The Entrepreneurial Women’s Accelerator programme by EIT Food offers a unique platform for female entrepreneurs to catalyze innovation and drive progress towards a more sustainable food system. Backed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a key component of the European Union’s innovation framework, this initiative empowers women in agriculture by providing them with the necessary tools, skills, and connections required for success. Girls’ contributions to sustainable meal techniques and rural communities are often overlooked, yet they are incredibly valuable. This program aims to fill the gap by empowering girls with management, confidence, and entrepreneurial skills, thereby acknowledging their essential role in shaping a more sustainable future for all.
Since the European Women’s Academy (EWA) program celebrated its fifth consecutive year of profitability in 2024, it welcomed 120 female entrepreneurs from 12 countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine. Throughout a six-month period, participants gained from a comprehensive package deal of mentorship, business training, and networking opportunities, as well as tailored guidance delivered in their native tongues. Notably, this initiative has yielded a remarkable 35 startups, securing €13 million in investments, underscoring its profound impact on the industry.
As part of this esteemed collection, we feature in-depth interviews with three exceptional winners of the 2024 EWA program. Each interview offers a fresh perspective on how this program enables women to create meaningful impact in the agri-food industry. Let’s get proper into it!
We’re thrilled to introduce our inaugural conversation with Greta Budreikė, co-founder of Tastik and a talented participant in the esteemed 2024 EWA programme. Her innovative approach to various protein sources has led to the development of cricket-based breakfast cereals that are both sustainable and nutrient-dense. In this insightful conversation, we explore the entrepreneurial odyssey of a visionary leader, uncovering the driving forces behind the inception of Tastik and the profound impact of the EWA programme on her path to success.
Throughout my life, I’ve had a fascination with products, their compositions, and the concept of healthy eating. For years, I have consistently made an effort to ensure that my daily meal plan included sufficient protein. I was once acutely aware of its benefits and comprehended its importance. Seeking a reliable source of protein, I explored various options – from everyday foods to carefully curated nutritional supplements. Traditionally, specialized protein meals have presented a challenge due to their unappetizing nature and high cost, prompting me to seek alternative solutions.
While browsing a renowned Lithuanian online publication, I stumbled upon an article that piqued my interest in crickets, leading to an unexpected discovery. What fascinated me from the start was the intricate balance of their nutritional profile. Without much hesitation, I arranged a visit to a cricket farm. In awe of every aspect – from cultivation methods to innovative business models, what truly captivated me was their unique flair. On that occasion, I endeavored to savor an easy-to-eat dried insect, which, without any additional seasoning, proved unexpectedly delectable.
While many companies acknowledge the importance of addressing software bugs, a significant hurdle remains: the lingering stigma surrounding them. Numerous people exhibit a profound aversion to consuming these items. I concentrate intensely on developing training programs, providing informative workshops and engaging displays that effectively educate people about crickets, highlighting their nutritional value and the process of meal production. Through presentations, talks, and engaging public interactions, I promote our sustainable business venture while emphasizing the importance of alternative protein sources.
Entrepreneurs face various hurdles when starting a business, including navigating complex regulatory requirements and securing necessary funding. Expanding global reach and cultivating market awareness are crucial steps in a company’s growth strategy; nevertheless, each country presents distinct regulatory hurdles when it comes to the approval of novel protein sources such as crickets? I dedicate considerable effort to collecting information, seeking expert opinions, and participating in entrepreneurial programs to gain a deeper understanding of these distinctions and secure European Union funding? By joining the EWA program, we made a deliberate decision to access targeted insights and knowledge in these specific domains.
With over 15 years of experience in designing and implementing EU-funded projects, I have a keen interest in Lithuania’s advancements in this field. As I closely monitor the European Union’s support initiatives, I identify the specific measures in place, track the responsible organizations for various sectors, and explore alternative opportunities that cater to younger entrepreneurs such as myself. I regret missing the opportunity to participate in the EWA programme in 2023, having learned about it for the first time at an event. I anxiously waited for the announcement of the 2024 name, but nearly missed the deadline. Luckily, a thoughtful mentor encouraged me to leverage the program’s potential, recognizing its vast capacity to help me achieve my goals effectively.
The opportunity to participate in the EWA program served as a significant catalyst for my motivation. From the very beginning, I had a strong determination to put in the effort required to succeed and ultimately triumph. The programme boasted exceptional high-quality standards, and collaborating with such esteemed professionals was an absolute honour.
