Meet the 2025 RisingFoodStars
Find out more about out new cohort
At EIT Food, our mission is to transform how food is produced, distributed, and consumed and to increase its value to European society.
The RisingFoodStars Cohort 2025 are the leading agrifood innovators tackling urgent food system challenges, from soil regeneration and precision fermentation to sustainable packaging and digital transformation. These scaleups are critical partners in EIT Food’s mission to accelerate the shift toward a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient food future across Europe and beyond.
“Food systems transformation is vital for the health, wellbeing and resilience of people, and of the planet. Together with our community of amazing innovators, we are proud to be part of the movement to create the regenerative food systems our future depends on.”
From soil innovation and biodiversity to carbon capture and input optimisation, these scaleups are enabling a more sustainable future for farming.
From precision fermentation to functional nutrition and circular ingredient streams, these startups are changing how we create, consume, and nourish.
These scaleups are making circularity a climate solution by turning food system waste into high-value ingredients and sustainable packaging.
To feed a growing population within planetary boundaries, we need to work with nature. This group of RisingFoodStars is reshaping how we grow, manage, and optimise food production by regenerating soil, enhancing biodiversity, and unlocking the power of digital precision. Their work enables a more productive, resilient, and sustainable farming system from the ground up.
MEET THESE TEAMS >>
CroBio
Introduction: Soil regeneration company focused on increasing agriculture's resilience to drought, using soil microbes to produce a sponge-like biomaterial around plant roots.Location: United Kingdom
A UK-based biotech startup developing microbial soil amendments that form a sponge-like biomaterial around plant roots, improving water retention and nutrient availability. Their enhanced microbes boost drought resilience and support soil biodiversity, helping farmers grow more with fewer inputs
For more information, visit CroBio
AgroSustain
Introduction: Extending the shelf-life of your fresh produce while reducing the usage of post-harvest treatments.Location: Switzerland
Switzerland-based agritech company offering biological crop protection solutions that extend shelf life and reduce food waste. Their treatments enable players in the supply chain to minimise post-harvest losses and cut reliance on synthetic inputs.
For more information, visit AgroSustain
Resurrect Bio
Introduction: Novel precision breeding technologies that help crops defeat disease by “resurrecting” immunity they once had.Location: United Kingdom
UK-based startup engineering disease resistance in crops by leveraging AI and synthetic biology to restore native resistance genes. Their work aims to return the ability of crops to defend themselves against pathogens and pests, reducing pesticides and increasing yields.
For more information, visit Resurrect Bio
FA Bio
Introduction: Harnessing untapped microbes to create bioproducts that replace chemicals and restore soil biodiversity, protecting and rebuilding vital ecosystems.Location: United Kingdom
UK-based biotechnology company unlocking soil microbiome diversity to discover and develop novel bioproducts based on fungal microbes. By replacing conventional chemicals with biofungicides and biostimulants, FA Bio supports healthier soils and improves crop resilience.
For more information, visit FA Bio
Hudson River Biotechnology
Introduction: Pioneering a new approach to plant breeding for better, more resilient crops – at scale.Location: The Netherlands
Netherlands-based company advancing crop performance through CRISPR-enabled tools. Their platform facilitates non-GMO trait development to boost resilience, yield, and nutritional value in plants.
For more information, visit Hudson River Biotechnology
SEEDFORWARD GmBH
Introduction: Researching alternative solutions for efficient and sustainable agricultureLocation: Germany
SeedForward specialises in innovative agricultural solutions, focusing on the development of advanced seed treatments. They conduct intensive research and field trials to create sustainable products that enhance crop health and yield.
By using natural, high-quality ingredients and state-of-the-art technology, SeedForward ensures their products meet the evolving needs of modern agriculture. They also prioritise environmental sustainability and work closely with partners to support future-proof farming practices. Their offerings include seed treatments for various crops, with a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to changing agricultural demands.
For more information, visit SeedForward.
Ficosterra
Introduction: Transforming seaweed into fertilisers and biostimulants that promote the maximum development of cropsLocation: Spain
Ficosterra is a marine biotechnology company applied to organic and conventional agriculture. They apply knowledge and biotechnology experience to developing prebiotic and probiotic products (biostimulants, biofertilizers and soil activators) based upon different species of seaweeds and microorganisms that favour the development of crops and plants while reducing the planet carbon foot print.
Ficosterra help farmers increase the yield of their crops by means of sustainable and cost-effective biological solutions hat ensure better harvests, increase plant resiliency and optimise ROI.
