Mentorship and financial support for innovators in agriculture: Applications for EIT Food programs until February 21
Innovators and entrepreneurs in the food and agriculture sector have the opportunity to apply for support programs organized by EIT Food, which are aimed at the development and commercialization of innovative solutions in the food industry sector. The application deadline is February 21.
– We are looking for projects that contribute to the sustainability of the food chain – from field to table. Key solutions include better utilization of alternative proteins, reduction of food waste, more efficient water management and irrigation, development of regenerative and precision agriculture, farm management, as well as improving production processes, packaging, and food safety – says Todo Terzić, regulatory reform manager at NALED.
He notes that the food industry is one of the key sectors of the economy in Serbia, participating in foreign trade with 8.2 billion euros, but innovators in this field face numerous challenges – from market validation to commercialization. Statistics show that only 3.4% of startups in the EU are involved in this industry, and only one in ten becomes a sustainable business and reaches a higher stage of commercialization.
The LAUNCH - Seedbed Incubator program lasts six months and helps identify the commercial potential of innovations, offering an opportunity for connection with customers, mentorship support, participation in European networking events, and funding up to 10,000 euros.
ACCELERATE - EIT Food Accelerator Network enables technology validation and preparation for commercialization, providing funds of up to 50,000 euros for project implementation, exclusive visibility with partners, and a 3,000-euro grant for travel to networking events in Europe.
SCALE - RisingFoodStars is designed for startups ready for scaling, offering access to the European innovation network, top-tier mentorship, and visibility at the EIT Food flagship event NEXTBITE, with the possibility of additional funding.
It is important to note that NALED represents Serbia in the regional Food hubs network launched by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), aiming to accelerate innovation in food production, reduce carbon emissions, offer consumers healthier and more affordable food options, and improve food safety.
Applications are open via the link www.eitfood.eu/entrepreneurship, and for more information, interested parties can contact Todo Terzić (t.terzic@naled.rs) on behalf of NALED, as the EIT Food Hub for Serbia
