EIT Food RisingFoodStars

In this interview Marie Brueser speaks with Alex Crisp to explore the future of food, with a deep dive into the transformative power of technologies like generative AI, precision fermentation, and bio-based inputs in agriculture—all of which are driving innovation across the food system. Marie also talks about EIT Food’s role in supporting startups through tailored programs like RisingFoodStars, highlighting how collaborations with corporates and researchers are helping scale groundbreaking solutions. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of food, sustainability, and the innovation shaping the industry. Hear the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eNx68BMQ #FoodTech #AgriTech #SustainableFood #FoodSystems #Startups #RisingFoodStars

We are proud to see NoPalm Ingredients recognised as #startup of the month in FoodBev Media for their pioneering efforts in developing sustainable, palm oil-free alternatives! By challenging conventional practices, NoPalm is setting a new standard for ethical production and helping to reduce the environmental impact of palm oil cultivation. So well done to Lars Langhout and the whole NoPalm team! As part of the RisingFoodStars community, NoPalm is a great example of the innovation and commitment we need to build a more sustainable food future. Their solutions align perfectly with our mission to drive positive change in the agrifood sector by supporting visionary scale-ups. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/eXwiSNU2 #FoodInnovation #NoPalm #RisingFoodStars #FoodTech #SustainableFuture #PalmOilFree

Ficosterra has been recognised by the European Commission’s Oceans and Fisheries for their groundbreaking work in bringing the benefits of the blue economy to the agricultural sector - congratulations to Luis Lombana and the Ficosterra team. Ficosterra's journey from the ocean to the soil, highlighted by the #BlueInvest initiative, underscores their pivotal role in creating a more resilient and sustainable future for our planet. We couldn't be more proud to have them as part of the RisingFoodStars community, driving positive change in the agrifood tech space. Read more about Ficosterra here: https://lnkd.in/dgGND7e4 #BlueEconomy #MarineBiotechnology #RegenerativeAgriculture #Sustainability #FoodTech

Great to see Deniz Ficicioglu and BettaFish getting a shoutout in FoodNavigator BettaFish is taking plant-based seafood to new heights by harnessing the power of seaweed. This sustainable, nutrient-rich ingredient has the potential to revolutionise how we think about seafood and ocean preservation. It's inspiring to see the innovation happening in the plant-based world, particularly when it focuses on protecting our oceans and ensuring future food security: Read more about BettaFish here: https://lnkd.in/eNxsafMg #PlantBased #SustainableFood #Seaweed #FutureOfFood #FoodTech #SeafoodInnovation

Join Agrain by Circular Food Technology and a fantastic panel of experts in the upcoming webinar hosted by the Upcycled Food Association 🎤 🌾 Agrain is leading the charge in this space, turning spent grains into nutritious and aromatic flours. This session will be an excellent opportunity to hear insights from Aviaja Riemann-Andersen and other innovators about the impact of upcycled food on sustainability. See the details below! #Webinar #UpcycledFood #Upcycling #SustainableFood

We’re back from the wonderful city of Rome where EIT Food Next Bite 2024 brought together over 900 changemakers 190 partners, 80 speakers, and 132 exhibitors to explore the future of food. It was an inspiring two days of collaboration, innovation, and meaningful dialogue as leaders from across the food ecosystem gathered to discuss how we can collectively transform our food systems. So, what are our personal takeaways? 1) Scaling Regenerative Agriculture for a #NetZeroFoodSystem The focus on #RegenerativeAgriculture was front and centre, with industry leaders showcasing how regional, holistic approaches can connect communities with sustainable farming practices. Innovative solutions such as turning coffee waste into low-carbon products and using canola oil side streams to create food proteins demonstrate how circular design principles can reduce carbon footprints while generating new income streams. 2) Consumer Trust Key discussions focused on consumer perceptions of new food technologies, such as cultivated meat and precision fermentation. Scaling these innovations depends not only on technological advancements but also on gaining consumer trust. We need to help consumers understand the environmental, health, and ethical benefits of these innovations, while addressing their concerns and offering transparency. 3) AI’s Role in Scaling Production As the food industry faces challenges like labour shortages and long product development cycles, AI is emerging as a game-changer. We saw examples of how AI is already enhancing food production efficiency and safety. As we scale these technologies, AI will play an even greater role in solving inefficiencies and optimising operations across the food system. 4) Healthier Lives Through Food Sara Roversi from the Future Food Institute brought an inspiring message on how integrating tradition, creativity, and innovation can redefine our food systems. Her message urged us to look at food systems from a systemic perspective, considering not just innovation but also the cultural and human aspects of food. Additionally, Tim Spector's thought-provoking keynote on the importance of the gut microbiome in personalised nutrition discussed how science and technology can be scaled up to improve public health. With tools like the ZOE app, which tailors dietary advice based on an individual’s microbiome, we’re seeing how personalised approaches can be pivotal to improving well-being on a large scale. Scaleups like those in the RisingFoodStars programme are playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The collaborative spirit of this event was a reminder that no one can transform the food system alone—we need to continue building partnerships, leveraging investment, and pushing forward with innovative solutions. 📅 Next Bite 2025 is set for 15-16 October in Brussels—see you there! #NextBite2024 #RisingFoodStars #RegenerativeAgriculture #FutureOfFood #Sustainability #Collaboration #FoodInnovation

