- EBRD and EIT Food launch new accelerator hub for agrifood startups in EBRD’s EU markets, with support from InvestEU
- Pre-Series A startups will receive help with scaling up their innovative green and sustainable solutions
- Applications are now open, with startups encouraged to apply by 21 February 2025
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is partnering with EIT Food, Europe’s leading food innovation initiative, to launch a new agrifood accelerator hub for startups in the EBRD’s EU economies (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia).
Through this accelerator hub, which is entitled “Future Resilient Agriculture”, early-stage agrifood startups in the EBRD’s EU markets will receive tailored support with the scaling-up of innovative solutions, helping to address global food system challenges.
Startups will be selected for their innovative approaches to sustainable production and climate change mitigation. The selected companies will benefit from a robust capacity-building programme, including workshops, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to industry-leading corporations and investors.
The accelerator hub will primarily operate from Warsaw, Poland, and will run over a three-year period.
Jelena Erker, the EBRD’s Associate Director of Food and Agribusiness, said: “The agrifood industry faces immense challenges, particularly from climate change. Our new partnership with EIT Food will bridge the gap between startups developing cutting-edge technologies and established corporations that need innovative solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. By bringing together startups, corporations and investors, we aim to create a sustainable, inclusive agrifood system that accelerates the adoption of green technologies in the agrifood sector.”
The accelerator hub will be part of the EIT Food Accelerator Network, which includes innovation hubs in Helsinki, Munich, Paris, Bilbao, Haifa and Campinas.
Marja-Liisa Meurice, the Director of EIT Food North-East, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce a high-level collaboration with the EBRD to bring the EIT Food Accelerator Network programme to life in Warsaw, creating a dynamic hub for breakthrough innovation in sustainable and future-resilient agriculture.
“The programme is set to attract pioneering European startups that are not only transforming agritech, but also accelerating the shift toward resilient and sustainable food systems. Locating the hub in Warsaw allows us to leverage our strong regional expertise in sustainable farming practices, our longstanding collaboration with agritech innovators and the region’s rich heritage in primary production. Through this initiative, we will advance sustainable farming practices across Europe, foster the growth of innovative solutions and contribute to the creation of new business models essential for the future of our food systems.”
With total climate-related investment needs in the agrifood sector estimated to be as high as US$ 1.3 trillion, this accelerator hub is a crucial step towards meeting those challenges. The initiative will not only provide much-needed support to startups, but also facilitate the greening of corporate clients in EBRD economies by introducing them to frontier technologies.
The accelerator hub will support pre-Series A startups that have successfully validated their technology and demonstrated traction in the market in areas such as the following:
• soil health and soil biodiversity
• water management
• crop innovation
• bio inputs
• carbon and nitrogen farming
• measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) “on farm”, smart farming and robotics.
A cohort of startups will be selected each year. They will receive personalised guidance that helps them to connect with potential investors and gain exposure at international innovation and investment conferences.
Applications for the 2025 intake are now open, with a deadline of 21 February 2025. All startups that contribute to creating a healthier, more sustainable food system are encouraged to apply here.
EIT Food is Europe’s leading food innovation initiative and is supported by the European Union. Its mission is to transform the food system, making it healthier, more sustainable and trusted by consumers. EIT Food supports startups, educates consumers and connects food-sector stakeholders in order to foster innovation and tackle pressing global food challenges.
By leveraging its extensive network of stakeholders, including universities, research institutions and industry leaders, EIT Food will provide participating startups with the tools and knowledge they need to bring their products to market and achieve commercial success.
Since 1991, the EBRD has invested over €15 billion in more than 900 projects in the agrifood sector. Overall, the Bank has invested over €200 billion in more than 7,200 projects on three continents, fostering the transition to open market-oriented economies and promoting private and entrepreneurial initiative.