The AGRIFOOD4FUTURE Open Innovation & Challenge-Based Programme, supported through the Erasmus+ AGRIFOOD4FUTURE project, connects agrifood companies facing real operational, technological and sustainability challenges with startups and research groups offering innovative solutions.

The programme supports collaboration around real agrifood needs, helping participants progress from challenge identification and solution matching to feasibility assessment and pilot-ready designs.

The programme focuses on digitalisation, sustainability, circularity, climate resilience and green agritech.

Who Can Participate?

The programme has two participant pathways:

Challenge Owners

Agrifood SMEs and corporates can submit real business, operational or innovation challenges that require new technologies, research or innovative approaches.

Solution Providers

Startups and research groups can propose solutions to the challenges identified by participating agrifood companies.

How the Programme Works

The programme follows four phases:

Phase 1: Challenge Definition & Scoping
Agrifood companies identify and define key operational, technological and sustainability challenges.

Phase 2: Solution Selection & Matchmaking
Startups and research groups are identified and matched with challenges based on their ability to address the identified needs.

Phase 3: Feasibility Study & Pilot-Ready Design
Matched teams work together to assess technical, economic, operational and regulatory considerations and develop feasibility studies or pilot-ready solutions.

Phase 4: Validation & Dissemination
Results are validated and presented through an online event, with knowledge shared across the wider agrifood innovation ecosystem.

Areas of Innovation

The programme covers a broad range of agrifood innovation themes, including:

• Digital agriculture and smart farming
• Artificial intelligence, robotics and sensing
• Precision agriculture
• Climate-smart and regenerative agriculture
• Circular economy and agricultural waste valorisation
• Water and nutrient efficiency
• Food processing and manufacturing
• Traceability and digital data systems
• Sustainable food products and ingredients
• Alternative and marine food systems
• Agricultural biotechnology
• Market access and value-chain development

Current Challenges

The programme currently features 21 innovation challenges, covering areas such as:

• Emulsions in the food industry
• AI-driven monitoring and optimisation in underground greenhouse systems
• Innovative drying solutions for pet food
• Data-driven solutions for resilient and circular agrifood ecosystems
• Nature-based solutions for microplastic-free and resilient soils
• Removal of nitrate and chloride from irrigation waters
• Functional ingredients from microalgae
• Green nanotechnology for crop nutrient efficiency and resilience
• Measuring regenerative agriculture impacts
• Millet-based nutrition and climate-resilient food systems
• AI-powered machinery, robotics and sensors for sustainable farming
• Circular food applications
• Coffee chaff valorisation
• Seaweed-based food applications
• Agronomic data and farm management systems
• Sustainable marine food cultivation
• Frost protection solutions for vineyards and fruit production
• Agricultural residue valorisation
• Yacon market development

Benefits for Participants

The programme provides an opportunity to:

• Connect real industry needs with relevant technologies and research.
• Explore new business and innovation partnerships.
• Assess the feasibility of potential solutions before major investment.
• Develop pilot-ready solutions.
• Validate technologies in relevant agrifood environments.
• Strengthen innovation adoption and commercialisation pathways.
• Build connections across the European agrifood innovation ecosystem.

Participants may also benefit from the AGRIFOOD4FUTURE Capacity Building and Training Programme, which provides learning opportunities in smart farming and sustainable food systems.

Format

Online

Programme Timeline

Application deadline: 30 September 2026

Phase 1: Challenge Definition & Scoping – May to June 2026
Phase 2: Solution Selection & Matchmaking – July to September 2026
Phase 3: Feasibility Study & Pilot-Ready Design – October to December 2026
Phase 4: Validation & Dissemination – January 2027

How to Participate

Challenge Owners: Agrifood SMEs and corporates can submit real challenges that require innovative solutions.

Solution Providers: Startups and research groups can respond to the challenges presented by participating agrifood companies.

Interested participants should use the official AGRIFOOD4FUTURE application process for their relevant pathway.

Click HERE to visit the official website.