StartLife and EIT Food collaboration unlocks opportunities for European start-ups

StartLife, the Wageningen-based agri-food accelerator, and EIT Food have launched a first-of-its-kind partnership to advance agri-food innovation in Europe. The strategic collaboration will make EU agri-food start-ups in StartLife’s flagship program eligible for EIT Food investment funding of up to €1.5 million (US$1.7 million), combining the strength of two of Europe’s most influential agri-food innovation players.

Currently, only start-ups that have graduated from EIT Food’s own accelerator programs are eligible to receive funding, but the new partnership will open this up to include alumni from the StartLife Accelerate program, provided that its application and selection process is fully compliant with the Horizon Europe guidelines.

Powerful gateway for early-stage agri-food innovators

The move aims to fast-track the development of sustainable solutions that make food systems healthier, more resilient, and future-proof.

Benoit Buntinx, director of business creation at EIT Food, talks to Food Ingredients First about what makes this partnership unique in the European agri-food ecosystem.

“This collaboration is the first time that two of Europe’s most influential agri-food innovation organizations — EIT Food and StartLife — have formally joined forces to create a single, integrated pathway for early-stage agri-food start-ups. Until now, only start-ups graduating from EIT Food’s accelerator programs could access our investment funding. Through this partnership, StartLife alumni will now also be eligible for EIT Food investment of up to €1.5 million (US$1.7m).”

“What makes it truly unique is how it bridges Europe’s most established start-up acceleration ecosystem with its largest food innovation community. Together, we are linking EIT Food’s pan-European investment network with StartLife’s deep expertise in nurturing early-stage founders. This combination creates a first-of-its-kind gateway for promising agri-food innovators to scale faster and make greater impact across the entire value chain.” 

In the next five years, Buntinx expects to see a stronger, more connected European agri-food start-up landscape — one where promising early-stage companies can progress seamlessly from incubation to international scale-up. 

“By integrating StartLife’s acceleration capabilities and global partnership network with EIT Food’s investment and network access, we are shortening the innovation cycle and helping transformative solutions reach market and scale faster,” Buntinx continues.

“This partnership will lead by example, demonstrating the power of collaboration in driving innovation and strengthening engagements between start-ups and industry. Ultimately, this partnership will accelerate the shift toward healthier, more sustainable, and resilient food systems across Europe — enabling start-ups to not only survive but thrive within an ecosystem that supports them from lab to market.” 

Overcoming challenges

Early-stage agri-food start-ups often face three key challenges: access to early-stage growth funding that aligns with their sustainability mission and complex regulatory and compliance landscapes that can slow innovation.

“Our partnership directly addresses these gaps. By extending EIT Food investment eligibility to StartLife graduates, we are opening new funding routes for mission-driven start-ups. In addition, StartLife’s hands-on acceleration support — combined with EIT Food’s extensive network of corporates, investors, and research institutions — provides founders with both the financial backing and market access they need to grow responsibly and effectively,” says Buntinx.

Through this partnership, we aim to tackle these challenges by amplifying fundraising opportunities, combining our networks, and helping start-ups become both investor- and market-ready. In practice, this means faster access to relevant funds, stronger industry connections, and expert support to turn promising technologies into viable, scalable businesses.” 

EIT Food is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the EU.. 

Eligibility for EIT Food investment

StartLife start-ups will be assessed according to the same rigorous standards applied to all EIT Food investments, in full alignment with Horizon Europe guidelines. This includes evaluation based on the strength of the founding team, the scientific and commercial viability of the innovation, and its potential impact on building a healthier, more sustainable, and inclusive food system, notes Buntinx. 

“Only start-ups that have successfully completed the StartLife Accelerate programme and meet these compliance and quality benchmarks will be eligible for EIT Food investment.” 

Beyond financial support, start-ups will gain access to a shared ecosystem of expertise and opportunity through mentorship and technical guidance from leading researchers, corporates, and investors. They will also have collaboration and co-development opportunities across the European agrifood value chain and be able to develop skills through entrepreneurship and training programs.