Research and innovation, the "best tools" to meet the needs of the agricultural sector in the 21st century

The Secretary of State for Agriculture and Food, Begoña García, today emphasized the importance of research and innovation as the "best tools" for meeting the needs of the agricultural sector in the 21st century. This occurred during her speech at the opening of the presentation of the results of the StartBEC program , dedicated to agri-food innovation projects.

García emphasized that technology and science are "fundamental pillars of today's Spain, although they can sometimes be complex." The StartBEC program fulfills precisely this function, providing technological support for startups in the bioeconomy. This program is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA) in collaboration with the AINIA technology center .

García announced that the ministry is managing an addendum and extension to the agreement with AINIA, increasing the contribution by €75,000 and extending it until December 1, 2026. Thus, the ministry will contribute €150,000 annually in the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years.

Free technological advice for agri-food startups

This funding will allow the selected startups to continue receiving free, personalized technological advice and support . It will facilitate the implementation of trials or pilot studies to test processes or products, experiment with innovation dynamics with experts to develop technological aspects of their business model, and provide access to intensive professional technology seminars at AINIA.

Likewise, the personalized technological monitoring service and support for identifying and participating in R&D&I funding opportunities will continue.

Next StartBEC program, in September 2024

The launch of the next edition of the StartBEC program will take place in September in Madrid.