- The meeting, held from 20 to 22 May in Bologna, brought together representatives of the AgriFood4Future European consortium to discuss common strategies and advance digitalisation, sustainability, and training in the agri-food sector
From May 20 to 22, Málaga TechPark took part in the second in-person meeting of the European project AgriFood4Future, hosted at the Territorial Research Area of the CNR in Bologna (Italy), a leading hub for scientific and technological innovation in the EmiliaRomagna region.
The meeting brought together members of the AgriFood4Future consortium to assess the project’s mid-term progress, strengthen cooperation between Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), and define joint strategies to address the major challenges of the agrifood sector: digitalisation, sustainability, and decarbonisation.
Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission, AgriFood4Future brings together 23 partners from France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, Germany and Spain — including universities, R&D centres, agri-food clusters, VET providers and technology parks. Málaga TechPark participates alongside organisations such as CESUR. As part of the European project AgriFood4Future, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission, Málaga TechPark took part in the second in-person meeting of the consortium, held from 20 to 22 May at the Territorial Research Area of the CNR in Bologna (Italy), a leading centre for scientific and technological innovation in the EmiliaRomagna region.
The purpose of the meeting was to assess the project’s mid-term progress, strengthen collaboration among the Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), and define joint strategies to address key challenges in the agri-food sector: digitalisation, sustainability, and decarbonisation. The consortium, made up of 23 European partners, includes institutions from France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Greece, Germany, and Spain. It brings together universities, R&D centres, agri-food clusters, vocational training organisations, and technology parks. Málaga TechPark contributes alongside organisations such as CESUR. During the meeting, the project’s progress was reviewed and the next steps were discussed. One of the key points of the event was the in-depth discussion of the main initiatives developed by the consortium, which aim to directly contribute to the digitalisation, internationalisation, and modernisation of the European agri-food sector.
The following are the currently active initiatives:
1. MOOC on Digital Agriculture
An open online course addressing the growing need for digital skills in agriculture, covering data collection via sensors, decision support tools, precision farming, and data ownership. Open to anyone interested in digital agriculture. Access the course: https://agrifood4future-e-learning.com
2. Open Innovation Programme
Startups and companies come together to tackle real challenges in the agri-food sector. This initiative connects companies facing challenges (Challenge Owners) with startups and research groups (Solution Providers) to collaboratively develop innovative solutions through pilot projects. The programme is currently seeking participants.
Do you have a challenge or a solution?
Companies with challenges: Application form
Startups / Research groups: Application form
3. Summer School on Smart & Regenerative Farming
This hybrid training programme combines expert-led sessions with field visits in Portugal. From June 30 to July 11 (online) and July 23 to 27 (on-site in Portugal), the Summer School offers an intensive learning experience focused on regenerative agriculture, soil health, circular fertilisers, smart technologies, and innovative business models. Target audience: Students and professionals in the agri-food sector residing in Europe. Registration open until June 10: Application form
4. Internship Mobility Programme
The main goal of this initiative is to connect young talent with companies in the agri-food sector. The mobility platform enables European students to access internship opportunities, gain hands-on experience, expand their professional networks, and enhance their employability. Are you a company interested in hosting interns? Get in touch via: https://agrifood4future.com/mobility
5. Second Edition of the Training Programme
Following the success of its first edition, this online training programme offers personalised mentoring between October and December 2025. It focuses on smart agriculture, soil fertility, regenerative practices, green and digital transitions, and entrepreneurship. Each module includes a one-on-one mentoring session with a dedicated trainer. All video content will be subtitled in Portuguese, French, Greek, Spanish, Dutch, and Italian. Target audience: Farmers, SMEs, and professionals in the agri-food sector. Registration: Application form
6. Test-Farm Innovation Programme
Field validation of innovative solutions This programme allows agri-food startups to test and validate their products in real farming environments and receive direct feedback from farmers. Participants will also benefit from expert technical guidance and opportunities to present their solutions to potential European partners. More information: Available on the programme website Apply here: Application form
Málaga TechPark encourages companies, training institutions, and professionals in the agri-food sector to take part in these initiatives, which represent a genuine opportunity to advance digitalisation, sustainability and international cooperation.
For more information: aline@pta.es o jpascual@pta.es