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agrifood
Empowering Women in Agrifood
Date
June to December 2025
Duration
6 months
Location
Online
Applicants Requirements
Closed. Applications for the 2026 edition open next April!
Language
Portuguese
Format
Hybrid but mainly Online
For more information, contact clara.pais@bgi.pt
Terms & Conditions: click here
Are you a woman entrepreneur located in Portugal with a business idea or venture in the agrifood sector?
This programme could be for you!
Overview
Empowering women to drive innovation and transform the agrifood sector
Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) is a pioneering programme led by EIT Food, designed to empower women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector with the skills, knowledge, and networks to transform their ideas into successful businesses.In 2025, the Portuguese edition is promoted by BGI Sustainable Ventures, bringing together 10 talented women (carefully selected) with innovative ideas to revolutionize the national agrifood landscape. This local edition benefits from the programme’s international reach, connecting participants with a global community of over 130 female entrepreneurs from 13 countries, providing unmatched networking and learning opportunities.Over six months, participants in Portugal receive intensive training, tailored mentoring, and exclusive networking opportunities, gaining the confidence and expertise to scale their ventures sustainably.
Regardless of background, age, or prior business experience, EWA Portugal welcomes women ready to make a real impact in the agrifood sector!
Why this programme?
Participating in the EWA programme offers numerous benefits, including:
• Access to tailored mentoring and training sessions designed to enhance entrepreneurial skills and business knowledge.
• Networking opportunities with industry experts, fellow entrepreneurs, and potential investors.
• Funding opportunities to support business growth and development.
• Exposure to a supportive community of like-minded women in the agrifood sector.
• Participation in pitching events and international showcases to showcase business ideas on a global stage.
• Guidance and support to navigate challenges and overcome obstacles in launching and scaling a successful agrifood business.
How Does it Work?
Online Training & Masterclasses
Embark on a 6-month journey of personalized online training, tailored to your specific needs in business and entrepreneurship. Gain access to a wealth of resources designed to enhance your skills and propel your business forward.
Mentorship & Ongoing support
Receive over 20 hours of personalized mentoring from experts in business, agrifood, and successful entrepreneurship. As a bonus, access the EIT Food Startup Guide, an invaluable resource offered to you completely free of charge.
Power of Community
Immerse yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Participate in exclusive entrepreneurship and networking events alongside high-level stakeholders. With access to our EWA Community, connect with over 500 mentors and female entrepreneurs, tapping into a network that spans the entire agrifood ecosystem.
Financial Fuel
Unlock the potential for financial growth with EWA. Take advantage of funding opportunities with grants/prizes of €10,000 and €5,000 available. Gain access to EIT Food programmes, connect with investors, and build corporate partnerships to elevate your business to new heights.
What makes it unique?
• Sector specific: It’s the only one fully dedicated to agrifood systems.
• Pan-European exposure: Access to international networks while receiving hands-on, local support.
• Women-focused: Focus on women as entrepreneurs in a male-dominated sector.
• Truly accessible and inclusive: Also welcoming first-time founders.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Identify as a woman
• Have a business idea or venture in the agrifood sector
• Be located in Portugal
• If you already have a registered business, it must have been established no more than 3 years ago and must not have received public or private funding exceeding €60.000
For more information on the Programme’s Terms & Conditions please click here
Impact & Achievements:
• Entrepreneurs supported: Over 450 female entrepreneurs have benefited from the EWA programme.
• Funding awarded: €560,000 in prizes granted to best-in-class entrepreneurs.
• Investment attracted: More than €12M raised by participating entrepreneurs and startups.
• Satisfaction rate: Female participants rate their experience over 8/10.
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Are you ready to shape the future of agrifood?
Meet the 2025 Portuguese edition’s EWA entrepreneurs
This year’s EWA cohort brings together ten innovative women working across diverse areas of the agrifood sector, from circular economy and biotechnology to digital tools and sustainable nutrition. Their ventures aim to reduce waste, improve food systems, and foster more conscious consumption.
Ana Pires
PackWAI
Provides an accessible and intuitive solution to optimize the development of biodegradable/compostable packaging, promoting circular economy and sustainability in the food sector.
Ítala Marx
VIDA
Transforms by-products from the agri-food industry, such as olive pomace, into high-value functional ingredients, fostering health, sustainability, and the circular economy.
Joana Castro
PreTECHt
Offers a preventive and sustainable solution for farmers, using artificial intelligence to analyze soil and plant microbiomes and optimize production.
Viviana Ribeiro
AgriDerma
Develops an innovative dermal matrix from agri-food industry by-products, offering an ethical and sustainable alternative for laboratory testing and biomedical applications.
Ana Vilas-Boas
BioUpCycle
Transforms agri-food waste into high-value biostimulants and culture media, contributing to more regenerative and sustainable agriculture.
Paula Galvanini
MAI Fermentation House
Promotes autonomy in the production of healthy and sustainable fermented foods at home. Through hands-on workshops and DIY kits, she empowers consumers to care for their gut health while reducing reliance on industrial food systems. The project also offers ready-to-eat fermented foods from small local producers.
Maria Antunes
Nula
Nula is a digital platform that combines an online school and a food assistant, supporting users through every stage of their food journey, from shopping to repurposing leftovers, promoting sustainability with every bite.
Mariana Fortes
Pegada Distinta by Pluralgae
Produces food and beverages enriched with spirulina, promoting human health and helping reduce environmental footprint.
Inês Luís
Susplus
Susplus is a transformative and simple digital platform designed with and for SMEs. It converts a seamless flow of value chain data into actionable and collaborative decarbonisation strategies. We are the missing link connecting small businesses and large companies through data and projects, driving climate action.
Ana Cristina Vítor
BugPep
Develops a functional feed additive for ruminants using antimicrobial peptides from industry by-products to improve animal health and reduce antibiotics use.
Testimonials from previous editions:
Débora Campos
Founder and CEO of AgroGrIN Tech and winner of the European Prize for Women Innovators.
"Being part of the EWA program led by BGI and EIT Food was a turning point in my journey as a woman entrepreneur in the agrifood sector. I already believed in the opportunity I was building with AgroGrIN Tech, but the program gave me the tools, strategic clarity, and a powerful support network to accelerate that vision. Surrounded by inspiring mentors and peers, I was able to refine my vision and turn challenges into real opportunities. More than anything, the experience reinforced my commitment to driving innovation in the food system - one that is sustainable, resilient, and truly inclusive - while encouraging more women to lead with purpose in science and entrepreneurship."
Ana Ferreira
Founder and CEO of Queijaria Ferreira da Estrela and winner of the 2024 edition of EWA.
"Being part of the EWA program was truly a turning point in my entrepreneurial journey. Over the course of six months, I was immersed in an extraordinary network of women and mentors who helped me grow as a leader and entrepreneur, and above all, inspired me every single day. I challenged myself both personally and professionally, and was able to reinforce the purpose behind creating this project: proving that it’s possible to innovate while staying true to authenticity. Winning the 2024 edition was an incredible recognition and a powerful incentive to keep moving forward with courage, innovation, and a strong commitment to the territory."
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