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Eatable Adventures, a food-tech accelerator, has announced an investment of €2 million in seven innovative agri-food start-ups, expanding its portfolio to 16 companies.

The investments focus on sustainability, resource efficiency, and social impact within the agrifood sector.

Through its €30 million fund, Eatable Adventures is supporting innovations in biotechnology, AI, IoT and genetics to address challenges like waste reduction and supply chain optimisation. Key areas include precision agriculture, biomanufacturing, sustainable packaging and healthy ingredients.

The start-ups have been supported through development European programmes like Spain Foodtech and FoodSeed, offering mentorship and market access with industry leaders to accelerate growth and their market reach.

These startups are developing innovative solutions to tackle agri-food challenges using transformative technologies across the food system. The seven startups are:

• Beadroots: Algae-based hydrogels to optimise water use, increasing productivity by 30%.

• Aflabox: AI and UV light for instant mycotoxin detection in food.

• Alkelux: Antimicrobial solutions from licorice byproducts to reduce food waste and extend shelf life.

• Asteasier: Affordable, natural astaxanthin from microalgae for nutrition and aquaculture.

• Nous: Caffeine alternative with environmental benefits.

• Vortex: Turns agricultural waste into high-value ingredients.

• Mama Science: Biodegradable packaging extending food shelf life by 70%.

José Luis Cabañero, founder and CEO of Eatable Adventures, said: "Our start-ups are not only at the forefront of innovation in the agri-food sector but are also making a positive impact on the environment and the economy. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in exceptional ESG evaluation results. Their capacity to reduce CO2 emissions and conserve limited resources underscores their commitment to a responsible and transformative approach."

These innovations are expected to reduce over 10,000 tons of CO2 emissions and cut water usage by 30%. The companies have also created around 60 jobs, with workforce growth averaging three times in their first year.

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