Livestock farming, responsible for nearly 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, excessive water consumption, and significant biodiversity loss (as reported by FAO), is driving an urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This necessity has sparked an innovation revolution: alternative protein startups. Across Europe, these bold innovators are utilizing science and technology to create eco-friendly protein sources, whether through cultivated meat, precision fermentation, or plant-based substitutes. By 2050, we will require a 70% increase in food production to feed the world's projected 9.7 billion people. More startups are rising to the occasion, addressing both dietary demands and environmental concerns.

Latest developments in the field of alternative proteins in Europe

Lab-grown meat has already received limited approval in Singapore and the United States, and now it seems that Europe is also taking steps in this direction. Cultivated B, a subsidiary of German food manufacturer Infamily Foods, has made history by becoming the FIRST company in the world to submit an application to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) seeking approval for a cell-cultured meat product. According to the company, the developed "meat" is a hybrid sausage product consisting of vegan ingredients as well as cultured meat based on pork. The EFSA inspection is considered to be particularly stringent and time-consuming. The Israeli cellular agriculture company, Aleph Farms, submitted an application for approval in Switzerland to the Swiss Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FSVO) back in July of this year, marking the first application for cultured meat in all of Europe. 

Alternative proteins are also making waves in the world of investments. Recently, the startup Enough from Scotland secured €40 million in funding to accelerate the production of its mycoprotein product, Abunda. In this article, we shine a spotlight on 10 European startups leading the change towards a sustainable and tasty food future. 

BLUU SEAFOOD | cultured fish | Germany

After 12 weeks of dedicated effort, the long-awaited moment arrived. We proudly hosted the 4th Demo Day in our headquarters. This year's Demo Day for Batch 4 brought together various stakeholders. Gathering a diverse audience that spanned from local startups and investors to corporate representatives, the event placed a spotlight on the values of innovation, collaboration, and the potential for cross-industry synergy. This event was organized in collaboration with esteemed partners like K+S, KWS, hannoverimpuls, GAFS, DLG, NBank, and Startup Niedersachsen. 

seedalive, a pioneering agTech startup from RootCamp Batch #4, has harnessed the power of technology and biology to revolutionize seed quality testing. Based in Osnabrück, Germany, the startup has developed a new, efficient, and reproducible method to predict the germination of plant seeds. seedalive founder Jens Varnskühler shares insights about the product and vision in this interview.

With a steadfast purpose to combat the pressing challenge of marine ingredient scarcity, Aquanzo has embarked on a transformative mission to reimagine the cultivation and utilization of marine zooplankton. Last month, the Scotland-based startup, which aims to farm Artemia in land-based systems for the aquafeed market, secured a €1.4 million funding boost to enhance their production capabilities. Artemia, commonly known as brine shrimp, are crucial for providing essential nutrition in aquaculture.

The startup believes the solution to supporting aquaculture is to farm artemia In this interview, we unravel the layers of Aquanzo's pioneering methodology, delving into their tech-infused solutions.

The startup was founded in 2022 and consists of an interdisciplinary team. Photo: Aquanzo

Describe the problem you are addressing with Aquanzo.

Aquanzo was founded with the goal of tackling the pressing issue of marine ingredient scarcity, particularly in relation to fishmeal used in animal feed production. We recognized that the traditional reliance on marine sources for these ingredients is unsustainable due to overfishing and environmental concerns. This scarcity of marine ingredients poses a significant challenge to the animal agriculture industry, which heavily depends on these resources for optimal animal nutrition.

Our innovative solution involves the development of cutting-edge technologies to cultivate marine zooplankton in a controlled, land-based environment at a large scale. By harnessing the power of agricultural byproducts, we're able to create a closed-loop system that not only addresses the scarcity issue but also contributes to the efficient utilization of existing resources. This approach aligns perfectly with the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship, as it minimizes the strain on marine ecosystems while maximizing the potential for nutrient recycling.

How does Aquanzo's land-based zooplankton farming work, and what techniques ensure high production and environmental sustainability?

By developing a tailored farming system to grow small marine zooplankton (artemia is less than 1 cm long) at high density, we can transform agricultural byproducts, such as ricebran, into high-value animal marine ingredients with unique taste and smell enabling modern aquaculture diets to use high incorporation of cheaper but less attractive ingredients to perform better. These byproducts, which would otherwise go to waste, are transformed into high-value marine ingredients through our tailored farming system. Our mission is to domesticate and farm artemia as a feed, at low environmental footprint, for optimal fish and shrimp nutrition and help make the aquaculture industry more sustainable. 

What are some challenges you have faced in developing and scaling up the farming of zooplankton?

One of the primary hurdles has been the intricate task of honing the product-market fit to ensure optimal alignment with the most critical needs of our target customers. This involves deeply understanding the core "jobs-to-be-done" within the aquafeed industry and tailoring our offering to address these pivotal pain points effectively. As we strive to meet the growing demand for sustainable marine ingredients, we must fine-tune our production system to ensure consistent, high-quality yields. Achieving this balance while maintaining environmental sustainability requires innovative engineering, precise control over cultivation conditions, and the integration of advanced automation technologies.

How does Aquanzo engage with stakeholders within the aquaculture industry?

Aquanzo actively engages with stakeholders across the entire aquaculture industry and the environmental conservation community, fostering collaborative efforts to promote sustainable practices and responsible marine protein farming. We are in contact with stakeholders at all levels of the value chain, from agricultural byproduct producers to aquafeed companies, fish farmers, fish processors and retailers. The feedback is very encouraging, and the appeal to conserving (or improving) marine ingredients' uniqueness for animal nutrition while reducing the environmental impact is attracting interest from most downstream groups. 

We have set up a laboratory at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh with a recirculating aquaculture system that can produce Artemia biomass that is dried, ground into powder and used for in vivo testing on fish and chickens.

Why did you apply for the RootCamp startup program?

We applied for the RootCamp startup programbecause it stands out as a lead accelerator in the EU AgriTech landscape. Recognizing the significance of aligning with top-tier programs, we sought to integrate RootCamp to elevate Aquanzo's growth trajectory with a high-quality and impactful platform. You can get to know us and our technology at the RootCamp Demo Day. We are happy to engage in an exchange with the AgTech community in Hanover.

As we eagerly anticipate their participation in the upcoming RootCamp Demo Day (register here) on August 30th, the broader AgTech community can look forward to engaging with Aquanzo's vision and learning from their journey toward a more sustainable aquaculture future. 

Berlin-based startup Cultimate Foods sees the future in hybrid meat substitutes. The founders are developing a breakthrough ingredient based on cell-grown fatty tissue that will be used to create hybrid meat products. The startup raised 700 thousand euros in funding last year led by Big Idea Ventures, ProVeg International and Realum.cloud and launched its own laboratory in Göttingen (Germany). In this interview, founder Eugenia Sagué delves into the concept of hybrid meat and its benefits for agriculture. 

Describe for our readers your hybrid approach towards cultured fat.

Culminate Foods is a biotech company that utilizes state-of-the-art cell culture technologies to produce animal cell-cultivated fat without the use of animals. Our cell-cultivated fat will be sold as a B2B ingredient to manufacturers of alternative meat, enhancing the taste and juiciness of their products. Fat is the primary determinant of a food's flavor, taste, nutrition, and even texture. Its quantity correlates with consumer preference and product quality. By incorporating our ingredient, alternative meat producers can elevate their creations in terms of taste, flavor, and mouthfeel. Additionally, our cell-cultured fat is a versatile technology that can be applied across various food types. 

Culminate creates a game-changing cultivated fat technology to provide alternative meats with authentic taste and texture.

We firmly believe that by contributing to the improvement of alternative meat products, we can reduce the reliance on animals and mitigate climate change. Since the science required for fully cultivated meat as an accessible product is still years away, the initial impactful products will be "hybrids," combining plant-based proteins with cultivated ingredients. A cultivated fat product like ours will enhance the popularity of plant-based items by bridging the taste gap and laying the foundation for the future of cultivated meat.

What are the key benefits of cultivated meat compared to traditional animal farming in terms of animal welfare, public health, and global food security?

