• Applications are now open until November 22 2024 for agrifood-tech startups to pilot their solutions on European test farms
• The Test Farms programme aims to combine the technical knowledge of entrepreneurs with the practical experience of farmers, to create impactful agriculture solutions that enhance efficiency, crop yield and product quality
• Selected participants will receive grants of €3,000 to cover testing costs

Leuven, Belgium – EIT Food, the world's largest food innovation community, is calling for agrifood-tech startups to apply for its groundbreaking Test Farms programme for the sixth year in a row. EIT Food is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

This initiative, which will run from March to November 2025, offers innovators the opportunity to trial their technology directly on European farmlands, with the support of experienced agronomists, farmers, and industry experts. Innovators selected for this programme will gain access to farms across Poland, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Portugal, providing hands-on, in-field validation to optimize their solutions.

The primary goal of Test Farms is to combine the technological knowledge of startups with the practical experience of farmers. Innovative solutions are aimed at improving production efficiency, increasing crop yields, as well as reducing costs and improving the quality of products introduced to the market.

Key Benefits of the Test Farms Programme

• Field testing in Europe: Test products directly on farms across multiple European regions.
• Expert guidance: Receive mentorship and support from local farmers, agronomists, and the extensive EIT Food community.
• Comprehensive technology validation: Collaborate with farmers who will provide detailed feedback on performance, allowing innovators to fine-tune their products for maximum effectiveness.
• Financial grant: Qualifying startups will receive up to €3,000 to cover testing costs.

By joining Test Farms, startups can work towards enabling the validation of their products, as well as increasing their recognition among investors and potential customers. Programme participants will also benefit from EIT Food's wide network of contacts, which includes agricultural companies, research centres and investors. It is also a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, where startups can draw inspiration and support from the most advanced in the industry.

Application Details:

• Application Deadline: November 22 2024
• Programme Timeline: Testing runs from March to November 2025
• Apply Now: https://www.eitfood.eu/projects/test-farms
• Contact: Oksana Hrynevych, EIT Food - oksana.hrynevych@eitfood.eu