Innovation Map of the German AgriFood Landscape

Here you will find key accelerators , networks , funding sources  and research institutions  as well as an overview of industry events in the AgriFood sector at a glance.

In the world of agri-food startups, the right accelerator, the appropriate funding, or the perfect network can determine success or failure.

Whether incubators, accelerators, investors, networks, or research institutions – the ecosystem for food and agri startups in Germany and Europe is diverse and offers countless opportunities for innovation. Founders who find the right partner have the chance to not only transform the food industry but also sustainably change the future of nutrition with their ideas.

Those looking to revolutionize the food industry with an innovative idea can benefit from numerous funding programs. For example, the Seedhouse Accelerator in Osnabrück provides a platform for agri-food startups, while the pan-European network of EIT Food supports innovations across the entire agri-food sector. The renowned Fraunhofer AHEAD program also opens doors to mentoring, funding, and access to Fraunhofer technologies.

Many accelerators focus on sustainable technologies: SpinLab in Leipzig assists startups focused on sustainability and digitalization, while the TUM Venture Labs in Munich specifically support ventures in the fields of food, agri, and biotech. Similarly, RootCamp in Hanover focuses on innovative solutions in agriculture and biotechnology

In addition to traditional accelerators, there are specialized innovation hubs such as the Food Campus Berlin, which supports startups in food technology, or the Hanse Kitchen in Bremen, which serves as a creative space for food-tech startups. Networks like Foodhub NRW e.V. or the Agrotech Valley Forum in Osnabrück also bring entrepreneurs together and foster synergies.

A particularly important factor for growth is networking with investors and mentors. Platforms such as Food Angels Germany or Katjes Greenfood provide targeted funding opportunities for sustainable food products. The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF), on the other hand, focuses on companies working on innovative solutions in the circular economy.

In addition to investors, development banks also play a crucial role. NBank in Lower Saxony and the Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank in Frankfurt offer targeted programs to support young companies. Consulting firms like Eura AG and MCON also assist startups in successfully applying for funding.

Innovation requires scientific support – and Germany offers plenty of it. The DIL German Institute of Food Technology in Quakenbrück collaborates with over 150 companies in the fields of food production and process engineering. Fraunhofer institutes such as the IGD in Darmstadt, which focuses on visual computing in the agri-food sector, and the IWES, which researches sustainable energy solutions, also make valuable contributions to the future of the food economy.

Not only financing and funding programs but also industry-specific events drive innovations forward. Anuga in Cologne, the world’s leading trade fair for the food industry, and Agritechnica in Hanover, which focuses on agricultural technology innovations, provide a platform for networking and business deals. Startups looking specifically for investors and partners will find the right environment at F&A Next in the Netherlands or Slush in Helsinki.

Another highlight is the Food Innovation Camp in Hamburg, which is considered a central meeting point for sustainable food startups. Here, founders meet with over 1,300 industry professionals to exchange insights on the latest trends.