EatThis. is involved as a knowledge HUB within Hungry EcoCities, a project that receives funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program. Hungry EcoCities, an initiative at the intersection of art, technology, and sustainable food practices is thrilled to announce the selection of 10 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) as winners of its 2nd Open Call, which will take part in the 'Paths to Progress Experiments.'
These companies, representing actors from throughout the food value chain, will collaborate with artists and the Hungry EcoCities consortium on developing (AI-enabled) prototypes aimed at making the food chain more transparent, inclusive, and sustainable. "Transforming the European food system happens on the grounds, in the regions of Europe, by small food companies," says Rodolfo Groenewoud van Vliet, Project Lead of Hungry EcoCities. "Although often overlooked or difficult to reach, I am proud that so many of them found their way to our program. Now we have a chance, through multidisciplinary work, to take a step forward towards a better food system."
The selected SMEs represent a diverse cross-section of the agri-food sector, including:
1. AXIA SEEDS (Netherlands): Pioneering vegetable seed breeding
2. BEESAGE (Netherlands): Empowering data-driven beekeeping
3. CAPANNA PROSCIUTTI (Italy): Preserving traditional Italian ham-making
4. INSTAGREEN (Spain): Revolutionizing urban farming with hydroponic systems
5. LE TERRE DI ZOÈ (Italy): Blending organic farming with multifunctional approaches
6. LOGIQS (Netherlands): Developing advanced mobile growing systems
7. PROTIBERIA (Spain): Converting organic waste into agri-food ingredients
8. SENSESBIT (Spain): Analyzing consumer perception with AI-powered technology
9. SPROUT DYNAMICS (Denmark/ Bulgaria): Innovating industrial sprouting technology
10. STARAMAKI (Greece): Transforming agricultural waste into biodegradable straws
What the Winners Receive
Each winning SME will receive up to €45,000 in funding, along with a comprehensive 14-month support program to develop and test their innovative solutions. They will have access to scientific expertise from the Hungry EcoCitiesscientist group, collaborate with artists for creative experimentation and prototyping, and benefit from the project's earlier developed tools and a network of knowledge hubs.
Anca Marin, Open Call Coordinator, shared her enthusiasm: "We're excited to work with these innovative SMEs. Their enthusiasm and dedication will drive meaningful change in the agri-food sector. By blending art and cutting-edge technology with traditional practices, we're opening new paths to a more sustainable food future."
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