Cultivated meat production requires fewer resources than traditional livestock farming, including land, water, and feed. As a result, it holds the potential to mitigate its negative impacts by generating lower greenhouse gas emissions, thereby addressing climate change. By directly producing meat from cells, cultured meat also has the capacity to significantly reduce animal suffering. Production occurs within controlled environments, which could minimize the risks of contamination and foodborne diseases.

How do you plan to navigate regulatory hurdles and gain consumer acceptance for your products?

Consumer acceptance (or willingness to try) of cell-cultivated products has been increasing worldwide in recent years, even though it will only be fully assessed once the first cell-cultivated products enter the market. Furthermore, many consumers of plant-based products are one-time consumers primarily due to taste preferences. Culminate's cell-cultivated fat aims to replace plant-based fats and oils, revolutionizing the plant-based market with hybrid products to achieve broader consumer acceptance.

For instance, in collaboration with other relevant companies and research groups, we are participating in European projects studying consumer acceptance of cultured meat. Moreover, we consider it our responsibility to actively communicate the benefits of cellular agriculture in terms of sustainability and animal welfare.

Concerning novel food regulations, we maintain close contact with the most relevant players and entities, such as Singapore and the US, and have initiated the necessary processes. In the EU, we closely monitor recent developments and aspire to participate in defining the necessary steps not only for our company but for the subsequent companies in the field.

As the cultivated meat market continues to expand with the emergence of companies in Europe and beyond, how does your startup, Cultimate, differentiate itself?

Cultimate's in-vitro technology precisely replicates the lipid profile of intramuscular fat, which manifests as delicate marbling within the muscle tissue of premium-quality meat. The quantity of intramuscular fat is directly linked to the product's quality, exerting a significant influence on its flavor, tenderness, and juiciness. High-quality marbled meat not only offers an exceptional dining experience but also boasts elevated levels of beneficial fatty acids, such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

What are the next steps for your startup?

We are eager to finalize our investment round, secure additional research grants, and expand our scientific team. These strategic steps will allow us to expedite the development of our product and increase the distribution of samples to our customers.

Meet Culminate Foods at RootCamp Demo Day

If you're as intrigued as we are by the transformative potential of Culminate Foods, mark your calendars for August 30th. The RootCamp Demo Day in Hannover offers a unique opportunity to meet the minds behind this cutting-edge startup. Save your spot and register here. 

In 2020, fueled by a passion for both agriculture and environmental conservation, Felix and Lara founded Artenglück. What started as a project to highlight farmers' dedication to sustainability quickly evolved into a thriving startup. Discover more about their journey and innovative approach in our interview with the Artenglück team. 

From farmers to founders. How did your startup journey begin?

Three years ago, we founded Artenglück (German word for "happy species"). At that time, Felix was a Master's student in Agribusiness and a farm manager, while Lara led her own online marketing agency. Initially, our goal was to handle public relations for agriculture and showcase the dedication of farmers to conservation efforts. To accomplish this, we relied on the support of private individuals and companies who financed our initial nature conservation projects, such as the creation of flowering meadows.

As we delved deeper into our work, we realized the challenges faced by our clients in the areas of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), as well as sustainability reporting. Consequently, we began providing support to our clients in these areas, helping them communicate their commitment to sustainability and incorporate it into their reporting practices.

What do you appreciate about the startup ecosystem in Lower Saxony?

We particularly appreciate the community here. The exchange with other startups and companies is very important to us, and here for example at RootCamp we have great opportunities for exchange and can learn a lot from the corporate partners, mentors and alumni.

What positive impact does nature conservation, especially by companies have?

In addition to our flowering meadows, which primarily promote biodiversity, we carry out other nature conservation measures, such as forest afforestation and field bird windows. Overall, our aim is to promote biodiversity and species diversity in different ecosystems. The need for forest afforestation is now easy for many people to understand. In recent years, due to climate change, an incredible number of hectares of forest have died, which many people notice when they visit the forest. Not only is less carbon being sequestered from the air due to forest dieback, but above all, there is a lack of habitats for our native biodiversity. However, we also want to promote other ecosystems, especially in the agricultural landscape, and therefore also carry out nature conservation measures away from the forest, such as flowering meadows and field bird windows, which remain in place for several years and thus create habitats in the long term.

Cooperations with companies create win-win situations for nature and for the companies. The companies can use their commitment for their sustainability report and their employer branding, among other things, while supporting nature in a transparent way. Our promise is that our nature conservation projects are a maximum of 30 km away from the desired location and can be visited at any time.

On the market, there are some providers who offer nature conservation projects for companies and private individuals. How do you stand out?

True to our motto: Do good and talk about it, we not only carry out the conservation projects for our clients in their region, but also support them quite actively in communicating about their sustainability commitment. This turns the cooperation into an investment that can be seen in increased sales, employer branding, image building and strong sustainability communication.

RootCamp Demo Day 2023

Join RootCamp and meet the Artenglück Team on August 30th at the Demo Day in Hanover. After the 12-week program, the startups from our network will be showcasing their projects. The Demo Day will be a unique opportunity for you to get a taste of the international startup scene, network with promising startups, investors and the AgTech community. Register now.

With a mission to disrupt plant protection solutions, GreEnCAP is harnessing the power of encapsulation technology to address the challenges faced by farmers and growers. In this article, we delve into the journey of GreEnCAP, their innovative encapsulation technology, and the positive impact they aim to make on the agriculture industry. 

Describe the problem you are addressing with your encapsulation technology.

Resistance resulting from the repeated use of chemical pesticides has emerged as a significant issue confronting farmers and growers. Moreover, efforts aimed at reducing the reliance on such pesticides in agriculture introduce new challenges for farmers. As a result, these farmers are actively seeking safer alternatives that can effectively address their evolving needs while ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

How doesgreEnCAP's encapsulation technology work, and what advantages does it offer over traditional methods?

GreEnCAP has developed a chitosan-based encapsulation technology for formulating natural lipophilic/hydrophobic active ingredients that are challenging to use due to their low water solubility or instability in aqueous mediums. We utilize nano/micro formulation technologies to create fine particles that can be easily sprayed onto the leaf surface, making the hydrophobic active ingredient readily available for action.

Chitosan was chosen as the matrix material based on years of research on the structure-function relationship of this polymer. This extensive knowledge allows us to select the most suitable chitosan for our encapsulation system. At the heart of our encapsulation system are essential oils, which serve as natural antimicrobial agents.

With our encapsulation technology, we harness the antimicrobial activity of essential oils and combine it with the plant-strengthening properties of chitosan in the matrix. This creates a dual-action product that provides both direct and indirect means of protecting plants against attacking pathogens. Our products are entirely natural, biodegradable, and residue-free, making them suitable for spraying even near the time of harvest. The significant advantage lies in the water-based nature of our solution, enabling easy integration into current farming practices.

What inspired you to start greEnCAP?

As scientists, nothing gives us more satisfaction than seeing our own research being implemented and used for the benefit of society. To make it more exciting, we decided to give it a try ourselves. We are fully aware that this is a complex industry to enter and probably a time-consuming one too. Nevertheless, we believe every step taken, even if small, takes us closer to our goal of making food safer to consume, a vision with which we started greEnCAP.

Who is your target group?

Our target group consists of vegetable and fruit growers who regularly spray pesticides on their plants to prevent pathogen attacks. However, the repeated use of these fungicides often leads to resistance issues, rendering these solutions ineffective. We aim to reach our target group through our customers, distributors, and trading agencies, who frequently provide advice to farmers and growers regarding suitable products. Our first product is specifically designed to combat Botrytis, a fungal pathogen that causes molds on strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and various other fruits and vegetables.

What impact do you want your startup to have on agriculture?

GreEnCAP's biodegradable encapsulation technology can have a profound impact on agriculture with various encapsulation opportunities for developing fertilizers, pesticides, and plant growth regulators. As mentioned before, our technology can reduce the risk of accidental exposure to harmful chemicals for farmers and farmworkers during handling and application, while also protecting sensitive active ingredients. The biodegradable nature of the technology leads to the degradation of our products into harmless by-products, thus reducing environmental impact. Overall, we aim to provide our farmers with sustainable solutions that are safe and effective to use, while also being safe for consumption.

Why did you apply for the RootCamp startup program?

