EIT Food TeamUp 2026 programme is open for applications

EIT Food’s Seedbed TeamUp is officially looking for its 2026 cohort. What this edition of TeamUp offers is to match leading technologists with entrepreneurial business professionals, giving them the expert guidance, training, mentorship and funding they need to co-create successful agrifood startups together. 

The programme consists of four phases: 

  1. Application – Participants apply as a technologist, early-stage startup, or business professional. 
  2. Matchmaking – EIT Food facilitates the process of finding the ideal co-founder and creating a team. 
  3. Exploration – Teams receive 3 months of training, coaching, and expert support, plus a €26,000 stipend per team (or a €3,000 individual stipend) to develop their value proposition and business model. 
  4. Graduation – Teams pitch their plans, with the most promising receiving up to €40,000 in funding from EIT Food. 

Deadline for application submission: June 1, 2026. You can apply here. 

If you need any assistance or consultation before applying, please do not hesitate to contact EIT Food Country Representative in Estonia: (Maris Väli-Täht, project manager at Tartu Biotechnology Park)

Useful links: 

FAQ Cheat Sheet 

  • Is it in person? No, the entire programme is delivered fully online. 
  • What is the time commitment? Approximately 10 hours per week, including a 2-3 hour weekly workshop (usually scheduled 16:00–21:00 CET). 
  • Do I keep my IP? Yes, all Intellectual Property rights remain the property of the co-founders. 
  • What is the “SAFE” instrument? It stands for Simple Agreement for Future Equity—a founder-friendly way to receive investment prizes.