While many eyes are on Europe’s tech scene, northern Spain is quietly nurturing a different kind of innovation in the agrifood sector. The EIT Food’s Bilbao Campus Experience (BCE) is at the forefront, focusing on food systems and sustainability. This initiative aims to attract global talent to the Basque region, connecting them with resources to thrive and expand in Southern Europe and beyond.
EIT Food, an EU food innovation initiative, runs BCE at the BAT (B Accelerator Tower) in Bilbao. Supported by local governments, this program is reshaping how startups receive ongoing guidance after initial acceleration, aiming for a lasting impact on sustainable food practices.
What sets BCE apart is its customized approach. Around 80% of the curriculum is tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by each startup. This personalized training helps them refine market strategies and build essential partnerships.
Startups spend several weeks in November engaging with the Basque agrifood landscape. They receive mentorship and practical experience while collaborating with local companies like Eroski and Biolan, gaining valuable insights into the industry.
Participants hail from various countries, including Poland, Serbia, Argentina, France, and the Netherlands. This diversity brings a wealth of ideas to the table:
- MiFood (Poland): Innovating robotic systems to reduce labor costs by 50% and cut CO2 emissions significantly.
- Veles Sense (Serbia): Offers precision agriculture tools for smart farming, providing real-time analytics.
- Food 4 You (Argentina): Focuses on natural preservation methods to create clean-label food solutions.
- Happeaz (France): Produces high-quality, plant-based foods using local ingredients.
- BeeSage (Netherlands): Uses tech to help beekeepers protect colonies, boosting biodiversity.
Many past participants have chosen to stay in Bizkaia, building long-lasting ties. For instance, companies like Nannobubbles Europe and Atfield Technologies leverage local resources for their innovative projects. Reports show startups appreciate the ongoing support and connections they build during their time at BCE, fostering a sense of community.
The Basque Country’s allure lies beyond its beauty and culinary delights. Its strategic location offers access to key markets in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America—critical for the food sector. The area’s collaborative research ecosystem, supported by local government initiatives, makes it an ideal landing spot for startups in the agrifood space.
From tech-driven beekeeping to innovative food products, the startups at BCE embody a commitment to sustainability and industry relevance. They prove that agrifood innovation is about more than just technology; it’s about growth, community, and sustainability.
Explore more about this initiative: EIT Food’s Bilbao Campus Experience.
