Agrifood Disruptor

Overview

The agrifood sector faces urgent sustainability challenges, many of which could be addressed by innovative research technologies that often don't make it to market. The Agrifood Disruptor is here to change that.

Our program is designed to accelerate the journey from research to real-world impact, equipping researchers with the tools they need to succeed. Through a focused 3-step approach, the Agrifood Disruptor will help you develop an entrepreneurial Mindset, build essential Skills, and offer the Opportunity to discover the right market fit for your research through expert mentorship.

By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the Agrifood Disruptor bridges the gap between groundbreaking research and industry, ensuring that new technologies reach the market to solve the pressing sustainability challenges in the agrifood sector.

Final Event & Pitch

Agrifood Disruptor will be ending with a bang on Católica Lisbon University on the 11^th of December 2024! If you want to see our researchers soon to become entrepreneurs showcasing their ventures, come join us! During this In-Person event you will also have the opportunity to network with Agrifood industry stakeholders, including Delta, CGD and Jerónimo Martins.
Hope to see you there!

The program

Roadshow: Building the mindset for the innovation journey.
One morning online event focused on cultivating an entrepreneurial Mindset among participants. This experience will prepare you for the next step in our program: the Bootcamp.

Bootcamp: Developing key entrepreneurship Skills.
Online Bootcamp tailored for research teams, focusing on essential Skills for market research. You'll learn about technology assessment, market needs and trends, intellectual property, and effective communication and pitching strategies. The Bootcamp also includes mentoring sessions to guide researchers in their market discovery journey.

Market Discovery Journey/Pitch: Provide you with the Opportunity of discovering the Research-Market fit.
Expert mentoring activity designed to empower researchers on their Market Discovery Journey. You will have the Opportunity to explore partnerships, identify research market fit, and receive guidance for technology redesign.

The program ends in a dedicated In-person Pitch Event, where you will present your work to a diverse range of Industry Stakeholders, allowing you to expand your network and showcase your research effectively.

Build an entrepreneurship mindset to start building your own path.

Discover the market fit for your research.

Build awareness on research to deeptech innovation path.

Build awareness on research Engage with industry stakeholders and entrepreneurs.to deeptech innovation path.

Engage with industry stakeholders and entrepreneurs.

Identify post-programme opportunities to drive your research.

‍Applications
1^st of April to 25^th May 2025

‍Duration
3 Months

‍‍Language
English

‍Price
Free

‍Location
Online

For more information, contact: agrifood.disruptor@bgi.pt

Turning Research into Market-Ready Innovation in the Agrifood Sector

Overview

Agrifood Disruptor is an online program designed to empower researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs to bring their agrifood innovations to the market. It’s built for those developing breakthrough technologies, eager to discover its market fit, connect with the industry, and develop entrepreneurial skills.

With a focus on sustainability and impact, the program is tailored to help bridge the gap between research and market application, offering a journey that includes training, mentoring, market validation, and networking.

Offered free of charge to support the next generation of agrifood innovators.

Rules & Regulations

Why Join?

• Discover the market fit for your research

• Build your entrepreneurial, pitching & storytelling skills

• Connect with industry leaders, researchers & relevant stakeholders

• Access to EIT Food’s innovation ecosystem and vibrant community

• The winning team will be awarded expert support to apply to EIT Food opportunities and tickets to EIT Food’s Next Bite event in Brussels.

• Access to follow-up support through AmpliAqua® R&D (for top teams in the field)

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for:

• Junior or senior researchers in agrifood-related areas of expertise
‍• Early-stage entrepreneurs with agrifood-related technologies
• Innovators in the agrifood sector working in TRL 3–6*

All applicants should be either based in Portugal, of any nationality, or with Portuguese citizenship, based anywhere in Europe and associated countries.

*TRL 3-6 means Technology Readiness Levels progressing from early experimental proof-of-concept to a system or prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment.

