How SMARTERRA is Transforming the Mediterranean Agritech Ecosystem

Southern Italy is rapidly becoming a key European hub for agricultural innovation. As the Horizon Europe-funded project SMARTERRA (powered by SMAFINE) reaches its final stage, we look back at two years of growth, capacity building, and networking. From the Agrifood Summit 2025 in Matera to the international stage of Agritechnica: here is how our startups are redefining the future of farming.

The Mediterranean agritech sector holds immense potential, yet a significant funding gap remains. Over the last 24 months, a consortium of six members from four EU countries worked tirelessly to attract foreign investment and empower local talent. RootCamp took responsibility for knowledge-sharing, ecosystem support, and vital capacity-building initiatives. The journey culminated this October in Italy at the Agrifood Summit 2025, where startups pitched in sessions organized by our team and networked with key industry actors.
We asked a curated selection of our ambassadors to summarize their journey.

1. From Autonomous Driving to Agritechnica: The Anostra Story

Anostra is revolutionizing agriculture by retrofitting existing machinery with autonomous driving technology. For Co-founder and CEO Giuseppe Castelitto, the project was a decisive milestone:

"Smarterra allowed us to connect directly with key stakeholders across Northern Europe. Through RootCamp’s mentorship, we refined our business plan and strengthened our long-term growth vision."

The Highlight: As winners of the Matera pitch session, Anostra represented the project at RootCamp’s RapidFire Pitches at Agritechnica, proving their mission to promote digital transformation in Southern Italy.

2. Satellite Intelligence for "Tropical" Crops: Terroir from Space

Climate change is forcing farmers in Southern Europe to adapt. Alessandro Saetta, CEO of Terroir from Space, uses satellite data to help wine producers identify unused and climate-friendly sites for cultivation. Through SMARTERRA, he discovered a lucrative new business opportunity: "Tropicalism".
By leveraging new connections and inspiration from the RootCamp mentorship, the startup now monitors the growing production of mangoes and avocados in Southern Italy, a project recently recognized by EUSPA. Alessandro is already exploring further collaborations within the network to exploit complementary expertise.

3. Heritage meets Tech: Capperificio CARO & Paesano

Innovation isn't just about satellites; it’s about scaling tradition with a modern mindset.

• Capperificio CARO: For Riccardo Caro, a third-generation caper producer, the project provided the international perspective needed to strengthen the region’s agricultural ecosystem.

• Paesano: The Sicilian liqueur brand used SMARTERRA as a platform to affirm its organic values. Co-founder Giuseppe Cinquerrui emphasizes: "The quality mentorship helped us understand how to grow and innovate without compromising our identity."

4. Agrivanda: A Campus for Future Bioresources

The Agrivanda initiative by the energy company Eni’s foundation  FEEM in Basilicata co-hosted the Agrifood Summit, proving that strategic partnerships between research institutions, authorities, and SMEs are the engine of innovation. Tiziana Perri confirms that the exchange of know-how is essential to address complex challenges. Currently, Agrivanda is planning the  next steps with both Anostra and Terroir from Space, a cooperation formed through the SMARTERRA project.

The Takeaway: Southern Italy as an Emerging Agritech Hub

The SMARTERRA project has proven that with the right tools, networks, and mindset, Southern Europe can lead the way in sustainable farming. By fostering shared knowledge and high-exposure events, we have laid the foundation for a resilient, forward-looking agricultural future.

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The Smarterra activities are funded under the project Smart Agriculture & Food Innovation Ecosystem (SMAFINE) funded by the European Union’s HORIZON EUROPE research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101114215. Views and opinions expressed are however, those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.