AKUT 1st Multiplier Event
Erasmus+ European Project
Αmplifying the Knowledge and Use of Testbeds
Wisefour Innovative Company, in the framework of the project Amplifying the use of testbeds – AKUT, successfully organized the Project’s first Multiplier Event “Innovation and Trends in the food sector” which took place on June 17, 2022!
About the project
The innovative project AKUT is being implemented in Cyprus through the ERASMUS+ Programme and the collaboration of Wise4, Krinova Science Park, Lund University (Sweden), and the AULA DEI Science Park (Spain). AKUT.
AKUT advocates the improvement of knowledge of small and medium enterprises, helping especially in the development of new processes and food products as well as in the creation of new digital tools and learning methods as tools for the development of the business status of the participating organizations.
The purpose of the project is to help consultants, mentors, business designers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and start-ups in the food sector to gain immediate knowledge of the necessary and available testbeds.
AKUT aims to boost open innovation and open education through the creation and development of relevant tools and materials, as well as an online training program focusing on facilitating entrepreneurship and sustainability in the food sector. In addition, the aim of the project is to increase the knowledge about test beds and their effective use for product and process development, which serves particularly small companies that do not have a research and development department or lack financial or non-financial resources.
The cooperation aims to support entrepreneurs, especially small and medium-sized food enterprises, in developing food and beverages. During the implementation of the project the partners have created a free e-learning platform, which focuses on both entrepreneurs and business consultants in the field of food, and especially agri-food products, as well as in other areas related to the subject of food innovation by supporting entrepreneurs to develop their products. AKUT.
Food Sector - a new era is coming
During the Multiplier Event the speakers introduced to the 39 participants the new trends in the food sector, innovation and technology issues related to this field, as well as test environments in Europe open to all who want to innovate and experiment.
The speakers were Mrs. Katerina Kadena (Innovation and Development Expert, Wisefour Innovation and Development Organization Ltd.), Mrs. Clelia Vassiliou (Commissioner for the Environment, Cyprus), Mr. Dimitris Tsaltas (Associate Professor of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology, and Food Science Department at the Cyprus University of Technology), Mr. George Skarakis (Professor of Agriculture University of Athens), Mr. Michalis Papakonstantinou (Head of Data at Agroknow
& Foodakai), and Mrs. Konstantina Skolariki (Panel Discussion – Q&A Session).
“Trends are cultural attitudes and values that emerge from the interaction between people and the planet.”
Some of the information & statistics mentioned during the presentations were:
Regenerative agriculture
Regenerative agriculture aims to improve soil health and increase biodiversity on farms, is likely to see greater uptake by large-scale farms and corporations. More and more brands using ingredients that are not only better for human health, but also for the environment and farmers are expected to receive financial tools to adopt regenerative techniques, including mixed farming systems where crops are cultivated alongside livestock to help boost soil health.
Regenerative agriculture has gone from being a ‘marketing strategy’ to becoming a real solution to current unsustainable food production models. By restoring the environment, and increasing biodiversity and food quality, producers at all levels, from smallholder farmers to large corporations, are starting to explore and transition to regenerative agriculture practices.
Food systems
Food Systems will play a key role in discussions and decision-making about climate change. As it relates to transparent sourcing, half (50%) of global consumers said they would be likely to use blockchain technology to find out more about food, drink and nutritional supplements. This need to understand where products come from has intensified as a result of COVID-19. More than half (58%) of global consumers claim they would be more interested in locally produced products.
Food sustainability
Food sustainability has become more important for two-thirds (64%) of 18–24-year-olds in Europe in the past year. Companies will have to calculate their environmental performance and manufacture more environmentally friendly products. This includes transparently communicating with consumers about how products are produced using an internationally agreed life-cycle analysis method. Analysis elements include climate change and impacts related to water, air, resources, land use and toxicity.
Check the Agenda & Presentations of Multiplier Event
Agroknow
AKUT 2022
AgrOrbit
AKUT 2022
Biotechnology
AKUT 2022
Start date 01/9/2019 – End date 31/8/2022.
The project is co-funded by the European Commission, and by the Erasmus + KA2 Lifelong Learning Program.
Project Number: 2019-1-SE01-KA204-060597