We are utilizing encapsulation technology to develop innovative biopesticide solutions. Recognizing the formidable challenges of entering the industry with numerous competitors and a complex regulatory process, we have actively sought an opportunity to join an AgTech-specific accelerator/incubator program. This program can provide valuable support in refining our business model and enhancing our industry access. Upon discovering the RootCamp accelerator program, we immediately recognized it as an exceptional opportunity. The exhilaration of being selected and now being a part of this program is truly fulfilling.

Apply now for RootCamp Batch #5

If you are a budding entrepreneur with a passion for AgTech or Bioeconomy and a vision to revolutionize the agricultural sector, we encourage you to take the next step in your startup journey. Don't miss the opportunity to apply for the RootCamp accelerator program that can provide valuable support, mentorship, and industry access to help bring your innovative ideas to life. Submit your application by August 1st. 

RootCamp startup Grassa from the Netherlands is transforming the agricultural landscape by maximizing the potential of green biomass and creating a sustainable circular economy. In this article, we explore how Grassa's circularity concept works, the environmental benefits of using grass as a protein source, their contributions to a sustainable circular economy, and their future plans for expanding their impact.

CEO of Grassa Rieks Smook from the Netherlands at the RootCamp headquarters.

Traditional livestock farming heavily relies on imported soy as a protein source. How does Grassa's circularity concept offer a more sustainable solution for protein production?

Grassa maximizes the productivity of existing land by utilizing green biomass, which currently has limited use. Through this process, we are able to extract green protein, sugars, minerals, and open fibers. Notably, the green protein derived from this biomass contains 17% more essential amino acids than soy, making it an ideal locally grown, plant-based protein for human consumption and a viable alternative to soy in animal feed.

To establish our green refinery infrastructure, we will leverage the existing harvesting infrastructure for grass, which happens to be the largest cultivated crop in Europe, accounting for one-third of all crops. The extensive harvesting season of grass, coupled with its widespread cultivation, provides us with a readily available resource. By using grass as our raw material, we can make the most of the entire plant, including its fiber component known as opened grass. This fiber product is just as effective as the original grass in terms of milk production, but with reduced emissions of ammonia and phosphate.

By implementing the Grassa process on less than 25% of the current grassland, we can generate a sufficient amount of locally grown protein to replace the need for soy imports entirely. This means that the alternative to soy is already present on the land; it simply requires proper harvesting and processing.

What are some of the key environmental benefits of using grass as an alternative protein source?

At least 50% more food can be harvested from the same area of grassland when utilizing Grassa's infrastructure. By incorporating other forms of green biomass, such as horticulture and sugar beets, we can generate an even greater supply of high-quality protein without requiring additional land usage. These additional food products have a low carbon footprint since they do not require additional land, and they effectively replace imported foods with high environmental footprints, such as soy.

Moreover, the sugars and minerals derived from this process are applied more efficiently, using precision fertilization techniques that prevent spillage into groundwater and minimize waste. The opened fiber, when digested by bacteria, exhibits significantly better efficiency compared to unprocessed fiber. This enhances various applications like composting, fermentation, and biogas production, resulting in improved yields and efficiency.

Regarding the opened grass fiber, cows, or more specifically, the bacteria within the cows, digest the grass more effectively. As a result, the extraction of green protein from grass does not hinder milk production; instead, it enhances nitrogen efficiency and reduces ammonia emissions.

Describe how you contribute to a sustainable circular economy with Grassa?

Circular economy explanation based on the example of grassa's product. Graphic: Grassa

The image above illustrates the circularity of the process. In summary, the proteins that would have been processed by cows in their manure are now extracted before the cows consume the grass. The fibers have been optimized to improve efficiency, allowing the cows to produce the same amount of milk while emitting fewer greenhouse gases and reducing nitrogen content in the manure. The extracted grass protein is then used in human food and monogastric animal feed, replacing the need for soy imports.

Although the animals will still produce manure, this manure will now originate locally instead of being linked to the origin of soy. It is important to bring this manure back to the grassland to complete the circular system. By reducing the amount of cow manure, which contains nitrogen, and incorporating grass protein-based manure from monogastric animals, we can close the nitrogen cycle. This ensures a sustainable and self-sufficient process.

How does the technology behind extracting surplus proteins from grass work, and what are the main challenges you faced during the development process?

Through a natural process of pressing, heating and filtering, Grassa unlocks the full nutritional value of grass. Photo: Grassa

The technology used in extracting surplus involves a process of pressing, heating, and filtering. The key lies in applying the appropriate pressure to the specific biomass to achieve high protein yield and open fibers. Filtration techniques are continually evolving, with ongoing advancements in the field. Currently, the green juice containing proteins still requires heating for extraction, but new filtration methods are being developed to enable protein extraction without this heating step. This non-heating extraction method enhances the functional properties of the protein and reduces the energy requirements for extraction. One of the significant challenges in the process is managing the substantial amount of water involved and addressing the logistical aspects of handling the fresh biomass.

What makes RootCamp interesting for your startup?

Many challenges in the Netherlands are similar to those in Germany. The concept requires all the support it can get, particularly from established agricultural companies. Rootcamp serves as a gateway to German strategic investors for Grassa. Through Rootcamp's partners and network, Grassa has the opportunity to attract German investors, which would greatly facilitate the rollout of the concept in a German context.

Looking ahead, what are your future plans and aspirations for Grassa? How do you envision the role of alternative proteins, such as grass protein, in the global food landscape?

We envision an agricultural system that goes beyond harvesting and processing just the seeds, roots, and fruits of plants. Our vision includes harnessing the nutrients from green biomass as well. In the next 10 years, it will become commonplace to bio-refine a portion of the grass, alongside the traditional practice of silaging the entire grass. This expanded infrastructure will also be utilized to process other biomass, increasing efficiency and adding more value to agricultural practices.

A significant part of the grass and other green protein will be utilized as human food, contributing to the protein transition (Phase 1). The remaining portion will be used as locally grown feed for our animals, supporting the protein transition (Phase 2) in animal farming. Sugars and minerals will be applied precisely where they are needed the most, optimizing their use and minimizing waste. Additionally, the opened fiber will enhance bacterial digestion processes such as composting, biogas digestion, and animal digestion, making them more efficient.

By harnessing the power of green biomass and implementing a sustainable circular economy, Grassa is paving the way for a more efficient and environmentally friendly protein production system. If you are a startup looking to make a meaningful impact in the agricultural sector, seize the opportunity to be a part of the new RootCamp batch. Applications are now open until August 1st.

In this interview, we delve into the innovative world of RootCamp climate tech startup Poás Bioenergy. Poás Bioenergy has developed groundbreaking technology that converts agricultural waste into valuable resources, including biochar and syngas. With a mission to reshape the perception of waste and drive the transition away from fossil fuels, Poás Bioenergy is paving the way for a circular economy in the AgTech and Bioeconomy sectors.

Sofía Camarero and Jose Alfaro, the founders of Poás Bioenergy, introduce their groundbreaking technology that transforms agricultural waste into biochar and syngas. Photo: Poás Bioenergy

Please explain how Poás Bioenergy's gasification technology converts agricultural waste into biochar and synthesis gas?

Biomass gasification is a process in which organic materials are transformed into a gas mixture called syngas or synthesis gas through a series of chemical reactions. Poás Bioenergy's reactor provides the high-temperature and oxygen-limited environment required for these reactions to occur, allowing the biomass to decompose and release gasses, including carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane. Our gasification technology optimizes not only for energy production but also for biochar production. The biochar is accumulated in a chamber as the syngas is continuously produced. We utilize our technology to upcycle abundant and problematic organic materials, such as agricultural wastes from crops like coffee and pineapple. To ensure proper processing, our system includes a biomass pretreatment unit to extract water from these wastes before they enter the gasification reactor.

How does the production of biochar and synthesis gas contribute to the regeneration of soils and the sequestration of carbon?

This is mainly achieved by our focus on optimizing biochar production. The use of biochar dates back thousands of years and has a rich history across different cultures. More recently, interest in biochar has grown due to its potential as a tool for carbon sequestration and regenerative agriculture. Biochar is a highly stable form of carbon that offers multiple environmental benefits.

