Eatable Adventures, a specialized agri-food innovation accelerator, backed by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and developed in collaboration with the technological center AZTI, has opened the call for NOVO Agrifoodtech. This new international acceleration program aims to select ten startups with disruptive technologies for the agri-food sector, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, and quantum computing.
The 12-week hybrid program will be based in Bilbao, offering startups the opportunity to accelerate the application of their technologies within the industry. Interested startups can submit their applications until September via the program's website.
NOVO Agrifoodtech focuses on transferring cutting-edge technologies, often originating from other sectors such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, or finance, into the agri-food industry. Eatable Adventures will provide its methodology, global network of investors and corporations, and facilitate pilot projects with leading industrial companies.
The initiative aligns with a significant shift in agri-food innovation, where deeptech technologies are attracting increasing investor interest. Recent reports indicate that deeptech now accounts for 32% of global agrifoodtech investment, with deeptech startups securing substantially higher funding rounds.
Priority areas include: artificial intelligence and data technologies, biotechnology (including precision fermentation and cell cultivation), robotics and industrial automation, advanced materials for food packaging and preservation, and advanced and quantum computing.
Selected startups will participate in a hybrid program featuring specialized mentorship and two in-person bootcamps in Bilbao. They will receive technical support from AZTI, access to pilot opportunities with leading companies, connections to Eatable Adventures' international investor network, and post-program support. Participation is equity-free.
