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, has today underlined the importance of research and innovation as the "best tools" to meet the needs of the agricultural sector in the 21st century. This occurred during her speech at the opening of the day to present the results of the StartBEC programme , dedicated to agri-food innovation projects.

García stressed that technology and science are "fundamental pillars of modern Spain, even though they are sometimes complex." The StartBEC program fulfils precisely this function, being a technological support project for startups in the field of bioeconomy. This program is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) in collaboration with the AINIA technology centre .

García announced that the ministry is managing an addendum and an extension of the agreement with AINIA, increasing the contribution by 75,000 euros and extending it until December 1, 2026. In this way, the ministry will contribute 150,000 euros annually in the years 2025 and 2026.

Free technological advice to agri-food startups

This funding will allow for continued free, individualised technological advice and support for the selected startups, facilitating the carrying out of trials or pilot studies to test processes or products, experimenting with innovation dynamics with experts to develop technological aspects of their business model and accessing intensive professional technological seminars at AINIA.

Furthermore, the personalized technological surveillance service and support in the identification and participation in financing opportunities for R&D&I will continue.

Next StartBEC program, in September 2024

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