When Aaqifa Shaikh, a biotechnology graduate from Pune, India, completed her EIT Food Joint Master’s in Food Systems, she was determined to turn research into real-world sustainable impact.
Her award-winning thesis on the life cycle assessment of pea protein processing in the Nordics – named Best Positive Environmental Impact Thesis 2024 by EIT Food, reflected that commitment. Yet Aaqifa wanted to go beyond the classroom and bring her ideas to life. In InnoNext, she found the perfect bridge.
Through InnoNext, graduates from EIT Label programmes and EIT-supported startups, like Aaqifa, can access tailored placements that match academic talent with real business needs. This pan-European platform for innovation internships is designed to strengthen innovation, accelerate scale-ups, and bridge the gap between research and industry.
Finding the Right Match
For Aaqifa, that connection came full circle when she joined Mimica, a startup revolutionizing food freshness indicators to reduce waste. She had first encountered Mimica during her Master’s studies as a sustainability case study. Two years later, she found their internship opportunity on the InnoNext platform.
Starting as a Marketing & Communication Intern in September 2025, she immediately immersed herself in hands-on work, supporting a fundraising campaign, crafting digital content, and refining B2B marketing strategies. Each task allowed her to merge her scientific background with creative storytelling, amplifying Mimica’s message while building practical skills for a future career in sustainable innovation.
The InnoNext experience has helped me connect sustainability, food systems, and strategic communication in real time. It’s equipping me with the tools and confidence to build a meaningful career with purpose-driven companies.
Aaqifa Shaikh, EIT Food's Master Graduate
Boosting Emerging Talent
InnoNext’s strength lies in its ability to match passion with purpose. By linking graduates like Aaqifa with forward-thinking startups, the programme nurtures both innovation and employability. Participants gain access to mentorship, a dynamic network, and real-world experience in tackling the pressing challenges of climate and food security.
For Aaqifa, the internship is more than a professional opportunity – it’s a launchpad. With each project, she’s not only contributing to Mimica’s mission but also shaping her own path as a sustainability communicator and innovator.
As she reflects on her journey, her message to other graduates is clear: “Go for it. Apply to opportunities that inspire you, because that’s where your passion will find its purpose.”
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