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Agrifood Disruptor
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.
Applications
1st of April to 8th of June 2025
Duration
4 Months
Langage
English
Price
Free
Location
Online
For More information
agrifood.disruptor@bgi.pt
• 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.
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
Talk to usApplications Open
Date: Until 8th of June
Description: Apply for the Online Bootcamp + Market Discovery Journey + Final Demo Day;
Online Roadshow
Date: May 30th
Description: Explore how to transform research into innovation through an inspiring, interactive half-day online session with renowned experts in the area.
A half-day online session
Online Bootcamp
Date: June 2025
Description: Develop key entrepreneurial skills, refine your solution and pitch, and develop a focused market discovery strategy for your research, supported by thought leaders in the field.
4 half-day online sessions
Market Discovery Journey
Date: July-September 2025
Description: Identify and validate your market fit through direct engagement with industry stakeholders and expert mentors.
1 online session + asynchronous mentoring
Final Demo Day
Date: TBD
Description: Pitch live to a panel of experts, industry leaders, corporates, and investors.
1 in-person final event
Ready to take your research to the next level?
Apply for the Online Bootcamp + Market Discovery Journey + Final Demo Day
Apply if you’re ready to take your innovation further. Even if you can’t attend the Online Roadshow, you’re still fully eligible to apply and become one of the 10 selected teams - we just ask for your commitment and motivation!
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
Talk to usWho 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 ( 30th of May )
- 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.
