Smart Agrifood Summit

The Smart Agrifood Summit, an industry-leading event for the creation of innovative ecosystems within the European agrifood sector. It too place in Málaga, on Sep 30th and Oct 1st, 2021.

The agrifood sector’s importance in our lifestyle has become even more obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to be able to face the future challenges that we will encounter, it is necessary to increase investment in research and innovation.
This event is a hybrid in-person and virtual meeting where you can meet partners, increase financing, publicize new products, services and innovative projects, and more!

This edition included a variety of topics such as Most important trends in the sector; R&D&I ecosystem of the agri-food sector; Business opportunities; Open innovation; Investment and financing options; Digitalization of the sector or Sustainable development.The event counted on the presence of several Spanish and international large companies and also gives the opportunity to promising startups to present their pitch. Among these startups there were many Spanish ones that bring interesting and relevant solutions to the foodtech sector.

One of them is MOA foodtech, one of the Spain Foodtech Startup’s Program finalists, that focuses on creating new and more sustainable sources of alternative proteins through upcycling residues and by-products of the food industry. In addition, Gastro Ventures is an innovation hub with the aim of bringing a unique approach to foodtech, with a strong commitment to innovation, disruption and sustainability. The company operates in two distinct areas; the first focused on foodtech with emphasis on research; and the second deals with culinary management in the restoration sector. Also in the food sector, Xaudable makes snacks for people who are looking for healthy and quick food. There are no additives added and no oil. Their product is gluten-free and also suitable for vegans.

Regarding agriculture, there is Abastores that allows farmers to offer their products for sale on their website from their computer or cell phone, without intermediaries, with price determined by auctions. The platform is responsible for certifying the quality of the product, processing payments and managing the transport. Another is HarBest Market, a platform that connects restaurants with farmers to buy fruits and vegetables directly from the orchard without going through middle people. There is also EcoProten, an insect farm specialized in the breeding and rearing of tenebrio molitor or mealworm. Insects might become part of the future of food, replacing meat protein and being a sustainable solution for the environment, overpopulation and overexploitation of the Earth's resources, as well as alleviating malnutrition.