Drone mapping and seaweed proteins win EIT Food innovation awards
Eight innovative food technology startups across Europe have secured €55,000 in prize funding from EIT Food for successfully commercialising solutions in sustainable agriculture, alternative proteins and food waste reduction. The winners, announced in the 2024 Marketed Innovation Prize, represent breakthrough technologies including AI-powered farming systems and seaweed-based fish alternatives.
Regional excellence in AgTech
The North-East regional prize of €10,000 was awarded to ULLMANNA for their AI-driven AROW box system that enables non-chemical in-row farming. This smart farming solution integrates artificial intelligence to help farmers implement sustainable practices while maintaining operational efficiency.
Mapping weeds with drone precision
SAM-DIMENSION GmbH secured both the West region prize and Best Regenerative Agriculture Solution, earning €15,000 for their drone-based weed mapping technology. The system enables precise identification of emerging weed problems, allowing targeted intervention that reduces overall pesticide use.
“Our solution empowers farmers to take immediate action, reducing pesticide use while achieving both ecological and financial impact,” explained Sebastian Steimer of SAM-DIMENSION GmbH.
Plant stress detection advances
In the South region, farmAIr won recognition for their specialised crop protection system that provides early detection of both biotic and abiotic plant stress factors. The technology enables proactive crop management through advanced stress monitoring capabilities.
Seaweed innovation in alternative proteins
BettaFish earned dual recognition, winning Best Alternative Protein-based Solution and the Woman in Innovation award for Managing Director Deniz Ficicioglu. The company produces fish alternatives using regeneratively cultivated seaweed, addressing both protein diversification and marine resource sustainability.
Waste reduction through pit processing
Kern Tec GmbH received the Best Food Waste Reduction Solution award for their innovative approach to upcycling fruit pits. The company transforms previously unused fruit stones into valuable ingredients for food, beverage, cosmetic and industrial applications.
“By upcycling apricot seeds into nutritious snacking options, we aim to reduce waste while promoting a more circular and sustainable food system,” said Luca Fichtinger of Kern Tec GmbH.
The awards programme, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), specifically recognises startups that have successfully brought their innovations to market following participation in EIT Food programmes. This focus on commercialisation ensures that innovative solutions are making tangible impacts in the food system.
According to Richard Zaltzman, CEO of EIT Food, these innovations are driving change across multiple aspects of food production and consumption: “These winners are leading change across our entire food system, from advancing protein diversification to developing AI-powered farming solutions.”
The winners will receive continued support from EIT Food, which operates as part of the European Institute for Innovation & Technology network, established to accelerate innovation across Europe. This backing aims to further scale these technologies for broader market impact and continued advancement of sustainable food systems.
