The FoodBioX Collaboration Module is a 3-month structured programme designed to help food biotech startups at TRL 5–7 convert corporate interest into concrete pilot projects and commercial partnerships. The programme is built around three operational pillars. First, startups undergo structured preparation: value proposition refinement for corporate buyers, pilot use case definition, and corporate readiness coaching to ensure discussions are framed around measurable deployment outcomes. Second, curated corporate matchmaking sessions bring participants face-to-face with selected food industry partners through reverse pitches and qualified matchmaking. Third, startups showcase at The New Food Paradigm – Shakeup Factory's annual European food biotech event in Paris – gaining visibility with corporates, investors, and ecosystem partners through a dedicated pitch slot and exhibition stand. Startups also receive group peer-learning sessions and individual facilitation on value proposition refinement, technical readiness, and go-to-market strategy. Delivery is powered by Shakeup Factory's European network of food corporates, ingredient players, research centres, pilot facilities, and domain experts, contributing to startup selection, mentoring, and execution quality. Participants exit with a framework for corporate collaboration, a concrete first use case, and qualified introductions to pre-selected industry partners — with the possibility of pilot projects, sample sharing, or commercial relationships. This programme is part of FoodBioX, the EU's food biotech open innovation platform led by Shakeup Factory and run in partnership with EIT Food.
The service is offered at €7,500 per startup for the full 3-month programme (August–October 2026) + December 3 event showcase, corresponding to a daily rate of €535 over 14 days of expert and facilitation time. This service is eligible for the EIC ACCESS+ co-funding scheme. EIC beneficiaries may use their ACCESS+ budget to cover the cost. No equity is taken.
Pitch submission deadline: 15 June 2026. The programme runs August–October 2026. Module participation is subject to a pitch and selection process to ensure fit with corporate partners. Places are strictly limited. Open to EIC beneficiaries at TRL 5–7 active in food biotech, alternative proteins, precision fermentation, targeted nutrition or related food ingredient segments.
Matchmaking
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