EIT Food Strategic Agenda 20212027

Overview

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Food20212027 Strategic Agenda sets out a forwardlooking roadmap for transforming Europes food system. It builds on the lessons learned from the first decade of the EIT Food Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) and aligns with the European Green Deal, FarmtoFork Strategy, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The agenda is framed around three overarching ambitions:

1. Accelerate the development of sustainable, healthy, and inclusive food solutions.
2. Scale innovative ventures and bring them to market faster.
3. Create a resilient food ecosystem that can adapt to climate, health, and societal challenges.

Strategic Pillars

1. Food Innovation & Entrepreneurship

This pillar focuses on supporting startups, SMEs, and spinouts that address critical gaps in food production, processing, and consumption. Key actions include:

• Launch of sectorspecific acceleration programmes (e.g., alternative proteins, food waste, digital agronomy).
• Provision of seedstage funding and venturecapital matchmaking.
• Mentoring networks linking entrepreneurs with industry experts and research institutions.

2. Sustainable Food Systems

Targeting the environmental footprint of the food chain, this pillar drives research and development on:

• Lowcarbon agricultural practices and regenerative farming.
• Circular economy solutions such as upcycling byproducts and foodwaste valorisation.
• Optimised supplychain logistics to reduce loss and improve traceability.

3. Healthy & Inclusive Nutrition

Health and equity are central to the agenda. Initiatives under this pillar aim to:

• Develop nutritionally enhanced foods that address micronutrient deficiencies.
• Promote plantbased and flexitarian diets for better public health outcomes.
• Ensure accessibility of safe, affordable food for all European citizens.

4. Digital & DataDriven Food

Digital tools are essential for transparency, efficiency, and consumer empowerment. The agenda supports:

• Bigdata platforms for monitoring climate impact and resource use.
• AIenabled decision support for farmers and food processors.
• Blockchain solutions for secure supplychain traceability.

Key Goals for 20212027

The Strategic Agenda outlines measurable targets that will be reviewed annually.

• Innovation: Deliver at least 300 marketready innovations, with 150 reaching commercialization.
• Funding Leverage: Mobilise 1.5billion of public and private investment beyond the EU budget.
• Carbon Reduction: Contribute to a 20% reduction of greenhousegas emissions in the European food sector.
• Nutrition: Reach 10million Europeans with healthier food options through educational campaigns and product launches.
• Jobs & Skills: Create 30000 new jobs and train 100000 individuals in futureoriented food skills.

Expected Societal & Economic Impact

By 2027 the agenda aspires to generate a ripple effect across the continent:

• Environmental: Lowered water consumption, reduced pesticide use, and increased biodiversity on farms.
• Health: Decreased prevalence of dietrelated diseases such as obesity and type2 diabetes.
• Economic: Strengthened competitiveness of European agrifood businesses on the global market.
• Social: Greater food security and reduced inequality, especially in rural and lowincome communities.

Partnerships & Funding Mechanisms

Successful implementation relies on a broad coalition of stakeholders:

• Academic & Research Institutions: Universities, botanical gardens, and public research centres provide scientific backbone.
• Industry Players: From multinational food corporations to local farmers, industry partners codesign solutions and pilot them at scale.
• Policy Makers: Alignment with EU policies ensures regulatory support and facilitates market entry.
• Funding Instruments:
  • EU Horizon Europe grants for collaborative research.
  • EIT Food Innovation Grants for earlystage ventures.
  • National and regional cofunding schemes.
  • Private venturecapital and impactinvestment funds.

Regular networking events, hackathons, and openinnovation challenges keep the ecosystem vibrant and ensure that ideas flow continuously from concept to market.

How to Get Involved

Individuals, companies, and organisations interested in contributing can:

• Apply for EIT Food acceleration programmes through the official portal.
• Join thematic working groups focused on specific challenges (e.g., circular packaging, digital traceability).
• Participate in annual conferences such as the EIT Food Innovation Summit.
• Collaborate on funded research projects and pilot tests.

All opportunities are listed on the EIT Food website and updated quarterly.