Event Types
Organized By
BGI, with the support of BGT
More information about BGI

About event

Open innovation & Challenge-Based Program

Objective

The Open Innovation & Challenge-Based Program connects startups and research groups with agrifood companies across Europe to co-develop pilot projects and innovative partnerships.

 

Corporates and SMEs present real industry challenges, while startups and researchers bring forward creative solutions. This collaboration fosters the development of new products, services or technologies, benefiting both sides and driving impact in the agrifood sector.

The program focuses on two key audiences:

Challenge owners

Looking to stay ahead in the agrifood sector?

If you’re facing a challenge in your company and need fresh and tailor-made solutions, this program is for you!

1. Solve real business challenges
Work directly with startups bringing cutting-edge solutions to the table and solutions designed around your specific needs.

2. Stay agile and competitive
Access innovation faster, staying one step ahead of market trends and your competition.

3. Drive sustainable growth
Boost your business with solutions that support profitability and sustainability.

4. Connect to a Europe-wide innovation network
Join a pioneering ERASMUS+ project that creates a dynamic network of forward-thinking agrifood players across Europe.

5. Tap into game-changing ideas
Engage in open innovation. Collaborate with startups and experts working on solutions that aren’t even on the market yet.

 

Apply as a Challenge Owner

Solution providers

We are on the lookout for organisations that can meet and surpass challenges. Click the links below to see the challenges proposed by companies. If you think you can meet them, apply below, indicating the challenge you’d like to take up.

Apply to the Solutions Provider Program if you’ve identified a challenge your organization can respond to:

Apply as a Solution Provider
Challenge #1
Emulsions in the food industry
Challenge #3
Ultrasound for the control of pests on vineyards
Challenge #5
Inert substrates used in hydroponic raspberry and blueberry production: what to do with these products at the end of their shelf life
Challenge #7
Circular Food Systems
Challenge #9
Mechanization of organic lupin harvesting
Challenge #11
Cost-Effective Scalability of Bioplastics from Rapeseed Cake
Challenge #2
Pest and disease monitorization with drones and tractors on vineyards
Challenge #4
Drainage losses in small-scale semi-hydroponic systems
Challenge #6
Production of clean label, innovative and packaging solutions
Challenge #8
Digitalization of the Food Supply Chain
Challenge #10
Sustainable packaging solutions for the commercialization of organic products
Challenge #12
- Optimization of Glycerine Concentration for Enhanced Mechanical Properties & Moisture resistance Enhancement

Focus areas of the program

AF4F - Open Innovation & Challenge-Based Program - Strategic areas

Time-line & detailed phases of the Program

Phases of the program

1. Capacity Building phase (May 2025)
  • Mentor scouting within your organization and how to be a mentor
  • The importance of fostering collaborative innovation
  • Typical pitfalls and benefits of working with a startup

For challenge owners

  • How to nurture a relation with a Corporate or SME in the AgriFood sector
  • The importance of market validation
  • Typical pitfalls and benefits of working with a Corporate or SME

For solution providers

  • Pilot Development and Validation Tests: Planning and execution of pilot projects
  • Risk Management and Compliance: Identification and mitigation of legal, regulatory and security risks associated with open collaboration
  • Success cases (Testimonial session)

2. Pilot Implementation (June 2025)

  • Define a pilotting plan
  • Implementation of the pilot

For both parties

Call Opening for Challenge Owners

To receive additional information, kindly email Catarina Casadinho (catarina.casadinho@bgi.pt), and BGT Consulting (project.support@bgtconsultinggroup.com).