Earlier this month, SocialTech Lab proudly represented Cyprus at the first in-person gathering of the 2026–2028 EIT Food Country Representatives Network, held in Budapest, Hungary. As the EIT Food Country Representative Cyprus,member of the EIT Community Hub Cyprus, SocialTech Lab joined representatives from across the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) to officially launch this new network dedicated to strengthening national agrifood innovation ecosystems and fostering deeper collaboration across Europe.
Over the course of the two-day meeting, Country Representatives exchanged experiences, explored future priorities and identified new opportunities to accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship and ecosystem development within their respective countries.
Strengthening National Innovation Ecosystems
The programme focused on equipping Country Representatives with the knowledge, tools and partnerships needed to expand EIT Food’s impact across the region. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including:
- Best practices and experiences from Country Representatives
- New opportunities within EIT Food’s education, entrepreneurship and innovation programmes.
- Future funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
- Long-term approaches to building financially sustainable national innovation ecosystems.
- Practical examples of agrifood innovation from Hungary, including exchanges with EWA alumnae, entrepreneurs and ecosystem stakeholders.
The meeting also provided valuable opportunities for peer learning, enabling participants to share approaches for engaging startups, researchers, businesses, universities and policymakers in building stronger agrifood ecosystems.
Bringing European Opportunities to Cyprus
As the EIT Food Country Representative Cyprus, SocialTech Lab plays a key role in connecting the national agrifood ecosystem with European opportunities, including funding, education, entrepreneurship programmes, innovation projects and strategic partnerships. Through this role, the organisation supports startups, researchers, businesses and ecosystem stakeholders in accessing EIT Food initiatives while strengthening collaboration across the entire agrifood value chain.
Insights gained during the Budapest meeting will directly inform upcoming activities in Cyprus, including capacity-building programmes, ecosystem events, startup support initiatives and new collaborative opportunities designed to strengthen innovation across the country’s agrifood sector.
Looking Ahead
The meeting marked the beginning of a three-year collaboration among Country Representatives working towards a shared vision of a healthier, more sustainable and resilient European food system.
SocialTech Lab looks forward to translating the knowledge, partnerships and inspiration gained in Budapest into meaningful opportunities for Cyprus’ agrifood ecosystem, empowering entrepreneurs, researchers, businesses and innovators to engage more actively with Europe’s leading agrifood innovation community.
We extend our sincere thanks to the EIT Food team, CAMPDEN BRI Hungary, Pannon Pro Innovation Services, and all fellow Country Representatives for an inspiring and collaborative few days. We look forward to continuing this journey together and strengthening the connections that will shape the future of food innovation across Europe.