Prototype of Poás Bioenergy gasification technology. Photo: Poás Bioenergy

By adding biochar to the soil, carbon dioxide that was absorbed by the biomass is removed from the atmosphere and stored in the soil, contributing to the mitigation of climate change. There is robust evidence and a high scientific consensus that biochar can effectively store carbon away from the atmosphere for centuries. Additionally, when incorporated into agricultural soils, biochar improves water retention, nutrient availability, and soil structure. It acts as a sponge, absorbing water and nutrients that can then be slowly released to plants, thereby reducing the need for irrigation and fertilizer application.

In our case, as we utilize agricultural wastes and divert these materials from field burning or anaerobic decomposition, biochar production helps to avoid methane emissions, pests, and other environmental hazards.

What potential applications do you see for the syngas produced by your technology?

With our technology, we aim to reshape the perception of waste and leverage it to create a circular economy while transitioning away from fossil fuels. Syngas is a prime example of this, as it can effectively replace fuels such as natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas in various thermal applications and internal combustion engines. In Costa Rica, most agribusinesses rely on fossil fuels for their operations. This presents a significant opportunity for us, as it is challenging to decarbonize dryers, boilers, and kilns, and electrification of this machinery is currently not a viable option due to high electricity costs and the associated capital expenditures. Moreover, syngas can be utilized in the production of specialty chemicals, and we intend to explore these applications in the future.

Do you have any new projects or developments in the pipeline that you can share with us?

We are thrilled to announce that we have signed two letters of intent to initiate our first pilot operations in Costa Rica, focusing on the coffee and pineapple sectors. Our first pilot project will be in collaboration with Good Liquorworks, an independent company specializing in climate-positive spirits derived from overlooked agricultural byproducts and innovative ingredients. Together, we will establish an operation to process 6000 tons per year of coffee fruit pulp waste. The extracted sugar-rich water will be supplied to Good Liquorworks for the production of bioethanol, while the remaining dry solids will be used to produce biochar to meet the thermal demand of Good Liquorworks' distillery.

Our second pilot project will be implemented as part of a UNDP GEF-financed initiative aimed at eliminating persistent organic pollutants emitted during current field burning practices in pineapple cultivation. In this project, we will process pineapple waste from Nicoverde, a local pineapple producer and partner. Nicoverde aims to purchase biochar and thermal energy for their own consumption.

What are the advantages for corporates in partnering and collaborating with startups like Poás Bioenergy?

The startup ecosystem is at the forefront of innovation and can bring fresh ideas, technologies, and approaches to the table. Moreover, startups often possess unique insights and have access to markets that large corporations have yet to penetrate. Additionally, startups tend to be more agile in navigating these markets. In our case, we offer market intelligence and an established network in the pineapple and coffee sectors in Costa Rica. We strongly believe that by collaborating with startups, companies can unlock synergies and effectively develop new products, services, or business models that benefit both parties and generate overall value.

Why did you apply for the RootCamp Accelerator program?

We strongly resonated with RootCamp's goal of disrupting the agricultural value chain and recognized the tremendous benefits of participating in their accelerator program, which focuses on AgTech and Bioeconomy innovation – our specific sector. As a startup based in the United States with operations in Latin America, we saw the opportunity to expand our network in Europe through RootCamp, connecting us with experts, investors, and corporate partners in a region that is highly relevant to us. Europe leads the way in bioeconomy initiatives and represents a significant market for both coffee and pineapple. European stakeholders, therefore, play a crucial role in the value chains in which we operate.

➡️ RootCamp is delighted to support Poás Bioenergy's mission and invites all AgTech and Bioeconomy startups with to apply for the next batch of the RootCamp acceleration program. Don't miss this opportunity to join a network of experts, investors, and corporate partners while accelerating your impact. Applications are open until August 1st.

In the fast-paced world of startups, where groundbreaking innovations are sprouting like never before, getting your company's name out there is more critical than ever. While having an exceptional product is undoubtedly essential, the true path to success lies in capturing the attention of the right audience. That's where the power of PR and media features comes into play. As a founder, gaining exposure for your startup is crucial for success. Getting featured in prominent media outlets not only helps you build credibility but also attracts potential investors, partners, and customers. In this article, we will introduce you to 10 must-know (Agtech) startup publications that can provide the perfect platform for showcasing your startup. Let's dive in!

In the face of the pressing challenges affecting agriculture, the need for innovative solutions has never been more apparent. The new batch of Innovation Hub RootCamp has kicked-off, welcoming a cohort of seven highly promising international startups with breakthrough solutions in the field of circular economy, biodiversity and alternative proteins. During the intense 12-week program, the startups will receive individual support and resources to scale their solutions. RootCamp is backed by leading Agtech players such as the fertilizer and salt producer K+S, the seed producer KWS and the chemical company SKW Stickstoffwerke Piesteritz. Further support is provided by hannoverimpuls, DLG, the German AgriFood Society and DLG.

Let us introduce you to the seven startups of RootCamp Batch#4, who are breaking ground in agtech with their unique and sustainable solutions.

For the upcoming batch we received an overwhelming number of applications from 72 different countries, a new record. The number of applications has significantly increased by 84% compared to the previous batch, reflecting a growing awareness and recognition of the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. This increase in applications also points to a wider reach beyond Europe, which is a positive development for the promotion of sustainable agriculture globally.

Regularly, we want to present to you the startups that are part of the RootCamp accelerator startup program. In theinterview series, we introduce you to the founders, their innovative technology, and how RootCamp has taken the startup to the next level.  The benefits of regenerative agriculture are becoming increasingly clear, with its potential to provide economic, environmental, and social advantages. A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group has estimated that shifting to regenerative agriculture in Germany could result in a total economic value of approximately €8.5 billion per year, primarily due to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improved soil capacity, and enhanced water quality. Seqana, a startup specializing in satellite imagery, is playing a crucial role in supporting multiple regenerative projects in Germany and beyond.

Read below the interview with Jakob Levin, co-founder of Seqana. 

Seqana was part of RootCamp Batch#3. Photo: Seqana Team

Describe what your startup does.

Our goal is to unlock soil carbon for nature-based solutions, such as insetting and offsetting projects, by creating a revolutionary Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system that is satellite-based and currently unavailable in the market. MRV is a critical part of natural climate solutions (NCS), and often the most costly. 

Our innovative MRV system uses satellite imagery to dramatically reduce the cost of soil sampling. In addition, leverage satellite imagery to complete the soil organic carbon (SOC) analysis process 60 times faster than current solutions. By providing accurate and reliable data on soil carbon, we can make nature-based solutions more accessible and cost-effective for businesses and governments seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. Our solution is not only environmentally sustainable, but also economically viable, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to invest in climate action.

How does your technology bring positive change to agriculture?

Soil carbon is not the most exciting aspect of agriculture. It is just one parameter. But it is a convenient proxy for indicating soil health, water retention, resilience to drought, and heavy rain porosity. Effective mitigation of climate change requires the adoption of clean energy and the removal of atmospheric carbon. One promising strategy for increasing carbon sinks and reducing emissions is the cultivation of soil carbon due to its benefits for agriculture. However, the practical application of soil carbon climate strategies lags behind their potential due to the lack of clarity around the magnitude of the opportunity and how to best capitalize on it. To overcome this hurdle, it is crucial to explore innovative approaches and strategies that prioritize the development and implementation of soil carbon climate solutions. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of soil carbon as a climate mitigation tool and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

At Seqana we empower climate positive land use managers to conduct analyses of soil organic carbon (SOC) with ease and efficiency. One way that we help is by measuring, we can make carbon financing more accessible to projects which benefit the transition of agriculture. We can also encourage supply chain resilience by making harvest more predictable because the soil is healthier.

Tell us why Nature Climate Solutions (NSCs) are the future for climate action?

Natural climate solutions refer to a set of conservation, restoration, and land management measures aimed at increasing carbon storage or reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These solutions, when combined with clean energy innovations and other strategies to decarbonize global economies, represent some of the most effective options available for combating climate change. 

NSCs are becoming increasingly important in the fight against climate change because they offer numerous advantages over traditional approaches. Firstly, NSCs are typically more cost-effective than many other climate mitigation strategies. Our solution for example costs 10 times less than current alternatives. At the same time, NCS brings environmental, social and economic benefits and can thus contribute to strengthening resilience.

