Test Farms
At Test Farms, we are on a mission to drive technological transformation in agriculture. Our programme is uniquely designed to support startups and innovators in testing, validating, and showcasing agritech solutions to potential clients and investors.
This edition of Test Farms has now concluded, but don't worry—there's more to come! We invite you to join us in 2025 for the next round of exciting opportunities to showcase your innovative solutions and make a real impact on the future of farming. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to be part of the transformation!
What We Do:
Test Farms empowers startups and individuals with groundbreaking agritech solutions to test, validate, and showcase their products and services. Our mission is to bridge the gap between innovative technology and practical agricultural applications, ensuring that farmers have access to sustainable, efficient, and effective innovations.
Why Join Test Farms?
Test Your Innovation:
Test your products and services on real farm in Poland, Spain or Portugal
Validate Your Innovation:
Get firsthand feedback from farmer, local agronomists and industry experts.
Grant Opportunities:
Entities from Southern, Central and Eastern Europe can apply for financial assistance of up to 3000 EUR to offset their programme costs.
We are looking for startups and innovators working on:
*detailed focus themes can be found at Terms and Conditions.
From:
Programme timeline
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15 October to 22 November 2024
Call for startups
Explain how your solution is innovative and why you want to test it
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16- 20 December 2024
Announcement of results
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7 January to 7 February 2025
Matchmaking
Meet the farmer with best land/crop for testing your solution
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March to November 2025
Testing
Test your solution in the field
Amazing cases
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What makes the Test Farms program valuable for AgroTech startups? The great community of the Test Farms program and meeting people from all over Europe who, like you, are struggling with AgriTech problems. Here, they will help you develop your startup!
Please read carefully Terms and Conditions before applying to Test Farms Programme 2025.
FAQ
How many startups will be invited to the program?
We plan to invite min. 30 startups from Southern and Central and Eastern Europe. If the proposed solutions will be very promising we might extend the amount of available spots.
We have capacities to service max. 6 startups from Western Europe and other Horizon Europe Associated Counties.
Where can I test my solution?
We offer test beds in Finland, Poland, Spain, Italy and Portugal. Under Test Farms participants can conduct tests in one country with selected farmer.
What is the cost of participation in Test Farms?
We don’t take any equity.
Participation in Test Farms for entities from Southern, Central and Eastern Europe and Nordics is free of charge.
Entities from Western Europe and other Horizon Europe Associated Countries can join the Test Farm and benefit from the match-making and expert support provided by EIT Food. The cost of these services is 4500 EUR.
Who can apply for 3000€ grant?
Entities from Southern, Central and Eastern Europe and Nordics can apply for financial assistance of up to 3000 EUR to offset their programme costs.
What is the time commitment for startups taking part in this programme?
It all depends on the type of solutions you offer. Some solutions can be tested only once in the season (e.g. machine used for corn harvest). Software solutions are usually long-term tested and demand more time from you. For sure we will need your time&presence once you are selected for the programme to discuss details of tests with farmer, agronomist and EIT Food. Based on agreed stipulations, you must save time also for drafting pilot plan.
How are applications assessed?
Applications are assessed based on the understanding of relevant agriculture challenges, innovativeness, and the stage of solution`s development that allows it to be tested/validated during the Test Farms. Equally important are the dynamics of the founding team and whether required tests under Test Farms makes sense for the product development.
Please refer to our programme Terms and Conditions for more detailed information.
Who are the evaluators?
All evaluators are experienced agronomists, industry experts and EIT Food staff from the agriculture or innovation fields.
What makes Test Farms unique compared to other startup programmes?
Test Farms has a straightforward value proposition aiming at testing solution on real farmland with 1:1 firsthand support from farmer and local agronomist. No business coaching, no mentoring, no working on business model canvas.
Can I join as a solo founder?
Yes, you can.
How much time do I need to secure to complete the application?
To answer all questions properly you will need 45-90 min. The actual application includes approximately 30 questions. We need to understand your technology, the stage of its development, team and details of your testing requirements to start searching for best-fit farmer. Please note that the pitch deck need to be submitted as well. If this is not ready yet and up to date then that will take additional time to prepare.
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