Eight EIP-AGRI Operational Groups around the Baltic Sea will pitch their solutions at the main stage of AgriVenture Finland. Excited to hear more about the projects? Join us at the EIP Pitching final on 27th May at 13.30-15.00!
What is the EIP-AGRI Pitching Competition?
Finnish Rural Network is co-organizing AgriVenture Finland which will bring together international agrifoodtech players in Saarijärvi, Finland on 27-28 May 2025. Finnish Rural Network will host the EIP-AGRI Pitching Competition at the event.
In February, the Finnish Rural Network launched a call for applications for the international pitching competition for EIP-AGRI Operational Groups in the Baltic Sea Region. A total of 19 applications were received from six countries (Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden). The applications were evaluated by an international panel of experts and eight EIP-AGRI Operational Groups were shortlisted for the pitching competition.
The shortlisted EIP-AGRI Operational Groups are:
- Agrowe App – digital platform enhancing farm management (POLAND)
- Development of a Robotic Weed Control System (LATVIA) (has cancelled their participation in the competition)
- Locally and functionally. Production of innovative functional juice products produced directly on farms, immediately after harvest (POLAND)
- Satagro – digital platform utilizing satellite data to optimize fertilization and irrigation (POLAND)
- Smart drinking bowl – monitoring water consumption of horses and cattle (FINLAND)
- Smart grain dryers – technology utilizing remote control and a machine learning model to optimize the drying process (ESTONIA)
- Wisecow – precision health monitoring system and farm management for cattle farms (ESTONIA)
- Wood2Biogas – state-of-art technology converting wood waste into biochar and clean syngas (FINLAND)
The EIP-AGRI Pitching Competition Final at AgriVenture Finland on 27th May at 13.30-15.00, main stage
- Keynote EIP-AGRI Operational Groups – Co-creating practical solutions for agriculture, forestry and rural communities by Margarida Ambar, Support Facility for ‘Innovation & knowledge exchange’ at EIP-AGRI, European CAP Network
- Welcome, introduction of the jury
- Pitches by the finalists The seven EIP-AGRI Operational Groups pitch their solutions in 3-minute pitches
- The international jury has the possibility to comment and ask questions
- Winner is announced in the Award Ceremony on 28th of May at 16.00 – 16.30
Jury
Margarida Ambar,
EU CAP Network
Margarida Ambar is part of the EIP-AGRI Support Facility team, where she is the Head of the Division dealing with AKIS and stakeholders’ involvement. She is an agricultural engineer and has a master’s degree in Geography – Territorial Management, focusing on stakeholders’ involvement.
She worked for over 20 years for the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture and has been working full time on EIP-AGRI with the European Commission – DG AGRI since 2013. She has also gained experience in international cooperation through other projects and networks aiming at knowledge exchange on various topics.
Tero Lahti,
Paavola Farm 
Tero Lahti is a dairy farmer in centralFinland. He has 65 dairy cows and a robotic milking system. Together with his wife, he has made significant investments in animal welfare and renewable energy, including the electrification of various farm machinery.
Tero is also involved in Finnish agricultural policy work through his role as the vice president of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK). Tero has also taken part in an EIP-AGRI Operational Group. As part of the EIP-AGRI Operational Group, his farm has invested in a new type of bioreactor that utilizes cow manure and has also capacity to methanize gas with hydrogen.
Oliver Loit,
METK
Oliver is an innovation specialist at METK (Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge), where he empowers agrifood and rural entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into impactful innovations. With a strong background in business development and policy-driven innovation, Oliver fosters cross-sector collaboration and sustainable growth in Estonia’s agritech ecosystem.
He brings hands-on experience in building innovation services, advising startups, and mentoring deep-tech ventures. Oliver is also an AI strategy enthusiast, integrating emerging technologies into real-world challenges to accelerate transformation and resilience.
Evaluation criteria
The pitches will be evaluated by the following criteria:
- Desirability: Are you developing something that meets a real user’s needs?
- Feasibility: Can you provide this service at scale with the team, time, and resources reasonably at your disposal?
- Viability: If you are successful, can your venture succeed as a profitable, growing business?
- Sustainability: Does this venture have a non-negative environmental (and social) impact?
Awarding the Winner
The Winner of the EIP-AGRI Pitching Competition will be awarded Wednesday 28th of May at 16.00 – 16.30 at the main stage. The winner of the EIP-AGRI Pitching competition will be awarded with a 2,500€ cash prize donated by Marjatta and Eino Kolli Foundation.
Competition criteria – who can apply?
The competition was open to completed and ongoing EIP projects in the Baltic Sea Region (Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany). The EIP-AGRI Operational Group has developed a solution (e.g. product, service, business model) that is at least at TRL level 5 (technology readiness level. More information here and here).
What we offer to those selected for the competition?
- Three virtual workshops to get prepared for the pitch
- A remote workshop in April: Value Proposition, crystallising the benefits to the target group
- Two remote workshops in May: Pitching training and Pitch Rehearsal and Feedback
- Visibility in the communication of the Baltic Sea Region networks
- An exhibitor stand at the AgriVenture Finland
- New contacts and networking opportunities – both with the competition candidates and with AgriVenture Finland participants
- To find out about possibilities for travel and accommodation support, contact your national CAP network.
More information
AgriVenture Finland: https://www.jamk.fi/en/project/agriventure-finland-2025
EIP-AGRI Pitching Competition: Network Coordinator Tuija Kallio, tuija.kallio(a)maaseutu.fi, +358 50 594 7993
Liittyvät aiheet
Järjestäjä
Maaseutuverkostoyksikkö
Tapahtuma-aika ja paikka
27.05.-28.05.2025Biotalouskampus, Saarijärvi, Finland
Tuumalantie 17, 43130 Saarijärvi