At Seqana, we have developed a state-of-the-art technology that not only accelerates the MRV process but comes at a lower price tag. We are convinced that this technology can spur permitting of NCS projects to keep up with the growing demand for carbon removal.

Why did you decide to apply for RootCamp?

One of the key benefits of the RootCamp accelerator program is the direct line to some of the biggest agricultural players like K+S and the unique chance to conduct pilot projects. This is crucial for startups like us. Working with established companies through pilot projects provide startups with valuable insights into how larger companies operate, what they look for in potential partners or suppliers, and how they make decisions. This information helps us to better understand the needs and preferences of the target customers. 

How did RootCamp help you with your business?

As a RootCamp startup alumni, we highly recommend joining the RootCamp accelerator program for any aspiring entrepreneur looking to accelerate their growth and take their startup to the next level. We are incredibly thankful for the strong connections and pleased to have the great opportunity to implement pilot projects with the RootCamp partners, KWS and KS. Overall the program was a great package of networking, mentorship, personal coaching and incentives, all of which helped us optimize our product and processes and reach milestones faster.

Stefan Gönner (Founder of Seqana) Pitching at RootCamp

What are your plans for the near future?

We are planning to raise a seed investment. The next financing round will be this year, which we are preparing for at the moment. Furthermore, we are deploying projects in more than 10 countries, and signed an open letter to the EU Commission calling for an ambitious and progressive soil health law. Healthy soils are fundamental to achieving the targets of the European Green Deal and the transition to asustainable food system. The health of European soils is rapidly degrading. An ambitious Soil Health Law is urgently needed. 

To support this, the Soil Health Law Coalition and signatories are offering to share their expertise and provide more detailed political, economic, technological, and legal analysis as needed. 

➡️ Do you want to level upyour startuplike Seqana and benefit from the unique ecosystem of innovation hub RootCamp? Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on LinkedInto not miss the next application deadline for batch #5. 

Since 2018, Lower Saxony has been supporting the establishment of startup centers and is now funding ten such centerswith 2.31 million euros from 2023 to 2025. The eligible total costs are covered 50 percent by the state. We are thrilled to announce that RootCamp is among the selected startup centers to receive funding. We are very pleased and excited about this opportunity, which will enable us to further expand our acceleration program and support even more startups in Lower Saxony and beyond.

As the world continues to face mounting environmental challenges, such as greenhouse gas emissions, loss of biodiversity, and land degradation, the need for sustainable solutions has become more pressing than ever before. One of the key areas that requires attention is the current linear material flow, which poses a significant challenge in achieving sustainability. Nutrients are critical for crop production, and with reserves of essential nutrients like phosphorus estimated to be fully exploited by the end of the century, waste streams must be reused to provide future raw materials. In this blog article, we'll explore why nutrient recycling and innovations in the circular economy are crucial in coping with increasing environmental problems and how they can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Get to know cutting-edge approaches 👇.

Agriculture technology is an innovative field that combines cutting-edge technology to create sustainable and efficient solutions. With the growth of agtech startups, there are now numerous events that showcase the latest developments in the industry. To help you to navigate the vast amount of startup events, we have compiled 10 startup events with focus on agriculture for 2023 that you don’t want to miss!

Regularly, we want to present to you the startups that are part of the RootCamp accelerator startup program. In our blog interview series, we introduce you to the founders, their innovative technology, and how RootCamp has taken the startup from Latvia to the next level. Get to know Biorefic of Batch#3.

Emils Paupe-Balodis Co-Founder of Biorefic at the Demo-days in Hannover

What does your startup do?

Biorefic develops technology for upcycling agricultural residues to advanced prebiotic ingredients for feed and food sectors. We unlock the value in biomass by extracting a unique, synergistic prebiotic compound. The technology is scalable, cost-effective and can be backward integrated into existing processing operations.

Can you give us an example of a product produced by Biorefic and its applications?

The technology of Biorefic is based on a process called biorefinery. It involves breaking down the biomass into small particles and then converting it into desired end products using microorganisms, enzymes, and chemicals. This process is energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective as it utilizes waste that would otherwise be disposed of. An example of a product is bioethanol. It is derived from agricultural waste such as grain and plant residue and can be used as fuel for cars and in the chemical industry. Another example is bioplastic, made from biodegradable materials and providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic products.

How does your technology bring positive change to agriculture?

Biorefic is the enabler of true circularity. We are the link between the agri-food operators that generate significant volumes of underutilized agricultural residues, and animal feeds ingredient producers, seeking effective yet cost-competitive gut health solutions for ever-growing animal produce demand and challenges. We must tap into the available resources and bring them into agri-food systems to meet the ever-growing need for food.

Why did you decide to apply for RootCamp?

Germany is one of the agricultural hubs in Europe and it is important for us to establish networks as well as collaborations here for future opportunities. RootCamp was a perfect opportunity. The startup accelerator program provides grants with an amazing curriculum and mentors while being absolutely equity-free. We are also looking forward to collaborating with one of the industry partners.

How has participating in our accelerator program helped you with your business? 

RootCamp has helped us to clarify what potential investors are looking for, and how they are thinking, which has allowed us to clarify our development strategy and narrow the focus on things that truly matter for achieving growth as fast as possible. Moreover, it has been an absolute privilege to learn from the amazing colleagues from the other startups in the batch.

What are your plans for the near future?

We want to gather data to validate our products functionality and improve our technology’s defensibility. In addition, we have identified the pet food ingredients segment as a beachhead market, where production scale is not a prohibitive factor to set up pilot projects with industry partners. After these milestones, we would initiate the funding round to establish our own pilot production facility.

➡️ Do you want to level upyour startuplike Biorefic and benefit from our  unique ecosystem of innovation hub RootCamp? Subscribe to our newsletter and stay on track for the next application deadline.

You came across our startup program and wonder how your startup will benefit from participating? We often receive questions from later stage startups asking whether they fit into the program and what added value the participation has. In this article, we present to you 9 powerful arguments why established startups should definitely apply for our program. Let's go!

EuroTier/EnergyDecentral is the leading livestock and energy fair organized by DLG (German Agricultural Society/Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft) every two years in Hanover. Over 1,800 exhibitors from 57 countries were present and around 106,000 visitors from 141 countries come by. An impressive performance for the first EuroTier after 4 years break due to a COVID-19!

Regularly we want to present to you the startups that are part of the RootCamp accelerator startup program. In this interview series, we introduce you to the founders, their innovative technology, and how RootCamp has taken the startup to the next level. Get to know Cynomys of batch #3.

What does your startup do?

Cynomys has patented an IoT solution to monitor the environment on the farm, we have overcome technical difficulties that have allowed us to be the only ones able to accurately and continuously monitor environmental parameters such as fine dust, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, or methane. Our solution allows us to monitor over 30 environmental parameters according to the customer's needs, furthermore for greater accuracy of the data all our devices are calibrated in a certified laboratory.

How does your technology bring positive change to agriculture?

With precise environmental data, it is possible to improve farms’ efficiency, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, decrease mortality, increase productivity and reduction in the use of antibiotics are just some of the goals achieved by our customers. We work together with pharmaceutical industries, feed industries, and agri-food companies to improve and make current farming practices more sustainable.

Why did you decide to apply for the Innovation Hub RootCamp?

We believe that the best way to grow is the comparison in the dynamic ecosystems such as RootCamp. The startup accelerator program, despite being very complete, structured, and intense, is also designed to leave free time for startups that are already operational, and we are proud to have been selected. We also want to help livestock farming to be more sustainable in respect of animal welfare and in Europe, Lower Saxony is certainly one of the best places to start.

How has participating in our accelerator program helped you with your business? 

We have significantly expanded our network with exciting realities and we are already working to realize 3 new projects with companies and startups in the RootCamp ecosystem.

Enrico Carta (Co-founder of Cynomys) at the demo days of batch #3.

What are your plans for the near future?

We definitely want to close the investment round and expand our market by hiring new people in sales. Thanks to the many possibilities presented to us, we are also evaluating the possibility of opening a branch in the Hanover area.

