The FoodTech® Grand Est association was co-created in 2021 by agri & food startup leaders based in the Champagne-Ardennes, Alsace and Lorraine regions. With about 40 members (startups and agri-foodtech project leaders), the FoodTech® Grand Est association aims to strengthen and energize this network, in order to promote the emergence and development of agricultural and agri-food innovations. The association is managed by a Board of Directors composed exclusively of startups, whose role is to identify and express the needs of members, and propose actions to be implemented in order to promote their visibility and their economic development. FoodTech® Grand Est is also very active in the dynamics of the national network and is one of the coordinators of FoodTech® France.
With its rich industrial, academic and entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Grand Est region is one of the largest in France. Its proximity to European neighbors such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands also makes it a very attractive area for business. The FoodTech® Grand Est association differs from other FoodTech® ecosystems in its organization: it is the only one to have been created and managed by the very target of the FoodTech® network: the startups. This association was born out of the desire of the leaders of young agricultural and agri-food companies to make themselves more visible and to develop on a local, national and international scale. This is reflected in the organization of various regional events for members, partners and potential customers, such as the Rendez-Vous de FoodTech® Grand Est (regular meetings between members and partners, with exchanges on pre-defined themes), the Food Innovation Days, etc.
The several actions of FoodTech Grand Est have a common objective: to promote innovative solutions of startups and their commercial development. This is done in particular by:
- Matchmaking between the players in the sector (manufacturers, financiers, technical centers, universities, etc.)
- The transmission of information via a monthly newsletter
- The organization of formal and informal events (webinars, Rendez-vous de la FoodTech Grand Est, Food Innovation Days...)
- The creation of a link and a spirit of mutual aid between the members of the community...
