco.
"Startups play a fundamental role in building a global food system that is strong enough to withstand cycles of worldwide turbulences. At EIT Food we harness the power of innovation and foster a collaborative approach to build a future-fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all. How? We come together as a louder, more direct voice, creating a shared vision, a common agenda, and an environment where innovation can thrive, collectively transforming the way food is produced, distributed and consumed."
Thanks to their support and guidance the 50 European startups will be able to navigate the complexities of developing and commercialising their innovations on their tech validation and business acceleration journey, effectively reaching their target audience, and further establishing themselves as leaders in the field of agrifood-tech.
Since 2018 the EIT Food Accelerator Network programme has successfully accelerated 298 European startups, providing startups with the resources and the support needed to build strong business foundations and to thrive and grow in a competitive world.
"We're thrilled to welcome these outstanding startups into our 2024 cohort. Collaborations, knowledge exchange, tech validation, market and investment readiness are at the forefront of everything we do. Not only are we extremely grateful to the startups for trusting us with their application and to our EIT Food Accelerator Network community, but also to the 60+ evaluators, corporate and delivery partners for their continuous support and tremendous effort.
“Diversity is key, which is why during the scouting, evaluation, and selection process we ensure to have a fair mix of startups from our three EIT Food regions, as well as a fair gender balance. By continuing to partner with the best and the brightest talents in agrifoodtech, we continue to offer purpose-led startups even more ways to fuel their impact, grow and achieve their ultimate goals: a successful market adoption."
For more information about our EIT Food Accelerator Network programme or our Entrepreneurship programmes, visit: https://entrepreneurship.eitfood.eu or follow us on LinkedIn.