Test Farms

We have the capacity to test up to 10 startups per year offering AgriTech, LivestockTech, and AquaTech solutions from across Europe.

We aim to attract a strong pipeline of applications to ensure a diverse and competitive selection process. Should we receive an exceptionally strong pool of promising solutions, we remain open to adjusting the final number of selected startups within our operational capacity.

We offer test beds all across Europe, enabling startups to validate their solutions in diverse agricultural and production environments. The majority of pilots are typically conducted in Finland, Poland, Hungary, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal, where we have strong farmer networks and established testing infrastructure.

Under the Test Farms programme, participants conduct pilots in one selected country, working closely with a carefully matched farmer to ensure relevant and high-quality validation results. 

We do not take any equity.

Participation in Test Farms is free of charge. Startups from Southern, Central and Eastern Europe, Nordics, Western Europe, and other Horizon Europe Associated Countries can join the programme without any upfront participation fee.

However, Test Farms applies a success-based financial sustainability mechanism. Participating startups may choose between a revenue-sharing model (2% of sales generated from the validated product for three years) or a success-based fee linked to their next investment round (0.5–1%).

This approach ensures a fair, performance-driven contribution that supports the long-term sustainability of the programme while remaining founder-friendly and aligned with startup growth.

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.

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.

All evaluators are experienced agronomists, industry experts and EIT Food staff from the agriculture or innovation fields.

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.

Yes, solo founders are welcome to apply. However, only officially registered startups that were established less than 10 years ago are eligible to participate in the programme. 

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.