For more information, visit www.ficosterra.com/en
Carbone Farmers
Introduction: We help farmers move towards carbon neutralityLocation: France
Carbone Farmers supports agricultural carbon neutrality by helping farmers adopt low-carbon practices, enhancing the value of agricultural products, and providing tools for monitoring and communicating carbon impacts. They focus on converting 800,000 hectares to sustainable practices and aim to sequester over one million tonnes of CO2 in soil within five years.
Their core values include transparency, agility, humility, commitment, proximity, and teamwork, ensuring a strong impact on climate change mitigation while promoting sustainable agriculture.
For more information, visit www.carbonefarmers.com
MyEasyFarm
Introduction: Helping the agri-food supply chain make the transition to more sustainable agriculture using dataLocation: France
MyEasyFarm supports stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain, from farmers to agri-food groups, in their agroecological transition. This is achieved through its collaborative platform designed for data collection, calculation, and reporting, tailored for Precision, Low Carbon, and Regenerative Agriculture.
For more information, visit www.myeasyfarm
Evja
Introduction: Advanced precision agriculture solutions using AI and wireless sensors to optimise irrigation, nutrition, and crop protectionLocation: The Netherlands
Evja offers a comprehensive system, OPI, that leverages artificial intelligence and innovative wireless sensors to collect agro-climate data from the field. This data is used to create predictive models for irrigation, nutrition, and crop protection, helping farmers enhance efficiency and productivity.
The platform supports real-time access to critical information on various devices, aiding in better decision-making and planning. Evja’s solutions focus on sustainable practices, reducing chemical use, and improving crop yield and quality.
For more information, visit www.evja.eu
ekolive
Introduction: ekolive uses eco-bioleaching technology to upgrade minerals and remediate contaminated environments sustainablyLocation: Slovakia
ekolive leverages patented eco-bioleaching technology to naturally extract and process mineral raw materials using microbial weathering. This method upgrades low-grade minerals, recycles secondary materials, and produces ecological biostimulants for agriculture.
Their technology promotes sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and zero pollution by improving soil quality, reducing chemical use, and enhancing resource security. ekolive's innovations offer environmentally friendly solutions for the agriculture and mining industries, contributing significantly to environmental preservation and sustainable resource management.
For more information, visit www.ekolive.eu
FreshSens
Introduction: Freshsens develops sensor technology to monitor and maintain the freshness of perishable goods, reducing post-harvest losses.Location: Turkey
Freshsens focuses on enhancing the shelf life and quality of perishable products through advanced sensor technology. Their solutions monitor key environmental parameters and provide real-time data to optimize storage conditions. This helps prevent spoilage, extending the freshness of fruits and vegetables, and reducing waste. The technology is beneficial for producers, exporters, and retailers, ensuring that perishable goods maintain their quality throughout the supply chain.
For more information, visit www.freshsens.tech
Consumers are demanding more sustainable, nutritious, and ethical food options, and science is delivering. These scaleups are pioneers in fermentation, cellular agriculture, and plant-based innovation. Whether it’s replacing animal proteins, designing new ingredients, or enabling cleaner labels, they’re pushing the boundaries of what food can be.
Imaginedairy
Introduction: ImaginDairy is trailblazing the future of dairy by creating sustainable, animal-free proteins that match the taste, nutrition, and performance of traditional milkLocation: Israel
Israel-based foodtech company trailblazing a new future for the food industry by producing sustainable animal-free dairy proteins. These proteins have the same flavor, mouthfeel, functionality, and nutritional properties as those from bovine sources. Imagindairy’s proprietary AI-driven platform enables cost-effective production of animal-free dairy proteins, unlocking the mass market potential of precision fermentation. As a pioneer in the field, Imagindairy is the first company in its category to acquire its own fermentation production lines and has received a ‘No Questions Letter’ from the FDA for its whey protein.
For more information, visit Imaginedairy
Kokomodo
Introduction: Kokomodo is an Agri-Food startup that crafts real, controlled, climate-resilient cacao using innovative cellular agriculture technology , grown anywhere, year-round.Location: Israel
Israel-based startup that crafts real, controlled, climate -resilient cacao using cellular agriculture, grown anywhere, year-round, and optimised for functional health benefits in food and nutraceutical applications.
