Innovation in the agrifood sector - building synergy for better opportunities REGIONAL AGENCY FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATIONS

Innovation in the agrifood sector - building synergy for better opportunities

On May 22, 2023, in the city of Plovdiv, a delegation led by EIT Food Executive Director Dr. Andy Zinga met with the student and teaching community, representatives of business, science, innovators and institutions, at the invitation of Agricultural University of Plovdiv and Regional Agency for Entrepreneurship and Innovations - Varna (RAPIV). The theme of the meeting was "Innovations in the agri-food sector - building synergy for better opportunities".

To a full audience, Dr. Zinga and EIT Food North-East Europe Director Marja-Liisa Mouris presented the European strategies for the development of innovation in the agri-food sector and the bioeconomy, the training support and the funding programs of EIT Food. The goals of the institute are to support the development of solutions to global challenges related to food, to accelerate the implementation of innovations, to educate and train future experts, to create new food patterns and habits.

The rector of the Agricultural University-Plovdiv Prof. Dr. Hristina Yancheva and the vice-rector Prof. Dr. Vladislav Popov introduced the guests and the audience to the Bulgarian ecosystem, the progress and prospects for development in the context of education and the expansion of cross-sectoral cooperation. Prof. Popov pointed out that the close ties between science, education, business, institutions are a guarantee for progress in the agro-food sector and the creation of innovative and sustainable solutions. An example of successful innovation was demonstrated by startups in the exhibition area.

The executive director of RAPIV - Assoc. Prof. Ralitsa Zhekova, presented the activities of the Association for the support of entrepreneurship in a regional and national aspect, as well as the opportunities we provide to support business in our capacity as EIT Food Hub Bulgaria through the initiatives of EIT Food.

Digital smart solutions for precision and regenerative agriculture, organic and alternative proteins, mobile applications to reduce food waste, plant biostimulants were some of the innovations that Bulgarian startups have implemented in the country.

The event continued with a round table discussion with experts from the Ministry of Innovation and Growth and the Ministry of Agriculture, the Deputy Mayor of Plovdiv Stefan Stoyanov, the Rector of the MU-Plovdiv Prof. Mariana Murzhdeva, professors from the UFT-Plovdiv, scientists from the Center for Plant and systems biology and biotechnology, representatives of Rakovski and Brezovo municipalities, Trakia economic zone, businesses and startups. The EIT Food RIS3 Guidebook, developed by EIT Food was also presented. Close cooperation between science, education, business and institutions was again at the center of the debate.

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