Which Innovations are Eligible

Your innovation can be related to any area within the agrifood sector. However, particular preference will be given to those aligned with one or more of the innovation areas detailed below:

‍• Biostimulants & Biofertilizers
Natural inputs that boost plant growth, soil health, and resilience

• Fermentation
Microbial processes to produce sustainable, bio-based solutions

• Byproduct Valorisation
‍Byproduct Valorisation to enhance soil health and functionality

• Circular Economy
Redesigning agrifood systems to minimize waste and close resource loops.

• Plant Viability & Productivity
Increasing plant resilience and productivity to reinforce agrifood systems.

Key Benefits

• The programme is completely free of charge

• Designed specifically for researchers in the early stages of entrepreneurship

• Strong focus on capacity-building & real-world testing, and market exposure

• Connects researchers to market stakeholders, bridging the gap between research and market application in the agrifood sector

• Full program delivered online, with a physical Final Demo Day

• Supported by BGI Sustainable Ventures and EIT Food, without equity or IP requirements

• Identification of post-programme opportunities to drive your research

Program Timeline

NUTRIALGA

Valorizing invasive macroalgae for nutraceuticals and agro-fertilizers

CASEUS

Optimizing renewable energy usage for cheese production

AGRORADWASTE

Valorization of natural bioactive compounds from agro-industrial waste through irradiation

SURRENDER

Alternative food products sourced from regenerative agriculture

SUSTECH

Production of bioactive compounds from in vitro plant cultures for sustainable biopesticides

GREENCIDE

Sustainable crop protection using eucalyptus-based alternatives

TRIPLE’Ss

Development of nutritious and eco-conscious chickpea-based snack

AmpliAqua®

Know more

AmpliAqua® is a research and innovation unit focused on making land-based aquaculture more sustainable. Still in a pre-commercial stage, it aims to solve key challenges in traditional aquaculture by reducing environmental and social impacts in line with the European Green Deal. This facility helps drive the industry’s green transformation by allowing Startups and Innovators to develop and test new solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions — Agrifood Disruptor 2025

Who can apply to the Agrifood Disruptor program?

- Junior or senior researchers in agrifood-related areas of expertise
- Early-stage entrepreneurs with agrifood-related technologies
- Innovators in the agrifood sector working in TRL 3–6

All applicants should be either based in Portugal, from any nationality, or with Portuguese citizenship, based anywhere in Europe and associated countries.

What is the timeline of the program?

- April–May: Applications open
- May–June: Online Roadshow
- June: Bootcamp (solution refinement + pitch training)
- July: Market Discovery Journey (discover your research-market fit)
-TBD: Final Demo Day (in person)

Is there a financial prize?

Not financial but…the winning team will be awarded expert support to apply to EIT Food opportunities and tickets to EIT Food’s Next Bite event in Brussels.

‍The top teams will also have access to follow-up support through AmpliAqua® R&D incubation.

Is the program fully online?

Yes. All program activities (Roadshow, Bootcamp, Market Discovery Journey) are conducted online, except for the Final Demo Day, which will be held in person (location to be confirmed).

What language will the program be in?

The working language of the Agrifood Disruptor program is English.

Do I need a registered company to apply?

No. You do not need a registered company to apply. This program is designed to help junior and senior researchers and innovators validate their ideas before creating a startup.

Can I join just one part of the program?

While we strongly encourage participants to join the full program, you can register independently for the:
‍
- Online Roadshow: 1 half-day online session
- Online Bootcamp + Market Discovery Journey + Final Demo Day: 3-months program
- Full Experience - Both opportunities!

How will my research be protected during the program?

It will be up to you to decide what to disclose about your research, but in any case BGI Sustainable Ventures will require all mentors working with research teams to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before starting their collaboration.

How much do I have to pay to participate?

This program is fully funded by EIT Food and BGI Sustainable Ventures, with the support of our partners, so participants do NOT have to pay to attend.
We just ask for your commitment and motivation.