Editor’s Note: This post was created in collaboration with and with financial support from EIT Food.
In the agrifood sector, women are increasingly stepping into roles of leadership and innovation, driving the transformation toward a healthier, more sustainable food system. One key force behind this movement is the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme, led by EIT Food—Europe’s leading food innovation initiative, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.
Now in its sixth edition, EWA 2025 is officially open for applications. This six-month entrepreneurial programme is designed to support aspiring and early-stage female entrepreneurs across 13 countries: Albania, Estonia, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Türkiye, and Ukraine.
Whether you already run a young startup or are nurturing a powerful idea to solve challenges in the agrifood sector, EWA is here to help you turn that vision into a viable, impactful business.
What to Expect from EWA 2025
EWA offers an intensive six-month journey filled with mentorship, training, and real-world opportunities. Conducted in local languages and coordinated by in-country organisations with deep ties to the local agrifood ecosystems, the programme ensures relevance and accessibility for all participants.
Key features include:
Personalised Mentoring: More than 20 hours of expert one-on-one mentoring tailored to your business idea and growth needs.
Tailored Training: Sessions focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, communication, and business acumen, including a dedicated Masterclass.
Community and Networking: Access to a network of like-minded peers, investors, and stakeholders across Europe.
Financial Support: A €1,000 stipend for participation costs (e.g., travel, childcare), plus final prizes of €5,000 and €10,000 per country for the top two projects.
Local and European Exposure: Each country hosts a Demo Day, where participants pitch their solutions to local stakeholders. Finalists may also be invited to a broader European event to showcase their achievements.
Who Should Apply?
EWA is open to women aged 18 and above from the 13 participating countries. Ideal applicants either:
- Have an innovative business idea related to the agrifood sector, or
- Have founded a business that is less than three years old.
No previous experience in running a business is required—just a passion for innovation and a commitment to building a sustainable future in agrifood.
Transforming Ideas into Impact: Success Stories
Over the years, EWA has helped hundreds of women launch and scale impactful agrifood ventures. Some standout examples include:
- Greta Budreikė, Co-founder of Tastik, developed cricket-based breakfast cereals, offering a sustainable protein alternative. Her innovative approach gained significant attention and support through the EWA programme.
- Yulia Logvinovska, Co-founder at LUCA, established a vertical farming initiative in Ukraine, providing fresh herbs and salads to urban populations. EWA’s mentorship and resources were instrumental in scaling her business.
- Ekaterina Šprajc, founder of Edible Thread, created an edible thread for culinary use, eliminating the need for plastic ties. Her innovation earned her the top prize of €10,000 in her country.
How to apply?
To apply for the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) 2025 programme, please visit the general application page: EWA Applications 2025
Applications are accepted in local languages. Please use the links below to apply for your specific country:
- Albania: Apply to EWA 2025 – Albania | F6S
- Estonia: Apply to EWA 2025 – Estonia | F6S
- Greece: Apply to EWA 2025 – Greece | F6S
- Italy: Apply to EWA 2025 – Italy | F6S
- North Macedonia: Apply to EWA 2025 – North Macedonia | F6S
- Poland: Apply to EWA 2025 – Poland | F6S
- Portugal: Apply to EWA 2025 – Portugal | F6S
- Romania: Apply to EWA 2025 – Romania | F6S
- Serbia: Apply to EWA 2025 – Serbia | F6S
- Slovenia: Apply to EWA 2025 – Slovenia | F6S
- Spain: Apply to EWA 2025 – Spain | F6S
- Türkiye: Apply to EWA 2025 – Türkiye | F6S
- Ukraine: Apply to EWA 2025 – Ukraine | F6S
The application deadline is May 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your agrifood business idea into reality!
About EIT Food
EIT Food is the world’s largest and most dynamic food innovation community. Backed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, they work across the food value chain to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship, equipping changemakers with the skills, tools, and support they need to reshape our food future.
They are one of nine innovation communities established by the European Institute for Innovation & Technology (EIT), an independent EU body set up in 2008 to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe.
Learn more at EIT Food or follow EIT Food on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
Contact Information
- Alicja Krakowska – Project Manager – alicja.krakowska@eitfood.eu
- Carolina Silva Marques – Regional Project Manager – carolina.silvamarques@eitfood.eu
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/05/empowering-women-in-agrifood-ewa-2025-applications-now-open-for-female-changemakers/
