EIT Food selected 65 startups for 2026 FAN programme to accelerate Europe’s innovation
Over the past nine years, more than 500 European startups have participated in the EIT FAN programme, some of them having reached Series A and B in funding, launch new products and expand into new markets.
EIT Food has selected 65 startups to join the 2026 edition of EIT FAN, its startup programme designed to help early-stage agrifood innovators validate their technologies and prepare for commercial growth. The selected companies will take part in one of six specialised hubs across Europe, each focusING on a specific technology area shaping the future of food. These include water-smart agrifood systems in Catania, circular solutions for food systems in Helsinki, smart and low-carbon supply chains in Munich, biotech ingredients, products and processes in Paris, digital and autonomous farming solutions in Wageningen, and future-resilient agriculture in Warsaw.
True to its core mission, the EIT FAN continues to differentiate itself from traditional acceleration programmes by placing a rigorous emphasis on technology validation. Through the programme, startups will develop tailored technology roadmaps, compete for support to validate their solutions, access matchmaking opportunities with research and technology organisations (RTOs), and engage in open innovation challenges with corporate partners.
This year’s selected startups reflect that innovation is present across Europe’s agrifood ecosystem. The full cohort and their thematic focus are available in the brochure.
By combining specialised thematic hubs with validation opportunities and direct engagement with corporates and research actors, EIT Food FAN aims to help startups move from promising innovation to commercially relevant solutions for the agrifood sector.
Promoting joint innovation opportunities
The programme puts a strong emphasis on collaboration. Startups will take part in targeted matchmaking activities and work directly with industry partners to explore joint innovation opportunities. As part of this approach, major industry players such as Anadolu Efes, Avril, Bayer AG, Cargill, Corporation Hijos de Rivera, Corteva Catalyst, Danone, Mars Petcare, Mondelēz International, Peter Cremer Holding GmbH & Co. KG, and Valio, will take part in reverse pitching sessions, presenting their strategic challenges and inviting startups to collaborate on solutions. The format reflects a growing shift towards more open and demand-driven innovation within the food sector.
Transforming the global food system requires the synchronised strength of our entire innovation network. By connecting these 65 startups with world-class research institutions, market gatekeepers and specialised investors, we provide the ecosystem integration they need to bring cutting-edge science to market.
Benoît Buntinx, Director of Business Creation at EIT Food
Agrifood deeptech requires uncompromised operational and scientific validation to survive the transition from laboratory to industrial scale. Our milestone-driven accelerator programme addresses this challenge head-on, enabling startups to rigorously validate their technologies and advance their Technology Readiness Levels, building investable, market-ready ventures capable of delivering real impact across the food system.
Marie Russier, Head of Entrepreneurship Programmes at EIT Food
Improving Europe’s innovative competitiveness
The Food Accelerator Network (FAN) responds to growing pressures across the global agrifood system, where innovation is increasingly critical to ensure competitiveness and resilience. According to the UN’s latest population projections, the global population is expected to reach approximately 9.7 billion by 2050. With the world population now estimated at around 8.3 billion, surpassing 9 billion would represent a more moderate increase than previously stated, underlining the need to transform how food is produced, processed and distributed without overstating projected demand growth.
At the same time, food systems have a significant environmental impact, with agriculture accounting for over 10% of EU greenhouse gas emissions, while around 60% of European soils are considered unhealthy, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable solutions. By supporting startups that develop technologies across areas such as alternative ingredients, digitalisation, supply chains and sustainable production, FAN helps accelerate innovation beyond the farm gate, strengthening Europe’s agrifood ecosystem and its ability to compete in a globalised economy while addressing climate, sustainability and food security challenges.
This is why FAN plays a central role in strengthening Europe’s innovation ecosystem, connecting startups across multiple regions and linking them with industry and investment partners. It also reflects EIT Food’s broader mission to build a connected community capable of driving systemic change across the food value chain.
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