Fribourg launches global agrofood challenge

The Agri & Co Challenge is an international call for projects aimed specifically at forward-looking companies operating in the food, agriculture and biomass industries. The 15 most promising projects will share a total of almost 500,000 francs in cash prizes. Are you an innovative company seeking to make an impact in the field of agriculture, […]

The Agri & Co Challenge is an international call for projects aimed specifically at forward-looking companies operating in the food, agriculture and biomass industries. The 15 most promising projects will share a total of almost 500,000 francs in cash prizes.

Are you an innovative company seeking to make an impact in the field of agriculture, food or biomass? Then the State of Fribourg has just launched the perfect initiative for you. The Agri & Co Challenge is an international call for projects aimed at fostering synergies between different sectors and creating new value chains, especially with emerging markets. It will support 15 promising projects, offering up to 500,000 Swiss francs in total alongside several other benefits. The initiative is supported by four of the most prominent Swiss companies in the agrofood sector – Nestlé, Cremo, Fenaco and Micarna. Applications can be submitted from 1 March to 31 May 2018.

Companies from all over the world can choose to apply for the “Relocation” or “Remote Collaboration” program. Under the “Relocation” program, winning companies will be offered premises free of charge for two years at the St-Aubin Innovation Space, a 100-hectare site with office space, production halls, brand new laboratories and wide agricultural land. They will also each receive a cash prize of 30,000 francs, as well as tailored mentoring and coaching. Under the “Remote Collaboration” program, winning companies will be given the opportunity to find out more about the Swiss agrofood network, with a view to developing long-term partnerships with local stakeholders.

The winners will be announced on 7 November 2018.

Participation and information: agricochallenge.org

About the State of Fribourg: www.ggba-switzerland.ch/en/region/#fribourg