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Derio, 9 June 2026. Transforming a promising innovation into a solution that delivers real value for industry and society remains one of the greatest challenges facing technology startups. To help bridge this gap, AZTI has joined RAÍCES as its scientific and technology partner. The international acceleration programme, led by Eatable Adventures, has just opened applications for its second edition.
RAÍCES is designed to identify and support high-potential agrifoodtech startups from Spain and Latin America. The programme targets companies developing innovative solutions to some of the food system’s biggest challenges, including biotechnology, novel ingredients, artificial intelligence for food applications, advanced agriculture, the circular economy and technologies that enable more efficient and sustainable food production.
Through Eatable Adventures’ international network, selected startups gain access to an ecosystem specifically designed to support scale-up. The programme connects entrepreneurs with leading food companies, investors and institutional partners across Europe and Latin America, creating tangible opportunities for commercial validation, business growth and international expansion.
Participating startups also benefit from guaranteed initial investment of at least €100,000, co-investment capacity of up to €1 million and access to a global network of co-investors, together with opportunities to develop pilot projects and proof-of-concept trials with food industry partners. During its first edition, the programme supported more than 15 pilot projects and proof-of-concept trials and facilitated 23 commercial agreements with food companies.
Within this framework, AZTI’s contribution will focus on strengthening the scientific and technological foundations of participating startups. The technology centre will provide technology assessment and validation services, specialist scientific mentoring and access to its research infrastructure, helping startups reduce technological uncertainty and accelerate the maturity of their innovations.
“Many startups develop highly promising technologies, but bringing them successfully to market requires demonstrating their technical viability, building confidence and ensuring their solutions address real industry needs. Our role within RAÍCES is to provide the scientific expertise and validation capabilities that help transform promising innovations into more robust, market-ready solutions,” says Itziar Tueros, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of AZTI.
In addition to its role as scientific and technology partner, AZTI will act as a gateway to the Basque food innovation ecosystem, helping startups establish connections with companies, technology centres and public institutions that can further accelerate their development.
AZTI’s participation in RAÍCES forms part of the organisation’s broader strategy to promote knowledge transfer and support the development of innovative solutions that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable and more competitive food system.
“Transforming the food system requires ever closer collaboration between science, entrepreneurship and industry. Programmes such as RAÍCES create exactly these connections and help accelerate the market uptake of innovative solutions,” adds Tueros.
Applications for the second edition of RAÍCES will remain open until 28 June.
RAÍCES is the international acceleration programme led by Eatable Adventures to identify and scale high-potential agrifoodtech startups across Spain and Latin America. The programme combines investment, technology validation, access to leading food companies and connections to an international network of experts and investors, helping accelerate the commercialisation of innovative solutions for the food system.