Tartu Biotechnology Park Selected as EIT Food Country Representative for Estonia

During the period 2026–2028, Tartu Biotechnology Park will take on the role of EIT Food Country Representative in Estonia, acting as a bridge between the national agrifood community and the wider European EIT Food network.

The EIT Food Country Representative acts as a local point of contact, operating within the EIT Community Hub to strengthen collaboration and ensure a unified presence of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) in Estonia. It collaborates with stakeholders across the agri-food ecosystem, promotes EIT Food programmes, and identifies new opportunities for partnerships and complementary funding sources.

Additionally, it identifies and supports startups and programme participants, guiding them towards relevant EIT Food initiatives, and organizes at least one annual capacity-building activity aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the agrifood sector in Estonia.

It will work closely with key stakeholders to enhance cooperation, increase visibility of EIT Food initiatives, and unlock new collaboration and funding opportunities.

A central focus of this role is to reinforce the Estonian agrifood innovation landscape by fostering stronger links between academia, industry, public sector actors, and startups. Through active engagement and coordination, it will support the integration of local stakeholders into international networks and initiatives.

Tartu Biotechnology Park will actively promote EIT Food’s programmes in innovation, education, and entrepreneurship, encouraging wider participation from organisations, startups, and individuals across Estonia. This includes raising awareness of available opportunities and facilitating access to relevant initiatives.

Another key task is to identify and support promising startups, researchers, and emerging talents, helping them navigate and benefit from EIT Food activities.

To further build capacity within the sector, Tartu Biotechnology Park will organise regular activities such as workshops, hackathons, capacity and knowledge building events aimed at enhancing skills, knowledge, and collaboration within the agrifood community.

In addition, it will continuously explore and initiate new partnerships while identifying complementary funding sources to support innovation and growth in the sector, contributing to a more resilient and competitive agrifood ecosystem in Estonia.