1) VFDF Germinator supports teams developing solutions that enable the transition into sustainable food systems

Innovative solutions must be developed accounting for the whole food system, covering primary production, processing, distribution, consumption, recycling, regulation, policy making, related services and the research and teaching linked to the sector.

We are your guide in the food system and in making a systemic impact on the food and agri sectors.

2) VFDF Germinator provides a rapid learning curve from an invention to a product / service

Science and inventive people come up with new solutions. However, they turn into innovations that solve problems only in use. They must therefore be translated into value-creating concrete products and services for people and the society.

We provide you sector specific expertise through

• Industry professionals as coaches-in-residence
• Mentors and piloting opps from our vast food and agri networks in Finland and abroad
• Lab facilities for prototyping

3) VFDF Germinator lifts the most promising teams to the Y Science pitching competition stage at Slush 2022

As on the previous year, four Germinator teams will get to rehears on their pitching skills and take the stage at the Y Science pitching competition, which is an official Slush side event.

We help you in gaining recognition and in connecting with investors both at Y Science and beyond.

A pre-incubator for productising and commercialising food system solutions.

FOR WHOM:

Researchers, graduating students and free agent innovators with promising inventions for food system transformation and profitable business.

WHAT:

Providing sector and market understanding, tutoring and coaching + mentoring support for solution commercialization, lab facilities for prototyping and testing, piloting opps. with sector partners & networking with investors and industry.

CORE ACTIVITIES:

• Sustainable commercialisation & productisation tutoring and rehearsing
• Peer-2-peer + coach sparring & iterating on a weekly basis
• Experimenting, prototyping,testing & piloting
• 1-2-1 coaching & mentoring
• Presenting, pitching & networking within the food and agri industries and for investors

Average score for the programme 4,4/5

Delivering over or according to expectations on

• Food and agri sector understanding
• Coaching support from sector specialists
• Building network into the food sector
• Match-making with mentors
• Pitching experience

Feedback measurement in Jan. 2022

“Hands-on guidance and mentoring with real concrete insight from industry on how to build food business case. Not just theoretical lectures from people who have never worked in the industry. Networking ability and sharing experiences /progress with other teams.” - Germinator participant 2021-2022