June 29th, 2026 Dear BGI Community, 🌻 June has been a month of momentum, collaboration, and new opportunities across the BGI ecosystem. From exciting programme launches and European partnerships to upcoming webinars, open calls, and innovation challenges, there's plenty happening for researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, and industry leaders. Take a moment to explore this month's highlights, discover new opportunities to grow your ideas, and connect with the initiatives shaping the future of agrifood and urban mobility innovation across Europe. 🚀 The BGI Team |
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Agrifood Disruptor is a free online program designed to help researchers, entrepreneurs, and early-stage startups bring agrifood innovations to market. Open to participants across Europe and associated countries, the program supports breakthrough technologies at TRL 3–6 through a Program Preview Session, an Online Bootcamp, a Market Discovery Journey, and a Pitch Day, helping innovators validate their market fit, connect with industry players, and strengthen their entrepreneurial skills. Apply before June 30th! |
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🚗 Urban Mobility Disruptor Urban Mobility Disruptor empowers researchers, academics, and early-stage innovators to translate urban mobility ideas into market-ready solutions for smarter, cleaner, and more connected cities. Whether you are advancing new technologies or pioneering mobility concepts, the program builds the entrepreneurial mindset and practical skills needed to test assumptions, validate demand, and engage with the ecosystem around sustainable urban mobility. Apply by July 5th to secure your spot! |
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Turn your Challenge into Innovation: Join our programme |
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The Open Innovation & Challenge-Based Program, part of the AgriFood4Future Erasmus+ project, connects agrifood SMEs and corporates with startups to co-develop pilot-ready / feasibility studies solutions addressing real industry challenges. AgriFood4Future brings together a pan-European network of education providers, research organisations and industry actors to accelerate the green and digital transition of the agrifood sector by strengthening skills, fostering innovation and supporting more sustainable and resilient food systems. |
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For SMEs and Corporate Organisations Challenge Owners |
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Why join? - Access innovative solutions (TRL ~4-7); - Solve real business challenges faster and more efficiently; - De-risk innovation through structured pilot design; - Connect with top European startups & innovation ecosystem. |
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| Who should apply? Agrifood SMEs & corporates looking to: - Innovate faster; - Co-develop solutions before scaling; - Collaborate with startups. |
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For Startups and Research Groups Solution Providers |
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Why join? - Work directly with SMEs & corporates; - Gain real-world validation of your solution; - Build traction and market credibility; - Access a pan-European agrifood network. |
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| Who should apply? Startups / research teams with: - Solutions at TRL ~4-7; - Strong fit with agrifood challenges; - Readiness to co-develop pilot-ready solutions. |
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Discover the current challengesExplore the current list of challenges below and discover how your expertise can help solve real needs in the agrifood sector: |
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| Challenge #6 – Innovative Solutions for Removing Nitrate and Chloride from Irrigation Waters |
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| Challenge #7 – Innovating Functional Ingredients from Microalgae |
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Programme timeline and application deadline |
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The programme will take place between between October and December 2026, following the challenge submission phase and the selection of startup partners. The deadline for applications is 30th September 2026. For more information, please contact: Soraia Caetano (BGI) - soraia.caetano@bgi.pt Sónia Romão (BGT Consulting) - sonia.romao@bgtconsultinggroup.com |
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Want to stay ahead in agrifood innovation?Subscribe to the AgriFood4Future newsletter and get the latest insights, training opportunities, and project updates delivered straight to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe! |
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Highlights from the BGI team 🌟 BGI present at Feira Nacional da Agricultura |
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At Feira Nacional da Agricultura 2026, BGI showcased key initiatives including AmpliAqua® and Agrifood4Future, engaged with stakeholders from across the agrifood ecosystem, and reinforced its role in driving innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in the sector! |
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BGI is, once again, representative of EIT Food in Portugal |
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| BGI continues to serve as the official representative of EIT Food in Portugal for the 2026–2028 period. In this role, BGI leads a national capacity-building pathway aimed at strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship within the Portuguese agrifood sector, connecting researchers, startups, companies, and entrepreneurs with European opportunities, funding, and international networks. |
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Highlights from the BGI Ecosystem 💫EWA GROW 2026 Kicks Off in Portugal |
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BGI officially launched the 2026 edition of EWA GROW – Empowering Women in Agrifood, an EIT Food initiative designed to support women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. The programme kicked off with a matchmaking event in Lisbon, bringing together the selected entrepreneurs and mentors who will embark on this journey over the coming months. |
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The event also featured inspiring contributions from leaders across the agrifood and innovation ecosystem. Stay tuned as we introduce the entrepreneurs and mentors participating in EWA GROW 2026! |
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| The AI4Agrifood programme concluded with a dynamic Demo Day at Feira Nacional da Agricultura, where HypeSound was awarded first place for its AI-powered bioreactor optimisation solution, showcasing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the agrifood sector. Congratulations to HypeSound! |
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🏙️ RIS Education Open Call 2027 Webinar BGI will host a dedicated webinar on 15 July to support potential applicants to the EIT Urban Mobility RIS Education Open Call 2027, providing practical guidance on eligibility, funding opportunities, and proposal development for education and capacity-building initiatives in urban mobility and innovation. |
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Impact Sips 2026 is seeking startups developing science-backed functional ingredients and innovative beverage solutions for the health and wellness market, offering the opportunity to explore pilot collaborations with one of Europe’s leading beverage companies. Contact Us! |
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| Accelerate your startup’s path to market with EIT Food’s Proof-of-Concept Co-Financing Instrument, secure support to de-risk pilot projects, validate your solution with corporate partners, and unlock new commercial opportunities in the agrifood sector. Contact Us! |
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Want to learn more about the urban mobility and digital ecosystems in Portugal? |
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