Vitagora launches its Eco Agrifood Challenge to accelerate agricultural sustainability
French agri-food innovation hub, Vitagora, launched its Eco Agrifood Challenge in June offering the opportunity for start-ups and SMEs to apply to accelerate their transition to agro-ecological food production. The international competition has been launched in partnership with six companies including Nestlé Purina and Terres Univia, and seeks to identify innovative companies and SMEs working to improve the agricultural sustainability of the production of human and pet food. The programme is open to start-ups across the world who, if successful, will benefit from financial rewards and acceleration support packages to help them grow.
Founded in 2005, Vitagora exists to unite agri-food businesses with industry experts and innovators both in France and internationally. Membership offers access to a network of professionals with the knowledge and strategic intelligence to develop food production companies in their efforts to innovate. Its recently launched Eco Agrifood Challenge is an open invitation for ambitious start-up and SME companies to utilise the Vitagora network and gain brand visibility, along with logistical support including testing resources and business accommodation. Successful applicants will also gain access to Vitagora’s agri-food business acceleration programme, Toaster Lab.
The challenge is open to innovations in sustainability across farming technological equipment and services, food products, ingredients, supply chains and communication solutions for consumers. It aims to attract companies within agricultural production that function to accelerate the transition towards a stronger agro-ecological food system.
The application deadline for the competition is July 20th. From the applicants, around fifteen start-ups companies will be chosen who will then go on to pitch to a panel of investors on 28th and 29th September. The three winners will receive financial prizes and business development support including access to Toaster Lab.
Alumni of Vitagora include plant-based egg company YUMGO, phytoextraction company Biomede, algae cultivation company EnerGaia and sensory irrigation company Telaqua.