And that's a wrap! Thank you to every single person who was a part of our biggest event of the year, #NextBite24. It was a real success, and we couldn't have done it without you. (Important information about Next Bite 2025 at the end of the post, keep reading.... 😉) And it feels even more significant that today is #WorldFoodDay! 🌍 We hope all of you, who either attended as a participant, were part of the organisation team or were part of the programme, feel proud of yourselves for being a part of positive, crucial change and are happy with your experience in Rome. Collaboration is key. We will always strive to support others and keep building our EIT Food community so we can make the best impact on our food system.💚 Our favourite key takeaways from Day 2 include... 🚀 From the 'Unwrapped: Consumer perceptions of cultivated meat and precision fermentation' session, we learned from Durk Bosma, Head of Insights, Consumer Observatory Consumer, that acceptance needs to be earned, it’s not a given. People are still reluctant to trying new food products that may not be seen as the 'society norm' such as cultivated meat. We must continue to understand how we can influence others to try something new, by providing them with essential information regarding different factors such as taste, carbon footprint, health impacts... 🚀 With challenges such as labour shortages and long development cycles for new food products, the role of AI is becoming more crucial. AI is poised to transform the food industry by optimizing production processes, enhancing safety, and addressing inefficiencies. Thank you to the four following innovative startups who presented their cutting-edge solutions, showing how AI is already reshaping the food system: iComplai - Early Warning System for Food Supply Chain, Inspectle Food, New Wave Biotech and Veridi Technologies BV. 🏆 A huge congratulations to the 15 startups that won the 2024 EIT Food Accelerator Network Tech Validation Awards! We hope to see you for Next Bite 2025 which will be hosted in... 🥁 🥁 🥁 BRUSSELS by Region West! ❗ Do you have any ideas for workshops, panels, pitches or presentations? We want to hear them. Get in touch with Frank Horlbeck at frank.horlbeck@eitfood.eu if you would like to be involved. Did you attend Next Bite? 👉 Leave a comment below and let us know your highlight from the event, we would love to see your photos! 📷 #foodsystem #foodinnovation

What an inspiring start to the EIT Food Next Bite 2024! The opening speech was a powerful reminder of why we’re all here – united by the shared mission to transform global food systems for healthier, net-zero, and resilient outcomes. Key takeaways: 1) Collaboration is essential – systemic change doesn’t happen overnight, but by working together and building trust, we can accelerate innovation. 2) The food system still faces big challenges – from food waste to the impact of agriculture on our planet, we have more to do. 3) EIT Food’s role – with over 600 startups supported in 2023 alone and €209 million in investment attracted, we’re seeing real impact, but we must push even further. #NextBite is all about connection – this event brings together thought leaders, and change-makers, investors, partners and innovators. Let’s use the time to think ambitiously and build relationships that will drive the change we want to see. RisingFoodStars are so excited to be part of this community and can’t wait to see what comes next. Let’s make the most of these days together as we collaborate, and accelerate, the transformation our food systems need! Marie Russier Magdalena Herrador Moreno Lena Marijke Wenzel Benoit Buntinx #NextBite2024 #FoodInnovation #RisingFoodStars #EITFood #Collaboration #SustainableFood

We are looking forward to seeing many of our RisingFoodStars in Rome at #NextBite over the coming days. If you want to meet the team don't forget you can use the event app to book a meeting and to plan your agenda. There are a huge number of sessions to get involved in! Check out the full programme here https://lnkd.in/emdZ3MmX Lena Marijke Wenzel Magdalena Herrador Moreno Laura Curtis

We are happy to share that Lena Marijke Wenzel has joined us as RisingFoodStars Support Manager. With her background in human-centered design and over 5 years of experience in strategic innovation management across corporates, startups, and academia, Lena brings a wealth of expertise to our mission of transforming the food system. Lena has co-developed over 20 impactful solutions, driving real change through actionable insights—not guesswork. Her passion for creating better products, services, and processes is fuelled by a deep commitment to sustainable innovation. Curious to meet Lena in person? She’ll be at #NextBite in Rome next week!! Make sure to say hello and learn more about how she’s helping us shape the future of food. Welcome to the team, Lena! 👏 #NextBite2024 #EITFood #sustainablefoodsystems Benoit Buntinx Marie Russier Magdalena Herrador Moreno Laura Curtis Martina Burolo