➡️ Do you want to level up your startup like Cynomys and benefit from the unique ecosystem of innovation hub RootCamp? Click here to drop off your application for batch #4. Deadline to apply ends on 16th January 2023.

Regularly, we want to present to you the startups that are part of the RootCamp accelerator startup program. In this interview series, we introduce you to the founders, their innovative technology, and how RootCamp has taken the startup to the next level. Get to know VetVise of batch#3.

From left to right: Jakob Wendt (CTO – Background in Machine Learning & Datacenter Security), Johannes Schmidt-Mosig (data-driven veterinarian from TiHo Hannover), and Norman Caspari (Business Development & Administration). 

What does your startup do?

VetVise puts the animal back at the center of pig and poultry farming. We care for the well-being of all animals by continuously monitoring them with cameras and AI to recommend actions that improve animal welfare and farm efficiency. AI analysis and linking with other data, such as slaughter data, optimize the entire value chain. We use cheap and off-the-shelf hardware for EdgeComputing to automate and objectify the stable management of the future. As a team, we are extremely diverse with very different professional backgrounds with the common goal to bring real benefit to the farmer. 

How does your technology bring positive change to agriculture?

VetVise helps farmers demonstrate compliance and improvement in animal welfare to the public and improve resource use. For example, the temperature in the barn is controlled according to what is optimal for the animals. Too cold would be bad for animal welfare and too warm would mean a waste of resources. This improves farm efficiency. The animal and its needs are the center of attention again - even if it is in a large barn.

Why did you decide to apply for the Innovation Hub RootCamp?

As a Hanoverian startup, we had already heard a lot of good things about RootCamp, which is located in Hanover. Before the application, we realized that we had to keep learning and professionalizing in order to continue to be successful. Within 1.5 years, we grew from 3 founders to a team with 15 people. 

How has participating in our accelerator program helped you with your business? 

We have learned how to professionalize our structures and hired for example some more people for the back office. The weekly coaching sessions are extremely helpful. As a result, we can start the next growth step in a few weeks. The extraordinary practical experience of the RootCamp team has also given us a lot of food for thought about the next to-do's.

Norman Caspari (Co-founder of Vetvise) at the demo days of batch#3.

What are your plans for the near future?

At the moment our focus is on establishing structures, hiring, and onboarding new team colleagues. After that, we will start with another financing round and want to begin with the first major customer outside of Central Europe in Q4.

➡️ Do you want to level up your startup like VetVise and benefit from the unique ecosystem of innovation hub RootCamp? Click here to drop off your application for batch #4. Deadline to apply ends on 16th January 2023.

The global livestock sector contributes to a significant share of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and efforts to reduce the sector’s emissions and its environmental footprint have accelerated. Technologies and practices that help reduce emissions exist, and their adoption and use by the majority of the world’s producers can significantly mitigate the impact of climate change. In addition, the European Commission through the Green Deal has set a series of targets including the no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050, helping companies to become world leaders in clean products and technologies, and supporting economic growth decoupled from resource use. But what does it mean in practice? How is the national or European regulatory framework shaping climate-smart livestock? 

The livestock sector faces enormous environmental challenges like high emissions, water and land usage, as well as changes in consumer behavior and the increasing importance of animal welfare. To be in line with the climate objectives, emissions need to be reduced significantly. As part of the BLIVE project, Innovation Hub RootCamp collected seven best practices that are improving the management of livestock farm.

After almost two long years of digital batches and events, Batch #3 ended with not only one but even two in-person Demo Days in a row! Startups, corporates, investors and other experts gathered on the 30th and 31st of August at the RootCamp headquarters in Hanover. This article gives you a deep dive into carbon farming.

After three months of intensive work, the RootCamp Acceleration Program Batch #3 reached its end. To complete this amazing journey, we organized not only one but 2 Demo Days onsite in Hanover with focus on livestock farming and carbon farming.

Transforming the livestock sector

Together with the German AgriFood Society, we are implementing the BLIVE project to boost innovation and start building a pan-European network in the livestock sector. Increased global demand from the society for better animal welfare, improved sustainability across the livestock value chain, as well as the effect of the climate change are only a few of the challenges the livestock sector is facing. Innovation is key and will remain essential to address these challenges, and to ensure the contribution of the sector to the global food and nutrition security. To support farmers in this process, new disruptive innovations are emerging. Technologies to monitor animal health and welfare, prevent disease outbreaks, and optimise animal nutrition are now available. Let's have a look at some of them.

Showcase time for RootCamp Startups

On the first Demo Day, the following startups from the current batch had the chance to present their innovative technology:

BIALTEC

BIALTEC, a startup based in Colombia, designs, and produces microencapsulated precision microbiomes for animal feed, which are capable of reconfiguring the intestinal microbiome by improving the animal feed conversion and gut health, maximizing the absorption of nutrients and minimizing the environmental impact. 

Biorefic

Biorefic from Latvia works on a next-generation biorefinery technology for producing from agri-food fibers advanced prebiotic ingredients and microbial Omega-3 fatty acids. The ultimate gut microbiome enhancing ingredient, resulting from this process, improves animals’ health and immunity and boost their performance.

Cynomys

Cynomys based in Italy, developed and patented a IoT monitoring system able to measure more than thirty parameters related to air quality (e.g., ammonia, CO₂), energy and water consumption, and provides livestock farmers with real-time data to monitor farm's performance and to plan corrective actions.

VetVise

VetVise located in Germany, developed a Machine Learning (AI) supported early warning systems based on 2D camera data. With this system, swine and poultry farmers are able to observe 24/7 their animals at the farm, assess animal behavior, and receive alerts related to feeding problems, tail biting, ventilation failure, among others.

Need for innovation and collaboration in the livestock sector

Ana Granados, Vice President of the Animal Task Force, presented the work of this European Public-Private Partnership that brings together the actors of the European livestock sector to draw a common view for a sustainable, competitive, and diverse livestock production sector in the EU through innovation and knowledge transfer. During her intervention, she mentioned some of the ongoing European initiatives such as Green Deal, Farm to Fork, and COP26 that are shaping the European livestock farming. She also highlighted the importance of collaboration among all actors in research, innovation, food production, policymakers towards a circular and sustainable food systems.

Additional inputs about the challenges and future of livestock farming were discussed during the panel moderated by Julia Köhn, from the German AgriFood Society. Wolfgang Heinzl, Director Business Development of the PHW Group; Lars Abraham, Co-Funder and CEO of dropnostix; and Philipp Rittershaus, Managing Director of RootCamp talked about the reduction of meat consumption in Europe due to the availability of alternative protein-based products. However, they agreed that livestock might continue to exist in Europe as an essential part of the food system, and the demand for high quality as well as local produced meat will remain. Startup driven innovation on livestock and investments in this sector are underdeveloped. Therefore, startups that can deliver added-value solutions to meet the sector needs could play an important role in attracting more investments and forming the future of livestock. In this sense, the panelists also emphasized the need for innovation in livestock and a legal framework that allows farmers to produce more efficiently and remain competitive compared with other regions. They also concluded that livestock farmers deserve more respect and recognition for the important work they are doing.

What’s next in the innovation hub?

The Demo Days of Batch#3 were a success, and we brought together many different experts. The conversation about livestock farming does not end here. If you are interested in knowing more about climate change and how livestock innovations can help with it, check out this blog article.

Last but not least we will attend EuroTier, the leading international trade fair for professional animal farming and livestock management, happening in Hanover, Germany, between the 15th and 18th of November 2022. Looking forward to meeting you!

As a startup, you may be challenged with questions regarding the right social media marketing for your business. Uncertainties determine the everyday life of young founders. Fast and sustainable growth only works with successful marketing. Especially for startups that have not been established on the market for long, a good marketing strategy is essential. What good is the best product if no one knows about it? The marketing sector is in a constant state of flux. If you want to approach your customers not only in a targeted way, but also in a state-of-the-art manner, you have to keep an eye on the trends.

From April to September 2022, RootCamp in partnership with the German AgriFood Society is implementing the BLIVE project to boost innovation and start building a pan-European network in the livestock sector. The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, through the SERVICE Open Call issued and executed by the SmartAgriHubs (Grant Agreement No 818182). This is the first public grant that RootCamp receives.

