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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, early-stage entrepreneurs, and innovators in the agrifood sector (e.g. startups) to bring their agrifood research/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
Open until June 30
Duration
4 Months
Language
English
Price
Free
Location
Online
For More information
agrifood.disruptor@bgi.pt
• Discover the market fit for your research / technology / startup / project
• 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
• Access to follow-up support through AmpliAqua® R&D (for top teams in the field)
• Visibility opportunity to pitch live at a major national event (AgriFood Open Day)
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 (e.g. startups) in the agrifood sector working in TRL 3-6*
All applicants may apply provided they are based in Europe or associated countries. During the selection process, a good representation of projects based in Portugal, or led by Portuguese nationals based anywhere in Europe and associated countries, will be ensured.
*TRL 3-6 means Technology Readiness Levels progressing from early experimental proof-of-concept to a system or prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment.
**Find the official list here
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:
• Bioinputs
Natural inputs that boost plant growth, improve soil health and enhance resilience to abiotic stress (e.g. biostimulants, biofertilizers, etc)
• Fermentation
Microbial processes enabling the production of scalable, sustainable, bio-based ingredients and solutions
• Byproduct Valorisation
Valorisation of agro-industrial byproducts to enhance soil health, nutrient/food product development and overall system efficiency
• Circular Economy
Redesigning agrifood systems to minimise waste, optimise resource use, and close biological and material loops
• Digital & AI-driven Agriculture
Digital, data-driven and AI-powered solutions for precision farming, decision support, automation, and improved resource efficiency
The programme is completely free of charge, delivered online, with a visibility opportunity to pitch live at a major national event (Agrifood Open Day).
Designed specifically for researchers, early-stage entrepreneurs, and innovators (e.g. Startups)
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
Supported by BGI and EIT Food, without equity or IP requirements with access to AmpliAqua® R&D facilities for top teams in the field.
Identification of post-programme opportunities to drive your research
Program Timeline
Apply
Program Preview
Date: June 18 2026 - 10h00 WEST
Description: Get a sneak peek of the program, hear real research-to-market success stories, and discover how your technology could fit into the agrifood landscape.
A 2-hour online preview session
Online Bootcamp
Date: July 2026
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. The top teams will be selected to advance to the Market Discovery Journey.
4 half-day online sessions
Market Discovery Journey
Date: August-September 2026
Description: Identify and validate your market fit through direct engagement with industry stakeholders and expert mentors.
1 online session + asynchronous mentoring
Pitch Day
Date: October 2026
Description: Deliver your pitch online to a prestigious jury panel for a chance to win the Agrifood Disruptor 2026 edition. The top teams will then be invited to pitch live at the Agrifood Open Day in November.
1 online pitching session
Ready to take your research to the next level?
Apply for the Full Program if you’re ready to take your innovation further. We just ask for your commitment and motivation, nothing else!
Not sure yet if the Program is right for you?
Join our 2-hour Program Preview Session on June 18 - 10h00 WEST to get a firsthand look at the Program, hear real research-to-market success stories and explore the potential of your idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
ApplyWho 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 (e.g. startups) in the agrifood sector working in TRL* 3-6
All applicants should be based in Europe or 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.
What is the timeline of the program?
- May-June: Applications open
- June: Program Preview
- July: Online Bootcamp
- August-September: Market Discovery Journey
- October: Pitch Day
Is there a financial prize?
Not financial but… the winning team will be awarded expert support to apply to EIT Food opportunities and the opportunity to pitch live at a major national event in the agrifood sector (Agrifood Open Day).
The top teams in the field will also have access to follow-up support through AmpliAqua® R&D incubation.
Is the program fully online?
Yes. All program activities (Online Bootcamp, Market Discovery Journey and Pitch Day).
The Program Preview Session will also be delivered online.
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, early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators validate their ideas before bringing them to market.
Can I apply for the Program if I miss the Program Preview?
Of course! Even if you can’t attend the Program Preview, you’re still fully eligible to apply and become one of the selected teams.
How will my research be protected during the program?
Participants will retain full ownership of the intellectual property they bring into or develop during the program. BGI does not claim any rights to participants' ideas.
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.
Contact us today!
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