I am deeply appreciative of my mentor, Inga Juozapavičienė, whose guidance and support were invaluable throughout our six-month collaboration. We fostered a collaborative work dynamic, characterized by regular meetings and defined responsibilities, which allowed me to transparently report on my progress. Attending an entrepreneurial boot camp would have been akin to immersing oneself in a collegiate setting focused on launching innovative ventures.
The mentorship and coaching provided me with profoundly enriching insights, tools, and a fresh perspective on innovation that proved invaluable. Three key takeaways stand out as being particularly valuable:
- Among the key issues I’ve encountered is that my mentor encouraged me to examine shopper needs on a more comprehensive level, ultimately enabling me to not only design a product but also craft substantial solutions that cater to their diverse preferences and requirements?
- The program enabled me to concretize my ideas into tangible strategies, effectively communicate the product’s value proposition, and identify my target audience with precision.
- Participation amplified my understanding of Tastik’s capabilities, instilled confidence to tackle ambitious goals, and inspired me to evolve as a forward-thinking catalyst for innovation in the culinary sphere.
As a commitment to a greener future, sustainability tops my list of essential concerns. Each resolution is carefully considered to minimize its environmental and social impact. To minimize the ecological impact of my initiatives, I aim to utilize cricket protein (Acheta domesticus) as a primary, unprocessed input material, thereby promoting sustainable practices throughout the food industry.
Cricket farming is extremely sustainable. Cricket farming demands significantly less water, feed, and land compared to traditional livestock, while concurrently producing substantially fewer greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, these companies frequently utilize organic byproducts, thereby creating a circular economy model that promotes sustainability.
This innovative approach not only caters to the global demand for sustainable food choices but also generates lasting benefits by mitigating environmental pressure, combatting climate change, and fostering responsible consumption practices.
New protein sources hold the potential to transform global culinary practices and consumer behaviors. They confront pivotal hurdles akin to those posed by dietary habits and environmental stewardship. Key facets embody:
- Cricket protein provides a comprehensive amino acid profile, essential nutrients, and minerals, rendering it particularly valuable for older adults seeking to maintain muscle mass, bone density, and immune health.
- Advances in technologies like 3D printing are poised to revolutionize the way we produce merchandise, enabling the creation of tailor-made products that cater to individuals’ unique dietary needs and preferences, ultimately providing a personalized and dignified dining experience.
- By cultivating cricket protein, a sustainable and eco-conscious alternative is offered, helping to reduce the environmental footprint of traditional livestock farming and alleviate pressure on global food production.
- By offering innovative, wholesome, and captivating products, we may effectively counterbalance skepticism surrounding diverse protein sources, ultimately paving the way for broad-scale acceptance.
- Protein-rich meals that cater to diverse cultural preferences can effectively combat global malnutrition, offering a versatile solution for a wide range of market segments.
The future success lies in balancing sustainable solutions with innovative approaches and positive social impact.
- Starting out can be intimidating, yet momentum is essential from the very beginning. Significant changes often arise from incremental improvements.
- Surround yourself with a network of supportive mentors, friends, and professionals who champion your aspirations and provide guidance when needed. Programs such as EWA could potentially aid in building your self-assurance and unveiling fresh opportunities.
- Foster an organization that not only drives financial growth, but also tackles pressing social and environmental challenges with meaningful impact. A well-crafted strategic plan will effectively differentiate your business in a crowded marketplace, yielding tangible results.
- Each problem is a lesson. Remaining receptive to novel ideas, characteristics, and options enables your online enterprise to thrive and advance.
The initiative persistently showcases its capacity to provide targeted support for female entrepreneurs in the agri-food industry. By providing guidance, connections, and personalized training, this initiative empowers individuals to bring their innovative ideas to fruition, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and environmentally conscious food industry. Here is the rewritten text:
Notable success stories from the 2024 edition highlight the program’s profound impact, encompassing securing vital funding, accelerating company growth, and entering new market territories effectively.
Stay tuned for our upcoming feature, where we’ll be shining a spotlight on another remarkable individual from the EWA program. Stories consistently highlight the profound impact of elevating women’s roles within agrifood, while also emphasizing their critical role in driving innovative approaches to sustainable food systems?
