Inspiring Agrifood Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Martinique through EIT Food’s Agrifood Entrepreneurship Days
On the 7th and 8th of November, EIT Food and CCI Martinique hosted two dynamic focus sessions on agrifood development and entrepreneurship at the Village by CA, Martinique. These sessions brought together key players in the agrifood sector to explore opportunities and address challenges, with the overarching goal of fostering innovation and growth in the region.
The event commenced with an introduction to agrifood innovation, led by Teresa Aguirre, Senior Ecosystem Manager, and Celia Alija, Project Manager at EIT Food. Their presentation highlighted the significant role EIT Food plays in Europe and its commitment to supporting the outermost regions, including Martinique. Participants were then guided in creating a roadmap to identify and seize innovation opportunities within the island's agrifood sector.
In a region where the drive for innovation is palpable but barriers remain high, funding emerged as a crucial topic. A comprehensive overview of available funding opportunities, including the Research Tax Credit and France 2030 initiatives, was provided to help entrepreneurs navigate the application process and secure resources for their agrifood startups.
I believe the entrepreneurs present will leave with renewed energy and clear benchmarks when it comes to storytelling and pitching
A session on branding and marketing strategy, delivered by Oudin alongside Jeremy Strohner, CEO of Yooji, equipped participants with essential skills to strengthen their market presence.
The Entrepreneurs Days concluded with an engaging pitching session organised by CCI Martinique. This session aimed to hone participants’ abilities to present their ideas effectively and connect with investors and stakeholders. Ten participants showcased their startup projects to a panel comprising representatives from banks, business support organisations, and government entities.
To close the event, a networking session welcomed alumni from the 2022 EIT Food Startup Awareness Event and members of the local innovation and agrifood ecosystem. This gathering fostered connections and underscored Martinique's potential as a hub for agrifood innovation.