The programme aims to transform the food system by addressing challenges around sustainability, resilience, and food sovereignty, grounded in the idea that meaningful change happens when innovation is connected with those who can support and scale it. This year’s cohort will tackle some of the most pressing issues, including €143 billion in annual food waste, over 70% dependency on imported plant proteins, and rising food inflation. While the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy have outlined ambitious targets – from halving food waste to slashing agri-food emissions – achieving these goals requires bold, scalable solutions from startups at the forefront of innovation.

Since 2018, EIT Food Accelerator Network provides startups with tech validation, mentorship, and tailored programming, helping founders identify critical technology gaps, test their solutions in real-world conditions, and build readiness for commercial scale. The programme has supported over 348 startups across Europe and Horizon Europe-associated countries, accelerating the development of cutting-edge agrifood solutions. Among the EIT FAN alumni are constellr, which raised €33.5 million to develop thermal satellites for real-time crop water monitoring, and Holloid, whose AI-powered detectors help save up to €32 million annually in public health costs by rapidly identifying waterborne contaminants. With more than 280 corporate-startup interactions and 500+ hours of expert support delivered each year, the programme continues to drive impactful innovations – all in line with Europe’s vision for a sustainable, sovereign, and climate-resilient food system.

From nutrient recovery and clean-label fermentation to AI-enabled agri-tech, carbon-smart packaging, smart robotics, and microbiome-based nutrition, this year’s cohort is advancing practical innovations that reflect the programme’s broad focus across the food system. The selected startups align with the full scope of EIT Food Accelerator Network’s six innovation hubs: circular food solutions in Helsinki, novel ingredients and bioprocessing in Paris, sustainable packaging in Bilbao, resilient supply chains and emissions reduction in Munich, food as medicine in Haifa, and future-resilient agriculture in Warsaw.

“With COP28 placing food systems firmly on the climate agenda, and as Europeans increasingly demand healthier, more transparent food options – over 46% of EU citizens have expressed concern about food safety and healthy diets – innovation must lead the way,” said Benoit Buntinx, Director of Business Creation at EIT Food. “The resilience and sustainability of Europe’s food future hinge on bold, early-stage innovation – and on our ability to nurture these ideas into scalable, market-ready solutions. At EIT Food, our mission is to equip startups with the strategic resources, high-impact partnerships, and robust validation needed to tackle systemic challenges head-on. For many of these ventures, this marks the inflection point where vision becomes tangible impact.”

EIT Food Accelerator Network is an integral part of the world's largest food innovation community co-funded by the European Union. Here’s a spotlight on 15 of the 65 most promising startups that were selected to this year’s Food Accelerator Network programme:

1. Little Guts – UK-based microbiome-focused startup developing natural pre- and probiotic products to support healthy gut development in infants. Their mission is to help babies build the foundation for stronger digestion, immune function, and long-term wellbeing from the very beginning
2. Aqvita SRL – Italian cleantech startup pioneering a circular hydration model that eliminates the need for bottled water. By reducing CO₂ emissions and cost, Aqvita is making clean, accessible drinking water a reality for all
3. Searo Labs – German-based sustainable materials company developing biodegradable alternatives to fossil-based plastics. By harnessing marine resources, Searo Labs supports regenerative ocean practices while advancing eco-friendly packaging
4. Carbon Cell Ltd – UK-based materials innovation startup creating compostable, carbon-locking foam as an alternative to traditional polymer-based packaging. Their high-performance bio-foam reduces emissions and contributes to circular design
5. NPHarvest Oy – Finland-based cleantech company recovering nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater to produce sustainable fertilisers. Their technology lowers water treatment costs while supporting circular agriculture
6. Endless Food Co. – Danish food-tech startup reinventing cocoa by upcycling overlooked resources. Their technology transforms byproducts into flavourful, sustainable chocolate alternatives, helping protect the future of the category
7. AgriSound – Agri-tech company from the UK using smart acoustic sensors and AI to monitor pollinators and habitats. Their solution boosts biodiversity and improves yields by enhancing precision pollination on farms globally
8. A&B Smart Materials – Spanish deeptech company engineering responsive materials that adapt to environmental changes. Their technology offers new levels of sustainability and performance across industrial and consumer applications
9. PoLoPo Ltd – Israeli molecular farming pioneer using genetically engineered potatoes to produce high-purity animal proteins like Ovalbumin. Their scalable solution enables allergen-free, climate-resilient protein production
10. Differential Bio GmbH – Biotech startup from Germany that leverages robotic lab automation and AI to make microbial growth scalable and cost-effective. Their platform accelerates R&D in fermentation and synthetic biology
11. Messium – UK-based agritech company offering instant nitrogen diagnostics for wheat farms using AI-powered aerial analysis. Their platform helps optimize farming processes and protect crops more efficiently
12. Smart Farm Robotix Ltd – Hungarian robotics company developing autonomous, AI-powered farm robots for planting, harvesting, and crop monitoring. Their solutions help small- and mid-scale farmers automate key operations and improve productivity
13. Nutrition from Water – is a Portuguese startup focused on revolutionising hydration with nutrient-rich water solutions. The startup partners with global food corporations to deliver affordable, complete, future-proof nutrition
14. Rebread – Startup from Poland turning unsold bread into products like craft alcohol, cosmetics, and packaging. Their licensed biotech helps reduce food waste and emissions across global bakery ecosystems
15. One Good Thing – UK-based startup producing energy bars with edible, beeswax-based wrappers. Designed for cyclists, their zero-waste snacks offer convenience and eliminate single-use plastic packaging

Participants gain access to a growing network of 25 corporate partners, including AAK, Anadolu Efes, Avril, Barry Callebaut Group, Bayer AG, Carbery Group, Cargill, Corporación Hijos de Rivera S.L., and Corteva Catalyst. Other partners include Delta Cafés, Deutsche Tiernahrung Cremer GmbH & Co. KG, Hochland, ICL Group, Kerry Group, Lantmännen, Mars Petcare, Martin Braun-Gruppe, Mondelēz International, Pascual Innoventures, and Pinc Paulig Incubator (Paulig Group), as well as Peter Cremer Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Raisio Group, Unilever Foundry, and Valio. The Warsaw Hub is additionally co-funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

For more information about the 2025 cohort and EIT Food Accelerator Network, please visit https://www.eitfood.eu/entrepreneurship/accelerate-food-accelerator-network