EIT Food Names 18 Agrifood Scaleups to 2026 RisingFoodStars Cohort

EIT Food has selected 18 companies for its 2026 RisingFoodStars cohort, moving away from an accelerator model to a verification-based recognition system aimed at demonstrating commercial readiness to investors and partners. The companies were evaluated based on leadership, commercial model, operational readiness, and growth potential, with successful companies receiving a Scaleup Verification Badge. This restructuring addresses Europe's scaleup gap and aims to support agrifood companies beyond the pitching stage.

The selected companies will receive access to funding mechanisms, investor networks, introductions to industry players, coaching, investment-readiness support, and PR and event visibility. The cohort includes companies focused on next-generation proteins, functional ingredients, circularity, sidestream valorisation, and digital and regenerative agriculture. The programme also offers dedicated support for international expansion, reflecting the growing importance of global markets for European alternative protein companies.