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Julienne Bruno takes home share of €900k innovation fund
Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the initiative provides funding to mature agrifood startups and SMEs to accelerate their commercial success and enter new markets – or expand in existing ones – faster.
Julienne Bruno was awarded €267,900 (£223,187) to support the expansion of its product range following a successful launch of its products into Switzerland earlier this year.
Adam Adamek, director of innovation at EIT Food, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to announce this support to help ambitious startups bring their innovations to market. From plant-based foods to food safety, these startups are developing bold new solutions to some of the key challenges facing the agrifood sector today.
Transforming the food system
“And with applications open for the next round of funding, we want to hear from other companies with the potential to develop innovative, commercially viable solutions to help transform the food system.”
The initiative funds 6–10 month projects that can significantly accelerate the startup or SME’s commercial success, with the goal of creating immediate impact by bringing their products or services to market.
Their proposed innovative solutions are expected to result in commercially viable products and services reaching the market while they work towards achieving EIT Food’s three missions: healthier lives through food; a net zero food system; and a fully transparent, fair and resilient food system.
2024 winners
Other European winners of this year’s Fast Track to Market Initiative included AI powered remote insect monitoring service Scoutlabs and food safety and inspections provider Inspectle Food.
The application window for funding in 2025 is now open until 26 November 2024. Total funding of up to €250k per company is available via a revenue-based financing mechanism.
EIT Food is looking for fast-moving, mature companies with an existing business case that have high potential to generate B2B/B2C sales for new or improved food innovation products or services.
Meanwhile, last month, more than €500k of investment has been awarded to innovative food and drink technology projects at EIT Food’s Accelerator Network Tech Validation Awards.
