Applications are now open for EIT Food Seedbed TeamUp 2026, a venture-building programme where great ideas get the chance to turn into impactful companies.
Seedbed TeamUp is a 6-month venture-building journey that matches world-class technologists with entrepreneurial business leaders. The programme provides matchmaking, 1-on-1 coaching, and funding to turn agrifood concepts into scalable startups.
Who should apply?
Seedbed TeamUp is recruiting two profiles for this unique venture-building programme:
Technical Co-founders
Experts in science or engineering with an agrifood solution.
Business Co-founders
Experienced entrepreneurs ready to lead commercial strategy.
What does the programme offer?
Over the course of the programme, participants receive:
- Co-founder matchmaking
- 1-on-1 coaching
- Training and mentorship
- Access to funding
- €6,000 stipends per team
- Up to €40,000 in prizes
Programme Journey
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 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.
Important date
📅 Application deadline: 28 May 2026 | 13:00 CET
Eligibility
The programme is open to citizens of EU countries and Horizon associated countries who meet the eligibility criteria.
Useful links
Programme overview & application
https://www.eitfood.eu/projects/teamup
Eligibility criteria
https://www.eitfood.eu/projects/teamup/eligibility
EIT Food Missions
https://www.eitfood.eu/missions
Expression of Interest for Technical Startup Co-founders
https://www.eitfood.eu/open-calls/expressions-of-interest-for-technical-startup-co-founders-seedbed-teamup
Expression of Interest for Business Startup Co-founders
https://www.eitfood.eu/open-calls/expressions-of-interest-for-business-commercial-co-founders-seedbed-teamup
FAQ
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 between 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.
SocialTech Lab is the EIT Food Country Representative in Cyprus and a member of the EIT Community Hub Cyprus, providing access to EIT Food opportunities, programmes, and ecosystem engagement.
