EIT Food Expands Reach to Foster Agrifood-Tech Start-ups in Latin America

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), in collaboration with FoodtechHUB Latam, is extending its Food Accelerator Network (FAN) to Brazil, marking a significant move to support emerging agrifood-tech start-ups in the Latin America region.

Situated in Campinas, Sao Paulo, this hub, the second beyond Europe after Haifa, Israel, and the first outside Horizon Europe-associated states, will host a comprehensive 2-3 month program designed to accelerate the growth of agrifood-tech start-ups. The initiative aims to facilitate technology validation, market preparation, and overall readiness for market entry. Start-ups interested in joining the program can submit their applications starting December.

The expansion to Latin America is strategic, considering the region's substantial contribution to global food production, accounting for 14%, and playing a pivotal role in 45% of net international agrifood trade, as noted by Benoit Buntinx, Director of Business Creation at EIT Food.

The move aligns with EIT Food's commitment to addressing global challenges, including food security and climate crises. Buntinx emphasizes the specific need to support agriculture while safeguarding tropical forests and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

FAN's previous hubs, spanning Haifa, Paris, Helsinki, Bilbao, and Munich, have successfully leveraged academic and corporate expertise to coach agritech start-ups, preparing them for commercial viability. Notable companies like PepsiCo, Nestle, and Givaudan have contributed their insights to support these emerging agrifood-tech ventures.

While specific start-ups for Brazil's hub are yet to be confirmed, past participants in the FAN program have showcased innovative solutions. For instance, Farminsect offered a sustainable approach to using regional organic residues to produce insect larvae, and Spoontainable developed edible ice-cream spoons.

Buntinx highlights that the program's primary focus is on making start-ups partnership-ready, facilitating technology validation pilots with the right partners to accelerate market access. The value proposition extends to connecting start-ups with a vast network of over 200 partners across the EU and now Brazil/LATAM, including research centers, corporations, and investors spanning the entire food system.

The program also provides start-ups with exposure to key events like the EIT Food Venture Summit, Future Food Tech, Anuga, and more, offering significant networking opportunities.

Brazil's EIT hub will concentrate on key themes such as food bioprocessing, the next generation of plant-based solutions, and sustainable food packaging. These themes were selected based on feedback, interest, and challenges shared by EIT Food partners, especially corporates, aligning with EIT Food's three mission areas: "Healthier Lives Through Food," "A Net-Zero Food System," and "Reducing Risk for a Fair & Resilient Food System."

Applying start-ups must demonstrate innovative solutions aligned with EIT Food's mission areas, adhering to the same guidelines and selection criteria as other FAN hubs in Europe. The eligibility criteria prioritize impactful solutions that directly contribute to EIT Food's mission areas.