• The program is sponsored by València Innovation Capital and the European ToNoWaste project and is aimed at entrepreneurs, initiatives, and startups that offer innovative, technology-driven solutions to help prevent and reduce food loss and waste.
• Applications may be submitted until Friday, November 28, at 12:00 a.m. via the website https://agrolab.valenciainnovationcapital.com/

For the second consecutive year, the Valencia City Council is launching the call for applications for Agro·Lab ToNoWaste, an acceleration program that aims to help build a more sustainable food system by reducing its environmental, social, and economic impact.

Sponsored by Valencia Innovation Capital and the European ToNoWaste project, the program is aimed at entrepreneurs, initiatives, and startups with projects that promote the prevention and reduction of food loss and waste throughout the agri-food chain, preventing food from becoming waste through various approaches.

Paula Llobet, Councilor for Innovation, Tourism, and Investment Attraction for the City of Valencia, has emphasized the “enormous impact of food waste: every year, 88 million metric tons of food are wasted throughout the supply chain in the European Union, at a cost of 143 billion euros.”

In addition to the economic and social impacts, of course, Llobet emphasized the environmental impact, “since 30% of agricultural land is being wasted,” and invited “all entrepreneurs to participate in this new edition of Agro·lab and to trust the Valencia City Council to bring their projects to life. “To achieve a more sustainable and resilient city, we need collaboration from both the public and private sectors, as well as from all stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.”

A five-month program featuring mentorship and cash prizes

Specifically, the goal is to find solutions that will reduce production losses; foster collaboration and raise awareness throughout the food chain; improve inventory and storage management; change consumer habits; and optimize logistics and distribution, among other things.

Those selected will be able to participate in a five-month acceleration program where they will gain knowledge, methodologies, and practical tools designed to strengthen their management skills and plan for the growth of their businesses in various areas. In addition, they will be given the opportunity to use coworking spaces at La Harinera and gain access to events with other stakeholders in the innovation and agri-food ecosystem.

Those interested in submitting their applications may do so until midnight on Friday, November 28, through the website: https://agrolab.valenciainnovationcapital.com/

It is worth noting that, upon completion of the acceleration program, a Demo Day will be held during which cash prizes totaling up to 10,000 € will be awarded and distributed among the participating startups.

First edition

In its first edition, the initiative featured five startups, with Effiwaste taking first place. Effiwaste develops solutions that promote the circular economy in the Horeca sector through “software-as-a-service” for measuring food waste, as well as specialized training and awareness-raising on sustainability; among other services.