Get to know Caspar Olenhusen! He is one of RootCamp's startup coaches, with a passion for agriculture since his childhood. During his career in different countries like the USA and the UK, he collected a wide amount of knowledge and know-how to coach startups in the agribusiness and agtech scene.

For Batch#3 we got 250 applications from 58 countries worldwide! We are extremely grateful for your interest in our program and the choice was definitely not easy for us.
Together with our partners, we have selected seven promising startups. The business ideas are driven by innovative technologies with a major impact on the agricultural industry. In the coming months our mentors, corporate partners and industry experts will work with the startups on many different topics as part of our acceleration program.

Let's have a look on RootCamp Batch#3 👇

AgriCircle

AgriCircle makes sustainable food production measurable and delivers application maps for resource efficient fertilization via API. Together with farmers and food processors they fight for more soil vitality, biodiversity and a more efficient and sustainable use of resources in agriculture. The startup from Switzerland provides automated and outcome based measures for regenerative agriculture. Their solutions deliver highly accurate and economically viable measures to quantify sustainability and to improve productivity in one go.

Bialtec SAS

The biotech startup comes from Colombia. Bialtec SAS designs and produces microencapsulated precision microbiomes capable of reconfiguring the intestinal microbiome into a more efficient and healthy one. With an office in the Netherlands, will seek to position itself in Europe.

Biorefic

They are developing a next-generation biorefinery technology platform for advanced prebiotic ingredients and microbial Omega-3 fatty acids while enhancing food security by upcycling agri-residues into animal feed. Their prebiotic is the ultimate gut microbiota enhancing ingredient that improves the health, immunity and boosts the performance of animals. The algal omega-3 lipids are a sustainable replacement to fish oil, essential to avoid depleting marine resources. They come from Latvia. 

Climate Farmers

Based in Berlin the startups mission is reversing climate change through regenerative agriculture. Climate Farmers enables an effective carbon market for agriculture through the development of soil carbon monitoring systems to enable farmers to transition to regenerative practices. The technology at the core of Climate Farmers allows for remote, continuous and low-cost monitoring. Satellite data is processed based on scientific algorithmic models and machine learning, enabling continuously higher quality results with growing data sets and lower costs. This builds trust in the reliability of agricultural soil as carbon sinks and allows to funnel a larger margin of profit to farmers directly.

Cynomys srl

We are the promoters of conscious, sustainable and animal welfare-oriented livestock farming with our patented IoT solution for environmental impact monitoring in animal farms: the Cynomys Livestock System. Cynomys srl are the sole company to provide full, comprehensive monitoring of environmental parameters and energy and water consumption in animal housing with a single, self-contained IOT device. The devices are specifically conceived for long time measurements and all their features are designed and built for that very purpose.

Seqana

Seqana is a Berlin-based startup that enables global climate action through satellite-powered insights & monitoring solutions for Soil Organic Carbon. They enable a hands-off approach to MRV (monitor reporting verification), cutting expenses from $5-$10/hectare to $0.05-$1/hectare, and expediting the pathway to credible SOC stocks anywhere on earth. The technology is powered by Earth Observation (public and private) which offers a 10x reduction in cost as compared to current established services. Beyond the MRV bottleneck, their solution can be applied to reduce the time and effort needed to scout new projects by offering a large-scale analysis of state or countrywide SOC levels to help direct new project resources most efficiently.

VetVise

VetVise from beautiful Hanover improves animal welfare and farm efficiency in pig and poultry production by 24/7 video monitoring and real-time Machine-Learning analyzing. They care for the animal from birth to slaughter. AI analysis and linking with other data, such as slaughter data, optimises the entire value chain by giving actionable feedback. They combine usually independent domains in order to achieve more through diversity: Science with Commercialisation, Veterinary/Agricultural Science with Cutting-edge Machine Learning and Theoretical Physics. Using low-cost, off-the-shelf low tech hardware as a basis for high tech algorithms to perform real-time animal behaviour tracking on edge computing to automate and objectify the stable management of the future.

About RootCamp

RootCamp is a multi-partner innovation-hub for technology-oriented startups and intrapreneurs from the agri-food tech and bioeconomy sector. RootCamp is part of the SpinLab Family based in Leipzig and was initiated by K+S AG. It maintains a vibrant ecosystem and can count as partners on KWS, SKW, hannoverimpuls as well as Agritechnica.

We offer different startup programs which run up to twelve months and startups are supported by a grant of up to 50K EUR per team. A fundamental part of the programs is the collaboration between startups and corporate partners to develop new ideas and implement suitable solutions, in the form of pilot projects. The “Acceleration Program” addresses young startups and provides assistance as well as a network of mentors, industry experts and investors. Established startups are taking advantage of the “Fast Track” to rapidly enter collaboration projects with our partners.

The deadline to apply for batch #4 ends on 23rd August!

Young startups face many questions at the beginning of their journey in building a successful business. Uncertainties regarding their business idea, the company presentation to potential investors, product management and employee recruiting determine the everyday life of young founders. Therefore, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of external industry experts in the early stages.

RootCamp supports startups who want to accelerate their paths to market and have a positive impact in the Agritech sector with disruptive solutions. We provide an acceleration curriculum for early stage and fuel later stage startups. We connect you with great hands-on mentors with experience in your industry. Our mentors are well-known experts who support you strategically during the program and help you to solve concrete technical or managerial problems.

Today we want to introduce you to RootCamp mentor Alexandra Vázquez Bea from our network.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Alexandra Vázquez Bea. I hold the position of COO / CFO at Oetker Digital and previous Executive Board member for Finance, Investor Relations, Human Resources and IT at Veganz Group AG. I have over 15 years of professional and leadership experience in the finance and startup fields. Not only that, but I worked in Corporate Finance at NORD/LB for almost seven years before becoming a restructuring consultant at FTI Andersch AG. In this role, I advised on complex restructuring and refinancing projects across Europe. In 2016, I started my own company, LENCHEN – Der Lebkuchen, and led the startup to become a well-established name in the delicatessen pastry sector. Since July 2021, I have been working for Veganz Group AG as the Executive Board member responsible for Finance, IR, Human Resources and IT. Along with my entry came the official kick-off of the company's IPO, which was successfully closed in just under 4.5 months in November 2021. I am an active mentor in the startup scene.

How did you get into the AgriFood Tech industry?

My first contact with the AgriFood Tech industry was through my own startup in the delicacies business. Here I learned a lot about this industry. From the right use of raw materials over product development to the distribution and proper marketing of food products. During this time I was able to build up a good network in the food/agritech startup industry. This ultimately led to my contact with my current employer, Veganz Group AG, and I have remained loyal to the industry within my current position.

What does mentoring mean to you personally?

I have experienced the ups and downs, the ambition, but also the challenges that one is confronted with during the early startup phase myself and have learned lots of lessons during this process. I often recognize my own experiences in the situations of the startups. Furthermore, I am glad to be able to pass on my experience and knowledge to young founders. And I also do learn a lot within a mentoring process. This is a two-way street, and I appreciate the ambition and dedication of the founders to a great extent.

Why did you decide to support RootCamp startups as a mentor?

I think it's great to be able to actively support startups in developing and establishing a working business model. Through my professional experience, I know the food and AgriFood tech industry well. Therefore, RootCamp is a perfect match. Furthermore, RootCamps approach differs a lot from other accelerator programs and with its focus on mentoring gives the right impulses to the startups.

Alexandra has provided great support for our startups, especially in the area of financing.

What requirements do startups need for a successful mentoring relationship?

For a successful mentoring relationship, it is important that the people behind have confidence in their business, in themselves and in the mentoring. They have to be open-minded and willing to closely work together to identify challenges and find solutions. To get it going, of course, a certain enthusiasm and commitment must be present.

➡️ We are constantly looking for individuals willing to support founders that bring a range of skill sets to the table. If you’re interested in being a RootCamp mentor, just shoot a message to Gaia Amatteis.

Traditional multibillion-dollar corporations have dominated the modern economy due to their market access, structured processes, and well-known, trusted products. Uncertainty is being caused by the emergence of new trends, technologies, and market opportunities. In this environment, startups thrive. They are quick, problem-oriented, and fearless, but they lack experience and economy of scale. Collaboration between corporations and startups appears to be a perfect match, but it is not as simple as it sounds. They need help.

