EIT Food Partnerships
EIT Food is a network of organisations that are complementary, demonstrate excellence in their domain and show commitment to the objectives of EIT Food.
Partnering for impact
To maximise our impact and to truly make the food system future-fit, we need to create a strong, diverse partnership model which engages in systems challenges aligned to our three missions:
- Healthier lives through food
- A net zero food system
- Managing risk for a fair and resilient food system
This will help us to focus on the strength of our portfolio rather than measuring success on individual project basis.
Our partnership model includes three categories, Community Member, Delivery Partner and Strategic Partner. These are based on the type of role that individual organisations want to play in the EIT Food community and are aligned to the services that we are delivering as a Knowledge Innovation Community (KIC).
Our 3 partnership categories
We believe in the value of diversity within our partnership. The size of your organisation does not determine the categories open to you, and our fee structure also reflects this. We want to encourage a range of organisations from across the agrifood sector to join each of our three different partnership categories - from startups, right through to large global corporates, universities and research organisations.
Choose the best path for your organisation.
Community Member
If your organisation is interested in the value of being part of a dynamic network, to connect with and support our strategic and delivery partners, then the Community members might be the right membership for you.
Benefits:
Promotion on EIT Food media channels
Collaboration opportunities
Network access to food system expertise
Access insights and knowledge from food system leaders
Exclusive events, in-person or online
Access to FoodHIVE, our community networking platform
Delivery Partner
If your organisation would like to focus on implementation and delivery of impact through projects and programmes, then Delivery partner would be the right membership for you
All the benefits of Community Membership plus:
Co-create solutions with EIT Food and partners
Gain access to markets across Europe
Support in running local initiatives and events
Gain a credible, impartial partner
Personal support to identify funding opportunities
Vote on our partner assemblies
Strategic Partner
If your organisation would like to be involved in setting the agenda for a future-fit food system, then Strategic partner would be the right membership for you.
All the benefits of Community Membership and Delivery Partnership plus:
Engage at EU level, thought leadership, and influence: We will come together with you and others to influence systemic change. Opportunities may include working with us on EU policy input, thought leadership activities, or participation in significant international events such as Climate Week or COP.
Shape national, EU-wide & global programmes: Help to shape EIT Food's flagship programmes, creating value and funding pipelines. Work with the network to take influential roles in a range of national, EU and global programmes.
Deep access to food system experts within a structured framework: Gain complementary insights, knowledge and build synergies with a diverse range of experts to strengthen your organisation and advance its ideas and innovations.
Strong voting weight on our partner assemblies: Provide your expertise and voice your views and ideas to strongly guide decision making and influence the future direction of EIT Food using your 5 votes.
Register your interest in EIT Food Partnership
Some of our partners
The Good Food Institute
Vitagora
Quadram Institute
Pulcea
Aleph Farms
University of Warsaw
Agrimetrics
Innovatiesteunpunt
Solmeyea
Baltic Sea Action Group BSAG
FAQs
What are the benefits of joining the EIT Food partnership?
We offer a range of benefits in each of our partnership categories. These benefits range from full access to our community, promotional opportunities, engaging on an EU level and one-to-one support from one of our Key Account Managers and lots more. Explore our full partnership offering in our PDF. Partnership offering EIT Food PDF
How much does it cost to become an EIT Food partner?
The cost is determined by the partnership category you choose and the size and turnover of your organisation. Our community membership ranges between €500-€2,500. Our delivery partner category ranges between €4,500-€30,000. Finally, our strategic partner category ranges from €11,250-€75,000. Explore our fees further. - EIT Food Partner Fee Structure December 2023
How do I sign-up to become an EIT Food Partner?
Please complete the “partner application form” on our EIT Food Partnerships page. Firstly, our partnership team is happy to help recommend the best partnership category for you. When you submit your form it is received by our partnership committee. Then your application is reviewed by our EIT Food executive management team. If your application is approved then we begin the onboarding process.
How can I speak to someone from EIT Food before I sign-up to be a Partner?
You can find and contact a representative from one of our EIT Food regions here.
- For Western Europe please contact: west@eitfood.eu
- For Southern Europe please contact: south@eitfood.eu
- For Northern and Eastern Europe please contact: clcnortheast@eitfood.eu
- If unsure, please contact: partnership@eitfood.eu
What are the EIT Food missions and how can I get involved?
Our missions are healthier lives through food, a net zero food system and a fair and resilient food system. As a partner you can co-create and support mission-related activities. Learn more here.
As a partner, can I get involved in corporate venturing services and do I have to pay?
Yes, partners can get involved in our corporate venturing services. Strategic and delivery partners can receive a discounted fee on these services.
As a partner, are all EIT Food events free for me to attend?
This depends on your partnership category and how many representatives from your company you want to attend an event. Some events may be free, while others require a fee to attend.
Can I receive communications support from EIT Food?
Yes, please visit our communications hub for answers to FAQs here
What documents need to be submitted to be fully onboarded as a partner?
Firstly, you need to submit a Partner Application Form to begin the process of becoming a partner. After your application is approved, you will be sent a “Declaration of Size” document followed by a “Partner Contract” or “Community Agreement” for signature, depending on the partnership category selected. Finally, you are invoiced and welcomed to our community
How can I modify my partnership level?
Strategic partners and delivery partners have the option to request to change their partner status from strategic partner to delivery partner or vice versa by submitting a request in writing to their key account manager or regional director. If community members would like to upgrade to a delivery or strategic, then they should contact their region for further information. If unsure, please contact your respective region or partnership@eitfood.eu to discuss further.
Who is in the EIT Food community?
Next Steps
If you are an existing EIT Food Partner, you should have received the new partnership contract and supporting documentation. To make the transition to the new partnership you simply need to sign the partnership contract and the declaration of size, both of which are done electronically through Adobe Sign. More information on the new partnership approach and all of the relevant documentation is available here on FoodHIVE (Documents | EIT FoodHIVE). Please do take a look, if you have any questions please email partnership@eitfood.eu or drop your regional contact an email.
If you are an organisation looking to join the partnership, please reach out to your regional contact, or download the partnership application.