For more information, visit Kokomodo
Perfat Techologies
Introduction: Healthy solid fats to replace butter, palm oil and coconut oil in food productsLocation: Finland
Finland-based company leveraging advanced oleogel technologies to create nutritionally superior solid fat substitutes to replace conventional unhealthy fats such as butter, palm oil and coconut oil
For more information, visit Perfat Technologies
Clean Food Group
Introduction: Building the go-to sustainable oils and fats solutions providerLocation: United Kingdom
UK-based foodtech manufacturer of sustainable oils and fats for the global food, cosmetic and pet food industries. CFG produces oils and fats from food waste, using scalable yeast strains and fermentation technology to offer sustainable alternatives to traditional agricultural ingredients such as palm oil.
For more information, visit Clean Food Group
KÄÄPÄ Biotech
Introduction: KÄÄPÄ Biotech is a biotechnology company committed to healthier humans and ecosystems. The company researches, innovates and develops industry solutions with fungi. Location: Finland
Researching, innovating and developing functional mushroom products. KÄÄPÄ has three divisions: KÄÄPÄ Forest, KÄÄPÄ Mushrooms and Nordic Mushrooms. KÄÄPÄ Forest manages the largest chaga cultivation network in the world and promotes versatile use of forests. KÄÄPÄ Mushrooms provides customers with Finnish origin organic mushroom extracts. Nordic Mushrooms is a wholesale division providing customers with European organic certified mushroom extracts. Both Nordic Mushrooms and KÄÄPA Mushrooms use functional mushroom extract powders and liquids created using NordRelease™, KÄÄPÄ Biotech’s unique extraction process
For more information, visit KÄÄPÄ Biotech
Celleste Bio
Introduction: Celleste Bio uses a proprietary combination of cell-cultured technology and computational modelling to create premium, customized 100% real cocoa that can be produced anywhere in the world, without cutting down a single treeLocation: Israel
Israeli based startup producing a consistent, resilient supply of real cocoa butter and powder using cell cultured technology. Celleste’s model is designed to de-risk supply chain challenges created by deforestation and climate risk, while at the same time using computational models to energise chocolate innovation.
For more information, visit Celleste Bio
Adamo Foods
Introduction: Adamo Foods is a foodtech company developing healthy, sustainable and delicious alternatives to meat whole-cuts, using fungal fermentation.Location: United Kingdom
UK-based food and biotech startup developing authentic whole-cut meat alternatives from fungi with a proprietary fibrous structure. These clean-label and protein-rich products replicate the texture of animal muscle tissue and support the shift to sustainable diets. First up, a delicious filet steak.
For more information, visit Adamo Foods
PFx Biotech
Introduction: Leveraging precision fermentation to produce sustainable, non‑allergenic human‑milk‑identical proteinsLocation: Portugal
Portugal-based startup producing specialty bioactive proteins through precision fermentation for advanced nutrition applications. By leveraging engineered biology, they create high-value, animal-free ingredients that protect planetary health. Their approach delivers clean, effective protein solutions for a healthier, more sustainable future.
For more information, visit PFx Biotech
Verley
Introduction: Precision fermentation to produce animal-free milk proteins, creating sustainable dairy alternativesLocation: France
Verley employs precision fermentation to produce milk proteins using nutritional yeasts, which are then used to create dairy products that taste like traditional dairy but are environmentally friendly. Their process significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and land use compared to conventional dairy farming.
By combining advanced technology with traditional dairy expertise, Verley aims to offer delicious, sustainable, and animal-free dairy products.
For more information, visit Verley
Meala
Introduction: Enabling the plant-based category to fulfill its potentialLocation: Israel
Meala is revolutionising the plant-based food industry by developing innovative functional proteins that enhance the texture and nutritional value of plant-based meat alternatives.
The technology replaces synthetic additives like methyl cellulose and hydrocolloids with naturally occurring biocatalysts, resulting in cleaner labels and products that better mimic the texture and juiciness of real meat. Meala's ingredients offer superior binding and water retention capabilities, making plant-based products healthier, more sustainable, and appealing to health-conscious consumers.
For more information, visit www.mealafood.com
Matr
Introduction: A new generation of natural plant foodLocation: Denmark
Matr Foods specialises in creating plant-based foods using traditional fungi fermentation techniques. They transform Nordic organic vegetables, legumes, and grains into flavorful and nutritious ingredients with a deep umami flavor and a juicy, tender texture.
Matr’s products are made from five organic ingredients—oats, split peas, lupins, beetroot, and potatoes—without additives or heavy processing. Their mission is to produce sustainable, healthy food that minimises waste and maximises flavour.
For more information, visit https://matrfoods.com
Neggst Foods
Introduction: A plant-based alternative to chicken eggsLocation: Germany
Neggst aims to create a plant-based alternative to traditional eggs, focusing on sustainability and animal welfare. Their mission is to reduce CO2 emissions and improve the planet's health while providing egg-based dishes without using animal products.