Regularly, we want to present you the startups that are part of the RootCamp program. In the interview series we introduce you to the founders, their innovative technology and how RootCamp has taken the startup to the next level. Get to know wiCow of batch #2.

Regularly, we want to present you the startups that are part of the RootCamp program. In the interview series we introduce you to the founders, their innovative technology and how RootCamp has taken the startup to the next level. This time we want to introduce you FibriTech who are part of RootCamp batch #2.

The RootCamp Demo Day is designed as an exchange platform for the agrifood tech scene in which corporations, investors and startups can discuss current topics like sustainability, circular economy, green packaging, digitalization of agriculture, and soil improvement techniques. Let’s see what happened this year and how we celebrated the Batch #2. 

Regularly, we want to present you the startups that are part of the RootCamp program. In this interview series we introduce you to the founders, their innovative technology and how RootCamp has taken the startup to the next level. Get to know Contagra of RootCamp batch #2.

Regularly, we want to present you the startups that are part of the RootCamp program. In this interview series we introduce you to the founders, their innovative technology and how RootCamp has taken the startup to the next level. Get to know DigiFarm of RootCamp batch #2 and its co-founder Nils Helset. 

In their natural environment, plants are part of a rich ecosystem, including the most diverse and complex group ofmicroorganisms in the soil. It has been estimated that a typical gram of soil contains around 90–100 million bacteria and about 200 000 fungi, in addition to other organisms such as archaea, viruses and protozoa, with many of these organisms being located around the roots of the plants. The interactions between plants and soil microbes may be beneficial, harmful or neutral for the plants. However, beneficial soil microbes perform fundamental functions such as nitrogen-fixation, phosphorus solubilization, suppression of pests and pathogens, improvement of plant stress, and decomposition that leads to soil aggregation.

With the increase in the world's population, the demand for food, energy and water is rising as well. However, the resources available are finite and have a limited capacity to meet this growing demand. Globally, around 90 billion tonnes of primary resources are extracted and used each year, with less than 10% being recycled. In addition, agricultural and land-use changes account for around 31% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making the agricultural sector a major contributor to climate change.

Regularly, we want to present you the startups that are part of the RootCamp program. In this interview series we introduce you to the founders, their innovative technology and how RootCamp has taken the startup to the next level. Get to know the robotics startup E-Terry of batch #2.

Modern agriculture is in the process of a technological revolution. Influenced by the growing global demand of sustainable produced food, followed by the increasing costs and shortage of labour, and the regulatory pressure for the reduction of the use of agrochemicals, robotic technology is redefining quickly agricultural production.

Global challenges such as the growing world population (predicted to reach 9 billion by 2050), the increasing demand for food, and climate change are impacting the environment and putting pressure on agriculture. More food and fiber need to be produced by adopting more efficient and sustainable production practices, and by adapting them to the changing environmental conditions. To face these challenges, digital agriculture and agricultural decision-making systems have become very attractive.

Regularly, we want to present you the startups that are part of the RootCamp program. In the interview series we introduce you to the founders, their innovative technology and how RootCamp has taken the startup to the next level. Let's start with GeoPard from Cologne (Germany) of batch #2.

Carbon farming is an agricultural method which aims to sequester atmospheric carbon into the soil as well as into roots, leaves and wood.  It is also known under the term “regenerative agriculture” and includes numerous agricultural methods. 

The development of agriculture has become one of the central issues in society. This is because food production is responsible for one third of annual greenhouse gas emissions and is therefore a key contributor to climate change. Conversely, agriculture suffers from extreme weather conditions and farmers' harvest and livelihoods become increasingly uncertain. 

The fact that one farmer can now feed about 130 people is the result of constant innovation within the last centuries. Just within the last 40 years the techniques of modern biotechnology were added. But how will AgBiotechnology shape the development of the agricultural sector in the future? Can AgBiotechnology help us to feed all the people on earth and at the same time enable an environmentally friendly way of working? Do we have to expect to reach the borders of the laws of physics?

These are questions that we will probably only be able to answer in retrospect many years from now, but one thing is already certain: AgBiotechnology offers many possibilities and startups have a great potential to build a disruptive business and contribute to a more sustainable agriculture.

Biotechnology in general means "any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use". 
For us at RootCamp, AgBiotechnology encompasses more specifically biological and chemical techniques used on-farm including inputs for crops and animal agriculture in general, genetics, microbiomes and breeding.

At RootCamps we catalyze the cooperation of industry and international early stage as well as established startups. To support that, we also aim to build a supportive network and ecosystem.

There are thousands of startup programs in a wide variety of fields. But there are very few for agtech startups. You probably heard about us on social media, somebody introduced you to us, or you ended up at RootCamp by chance. Either way, still need more information about us and our program? Still unsure if you should apply to RootCamp with your startup? Then I have written down 11 reasons why our accelerator program is the right one for you.

And don't forget: the next application deadline is 16th January 2023 and you can't miss it!

"Nothing changes if nothing changes". In order to be able to continue living on our earth, more must be done for the protection of the environment, nature and species. 

Less than a year after opening up, we celebrated the end of the acceleration program with the first Demo Day on March 11th. Over 100 international attendees from the agrifood industry joined the virtual event to hear about our program, see the startups pitch and get more insights on innovation for soil health.

Incubators are great for skyrocketing your business in an environment where coffee machine chit-chat can turn into a once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity. Is it possible to establish this typical atmosphere of a startup community remotely? We found out by doing.

The Berlin-based startup SmartCloudFarming is one of the first who joined RootCamp. Their remote sensing technology provides 3D soil maps about moisture and nutrients as well as soil organic carbon.

Why is that useful? “Imagine the corona-virus can be identified via satellite in real time images. You could find out the values for every city and act accordingly. If you would use the same value and actions for the whole country it would not be effective. The same applies to soil organic carbon. Instead of having one value for five hectares you can get ten values for each hectare using a satellite. Precise and in depth”, explains CEO and plant biotechnologist Michele Bandecchi. Compared to other technologies, they don’t have to collect soil samples, are faster and more scalable.

Sanja Brdar and Oskar Marko from Novi Sad/Serbia are ringing in the next agricultural revolution. Their startup CROPT offers AI solutions for the agriculture of the future which means they use high tech to accelerate the development of the sector with big data, AI, machine learning and similar concepts.

While shaping future developments Oskar looks back at history to explain how this modern technology came into place. Agriculture was shaped by developments like “the Industrial Revolution in the 19th and early 20th century where new tools were developed. During the Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s new fertilizers and pesticides were introduced. All of this was done to increase yield."

Now there is again a pressing need to increase yield: “We need to increase the agricultural production by 70% until the year 2050 and the only technology that can help us today is IT." This is where CROPT comes into place. Their technology analyses data to make precise recommendations on the kind and amount of fertilizer a farmer needs. This way yield goes up and costs go down.

At their former employer BASF, Maik Schacht and Norbert Heidinger worked with an experienced team on making a novel hydrogel that helps plants thrive despite climate-change induced droughts, available to farmers. To get faster and more effective, Maik and Norbert bought the technology and the knowledge from the corporation and founded their own startup Be-Grow as a management buy-out.

On farms the hydrogel makes more water and nutrients available to the plants, which is crucial for the survival of plants in dry summers and to produce more yield. Unlike former similar products, it is completely free of harmful substances and can even be used in combination with fertilizers. The hydrogel is as effective as a greenhouse when growing plants but at low cost for the farmer: “The investment of a farmer to build up a greenhouse is about one million Euro per hectare. In comparison, the cost for Be-Grow Boost products for one hectare is about 250 Euro, which can be easily covered by the additional yield.” This way the product is also affordable for smallholder farmers in poor countries.

When Florian Gösling and David Gebhard went backpacking in India, they didn’t plan to come back with a business idea. But when travelling the country they also visited shrimp farms. While India is the biggest producer of shrimp globally and ships them worldwide, the conditions are not always the best for the animals, the consumers and the environment. So David and Florian decided to find a better solution - even though as a lawyer and an engineer they had nothing to do with the agrifood industry. What got them hooked was the possibility of “creating a positive impact with a product that everybody loves”, says David.