F&A Next is all about innovation and connecting game changing Food & Agri tech startups and scale-ups to dedicated investors and innovative corporates. Aside from the many network opportunities that are offered throughout the event, we offer 10 most promising agrifoodtech startups a special opportunity to take the stage at the event and present themselves to the entire audience as ‘Next Heroes in Food & Agtech’. A great opportunity since our audience consist of an international and influential group of key stakeholders in the industry, including many investors, corporates and media.
We select 10 startups, of which 5 companies in foodtech and 5 in agtech. Will you be one of them?
You’ll have 3 minutes to present yourself on stage to the live and online audience, amongst which a small expert panel. After your presentation you have a 3-minute Q&A session with the expert panel.
If you are one of the startups to be selected, your benefits are:
- One free (in-person ticket to F&A Next, giving you access to key network opportunities.
- Pitching your innovations and solutions to leading corporates, investors, media, and other stakeholders that can help you grow.
- One-on-one Pitch Training with a professional pitch coach (optional)
- Pitch Deck workshop by Anterra Capital
- Media exposure: Your logo and short company profile with be shared with all event attendees and media.
- The distinguished title ‘Next Hero in Foodtech / Agtech 2023′
Bonus: Feike Sijbesma Sustainable Innovation Award 2023
When applying for Next Heroes in Food & Agtech 2023, you can also immediately apply for the Feike Sijbesma Sustainable Innovation Award 2023. Wageningen University & Research and University Fund Wageningen invite innovative startups (<7 years) around the world to participate in the Sustainable Innovation Award in honor of Feike Sijbesma; a successful CEO, who made impact with sustainable innovations in his work as global corporate leader. The award helps advance science-based solutions with a winners grant of €25,000 and a free ticket to F&A Next for the three finalists.
The selection for Next Heroes in Food & Agtech and the Feike Sijbesma Sustainable Innovation Award 2023 is made independently. You could be selected for both, or one of the two initiatives. It’s a smart way to double your chances for a ticket to F&A Next and other great perks.
What previous 'Next Heroes in Food & Agtech' have to say!
Follow in the footsteps of the startups that were previously selected as ‘Next Heroes in Food & Agtech 2022‘.
Apply if your startup is
- working on a truly innovative product or technology with an application in food and/or agriculture.
- aiming for impact at scale with a focus on sustainability (people, profit and planet)
- anywhere from Pre-seed to Series B stage
- actively looking for funding or partnerships
Needless to say, we only take your application into consideration when you meet the above qualification criteria.
How does F&A Next evaluate and review the pitch applications?
High-ranking startups exhibit the following evaluation criteria, so make sure to include all this information in your pitch deck!
A) Team Background:
Exceptional domain and entrepreneurial experience
B) Business Model:
Company has a strong view on its revenue model, competitors, how to scale, customer acquisition and cost base. Company knows its margins and how it can improve as it scales
C) Market Opportunity:
High growth market opportunity and high barriers to entry
D) Product Innovation:
Concept is a game-changing approach to solving a problem or gap in the market
E) Product Validation & Traction:
Team is on track or building a successful business and is building something that consumers or the industry needs / wants. Company was able to raise external funds
F) Sustainability / Social Impact:
Concept is focused on the triple bottom line: people, profit and planet
Application deadline
Applications close on Monday, 6 March 2023 at 12.00 pm Central European Time (CET).
How to apply?
Fill in the online application form, which you find by clicking on the following apply button.
