The Food Accelerator Network is entering the next round: once again, start-ups from the agricultural and food industries have the opportunity to receive not only practical assistance but also financial injections. The target group are young companies whose business ideas are aimed at strengthening confidence in the food industry, addressing people's health or improving the sustainability of the sector. The companies must not have collected more than 500,000 euros in capital so far and have generated revenues of up to 1 million euros in the past twelve months. Applications are still possible until 13 March 2019.

Services worth 100,000 euros

A jury of experts from companies in the sector will select the best applicants by May. The winners will be invited to one of the five Accelerator locations: Munich, Haifa (Israel), Bilbao (Spain), Lausanne (Switzerland) and Cambridge (UK). For four months, the start-ups will have access to a wide range of tools, networks, experience and mentors and will have access to pilot plants and international markets. In a final round of evaluation in October, the three best young companies will be selected and subsequently financially supported - with money and services worth 100,000 euros per start-up.

Extensive feedback for all participants

All participants in the semi-final will also receive extensive expert feedback on their personal pitches. Participation is free of charge. The program is financed by partners from industry and research.

The funding programme is backed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). EIT Food was created to transform the food industry. It aims to bring together consumers, businesses, researchers and students from across Europe to develop innovative and economically sustainable initiatives that improve public health, access to quality food and the state of the environment.

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