Turning Research and Innovation into Market Success

Innovative solutions in food and agriculture have significant potential to strengthen food and nutrition security, improve the sustainability of agricultural systems and create new economic opportunities. However, promising research and innovation often face challenges in moving from development and demonstration to investment, commercialisation and wider market adoption.

The 2026 African Union – European Union – Mediterranean Innovation Fair (AU–EU–Med Innovation Fair) aims to help bridge this gap by bringing together innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and development partners to accelerate the scale-up, market deployment and uptake of innovative solutions emerging from collaborative research and innovation.

The 2026 edition will focus specifically on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) under the theme:

"Turning Results into Market Successes"

The Fair will provide a platform for high-potential innovations from Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean to connect with the investors, businesses and support organisations needed to move promising technologies and solutions towards commercial success.

What the Innovation Fair Will Focus On

The 2026 Fair will showcase innovative solutions contributing to:

• Food and nutrition security
• Sustainable agricultural production
• Resilient food systems
• Agricultural markets and trade
• Sustainable agri-food value chains
• Innovation-driven economic development

The event will particularly highlight science-based and deep-tech innovations capable of addressing complex challenges across food and agricultural systems.

Key Innovation Areas

Applications and participation are particularly encouraged in areas including:

• Sustainable agricultural production
• Food systems for nutrition
• Agricultural markets and trade
• Digitalisation in agri-food ecosystems
• Water management
• Nutrients and fertilisers
• Agri-food value chains
• Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE)-Health nexus
• Circular economy

What Will Take Place at the Fair?

The full-day hybrid programme will run from 09:00–19:00 and will include:

High-Level Policy Sessions

Discussions bringing together policymakers and stakeholders around the role of research and innovation in strengthening sustainable food systems and economic development.

Innovation Pitches

Selected start-ups and SMEs will have the opportunity to deliver two-minute innovation pitches to an international audience.

Innovation Exhibition

A dedicated exhibition and matchmaking space will allow participants to showcase innovative solutions and engage with potential investors, partners and business support organisations.

Investor and Business Matchmaking

The Fair will facilitate connections between innovators and:

• Public and private investors
• Finance institutions
• Venture capitalists
• Impact investors
• Corporations
• Accelerators
• Business support organisations

Innovation Fair Awards

Outstanding start-ups and SMEs will have the opportunity to compete for the 2026 Innovation Fair Awards.

Networking

The Fair will provide opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and development organisations to establish new relationships and explore potential collaborations.

Opportunity for Start-ups and SMEs

Call for Expressions of Interest

The Fair is inviting science-based, innovative and deep-tech start-ups and SMEs from:

• Africa
• Europe
• The Mediterranean region

to submit an Expression of Interest for the opportunity to become part of a selected cohort of 16 companies invited to pitch at the Innovation Fair.

Selected companies will have the opportunity to:

• Receive travel and accommodation support to participate in the Fair in Bari, Italy.
• Deliver a two-minute pitch to an international audience.
• Showcase their innovation in the Fair's dedicated exhibition space.
• Be featured on the event's investor matchmaking platform.
• Engage directly with investors and potential business partners.
• Connect with venture capitalists, impact investors and finance institutions.
• Engage with corporations, accelerators and business support organisations.
• Compete for the 2026 Innovation Fair Awards.
• Access post-event de-risking, investment and scale-up support through the Fair's network of partners.

Who Is the Opportunity For?

The Expression of Interest is specifically aimed at:

• Innovative start-ups
• Science-based start-ups
• Deep-tech start-ups
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Agri-food technology companies
• Food and nutrition innovators
• Sustainable agriculture innovators
• Digital agri-food ventures
• Companies developing solutions for water management
• Circular economy innovators
• Organisations developing solutions for agricultural value chains

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must confirm that:

• The organisation is legally registered.
• The innovation is relevant to Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture.
• The organisation operates in Africa, Europe and/or the Mediterranean region.
• A representative is available to participate in person in Bari, Italy, on 25 November 2026.
• The organisation agrees to deliver a two-minute pitch if selected.

Applicants are also requested to submit non-confidential information only.

Important Dates

Expression of Interest Deadline

15 September 2026 at 24:00 CEST

Innovation Fair

25 November 2026

Time

09:00 – 19:00

Location

CIHEAM Bari, Italy + Online

General Registration

General participant registration is also open.

Participants will be able to access:

• Information on participation
• Matchmaking opportunities
• The event programme
• Networking opportunities

The Innovation Fair forms part of the Mediterranean Innovation Agrifood Week (MIAW), taking place at CIHEAM Bari from 23–28 November 2026. Participants are encouraged to register for MIAW alongside the Innovation Fair.

Who Should Attend?

The Fair is expected to bring together approximately 300 on-site participants, alongside several hundred online participants, including:

• Researchers
• Innovators
• Entrepreneurs
• Start-ups
• SMEs
• Investors
• Policymakers
• Development partners
• Finance institutions
• Business support organisations
• Civil society organisations
• Corporations
• International organisations

Why This Opportunity Matters

The AU–EU–Med Innovation Fair creates a bridge between research and innovation and the market.

For innovators, the Fair provides an opportunity to move beyond showcasing technology by connecting directly with organisations that can support:

Innovation → Investment → Partnerships → Market Deployment → Scale-up

For start-ups and SMEs working on solutions for sustainable agriculture and food systems, participation can provide international visibility, investor exposure, strategic connections and potential pathways towards commercialisation and growth.

Click HERE to visit the official website