Neggst envisions a future where animal livestock is a thing of the past and resources are used responsibly. They are committed to offering a less resource-intensive, animal-friendly, and allergy-free egg alternative.
For more information, visit www.neggst.co
BettaF!sh
Introduction: Creating plant-based seafood alternatives using seaweed and legumes, offering sustainable, ocean-friendly optionsLocation: Germany
BettaF!sh produces plant-based seafood alternatives, such as TU-NAH and SAL-NOM, using seaweed and plant proteins from fava beans and peas. Their products mimic the taste and texture of traditional tuna and smoked salmon, providing a nutritious, soy- and wheat-free option that supports sustainable food production.
BettaF!sh aims to increase seaweed consumption, offer alternative business models to fishing communities, and promote environmental sustainability in food production.
For more information, visit www.bettafish.co/en
Circularity is no longer optional. These scaleups are transforming food system by-products into high-value ingredients and packaging. From upcycled proteins and oils to seaweed-based plastics, this group is turning waste into a powerful tool for climate action and business growth.
MEET THESE TEAMS>>
ProteinDistillery
Introduction: ProteinDistillery valorises industrial sidestreams to produce a native multi-functional protein ingredient for alternative food applicationsLocation: Germany
Germany-based foodtech company turning fermentation sidestreams into multi-functional proteins. Their approach valorises underutilised microbial biomass while enabling new clean-label applications for the food industry.
Greentech Innovators
Introduction: We give waste a value, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing global food production.Location: Norway
Norway-based cleantech startup valorising food processing by-products into high-value feed and fertiliser. This circular model lowers emissions and makes better use of underutilised biomass.
For more information, visit Greentech Innovators
Kelpi
Introduction: Kelpi is a leader in sustainable biomaterials with a seaweed-based coating for paper, card and fibre replacing fossil fuel plastics in packaging requiring a high water barrier and extended shelf life, with a specific focus on food, drink, personal care and home careLocation: United Kingdom
UK-based sustainable packaging innovation company developing biodegradable coatings from seaweed. Able to meet demanding industrial requirements, their renewably-sourced materials offer a plastic-free future for food packaging.
For more information, visit Kelpi
NoPalm Ingredients
Introduction: Local, circular and sustainable alternative to palm oil.Location: The Netherlands
NoPalm Ingredients produces yeast oils and fats from agricultural food waste, serving as sustainable and circular alternatives to palm and other vegetable oils used in food, cosmetics, and home care products. Their process significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and land use compared to traditional palm oil production.
By leveraging food-industry waste, they address both food waste and the environmental impacts of palm oil, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly industry.
For more information, visit www.nopalm-ingredients.com
Green Spot Technology
Introduction: Producing fermented and upcycled ingredients from food industry by-products, promoting sustainability and nutritionLocation: France
Green Spot Technologies utilises a zero-waste fermentation process to convert food industry side streams, like brewery grains and fruit peels, into nutrient-dense, multifunctional ingredients. Their eco-friendly approach requires minimal water and energy, resulting in ingredients with a low carbon footprint.
The Ferment'Up range offers sustainable, natural, and high-quality powders that enhance various recipes while reducing food waste and supporting circular production practices.
Kern Tec
Introduction: Upcycling fruit pits into sustainable, nutritious ingredients and food productsLocation: Austria
Kern Tec transforms previously unused fruit pits, such as apricot, cherry, and plum kernels, into high-quality, sustainable ingredients for the food industry. They produce plant-based milk alternatives, nut-free spreads, gourmet oils, and other innovative products.
Their process supports a circular economy by reducing waste and utilising resources efficiently, offering a low carbon footprint and promoting sustainable food production.
For more information, visit www.kern-tec.com/en/
Notpla
Introduction: A revolutionary packaging material made from seaweed and plants that biodegrades in weeks, naturally. Location: United Kingdom
Notpla is a family of regenerative packaging materials, made from seaweed and plants. Behind these products is a company of the same name, deeply committed to making the planet a healthier place.
Today, the growing collection provides solutions for many everyday applications, including food containers, pipettes for oils, seaweed-paper, dissolving pods and films. Next to these fully developed solutions, which are ready to drop into industrial supply chains, there is continuous research and develop new applications and prototypes.The more applications we solve, the more waste we eliminate. We are always open for brand partnerships, to bring new products to the market and change to the industry.
For more information, visit www.notpla.com
