ETTI MarketSprint 2026
Transform breakthrough food technologies into market-ready business opportunities.
The European Tech Transfer Initiative (ETTI) AgriFood was founded by DIL German Institute of Food Technologies and Swiss Food Research (SFR) with one mission: accelerating innovation in the Food and AgTech sector by helping promising startups validate their market potential and build a clear pathway to commercialization.
Why ETTI MarketSprint?
Unlike traditional accelerator programs, MarketSprint is specifically designed for DeepTech Food innovators who need evidence-based market validation before scaling.
What makes us different?
✅ We focus on market validation
Our primary goal is to help you prove where, how, and why your innovation creates value in the market.
✅ We understand technology
Our experts combine deep FoodTech and AgTech expertise with practical commercialization experience.
✅ We have a proven track record
For more than six years, we have successfully supported AgriFood startups through structured market validation processes.
✅ We provide unparalleled industry access
Through the largest network of industry partners in the DACH region and strong international connections, we open doors to key stakeholders, customers, and collaborators worldwide.
Who we are
The DIL German Institute of Food Technologies is one of Europe’s leading FoodTech research organizations, with over 160 employees and a network of 150+ member companies. Beyond research, DIL works directly with international food manufacturers, offers an international Master’s programme in Food Process and product Engineering, and operates an Innovation Hub that accelerates technology transfer and startup growth.
Swiss Food Research (SFR) is Switzerland’s leading innovation network for the food and nutrition sector, connecting startups, researchers, investors, and industry partners to accelerate sustainable food innovation. With a strong ecosystem of corporate, academic, and entrepreneurial stakeholders, SFR supports the development, validation, and market adoption of next-generation food technologies in Switzerland and beyond.
What to expect during the 4-month programme
MarketSprint combines expert coaching, practical workshops, peer learning, and direct industry engagement.
Programme Components
- 1-day online Bootcamp
- 6 individual online coaching sessions with a dedicated FoodTech and Market Expert
- 3 Deep-Dive Sessions covering:
- Financial Modelling
- Production Feasibility
- Market Access & Retail
- 2 in-person cohort meetings for peer exchange, progress reviews, and network activation
- Enhanced visibility within our network and warm introductions to relevant industry partners
What we will do
You will engage with up to 60 market stakeholders, including corporates, regulators, potential competitors, and prospective cooperation partners. Throughout the coaching sessions, we will prepare you for these conversations, support you in opening the right doors, and help you translate the insights you gain into concrete actions and strategic decisions.
What you will achieve
By the end of MarketSprint, you will have developed:
- Validated market evidence
- An investor and corporate decision brief
- A clear market access pathway
- Actionable next-step recommendations for growth and commercialization
Who can apply?
We are looking for DeepTech Food Startups and Teams that are:
- Incorporated startups or non-incorporated project teams
- Based in Europe (EU and non-EU countries) or Israel
- At Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher
Application Process (Deadline July 27, 2026 (11:59 PM CET)
Step 1
Complete the application form and submit it together with your pitch deck to:
📧 startup@dil-ev.de
📧 contact@swissfoodresearch.ch
Step 2
Following a positive evaluation, you will be invited to participate in the Bootcamp.
For the 2026 cohort, up to 12 teams will be selected for the Bootcamp.
The 1-day online Bootcamp will take place in August 2026. The exact date will be announced in due course.
Step 3
After the Bootcamp, we will jointly assess your readiness and determine whether you should proceed directly into MarketSprint or require additional preparation.
For the 2026 programme, up to 6 FoodTech startups/teams will be selected to participate in MarketSprint.
Step 4
Teams selected to continue after the Bootcamp will pay a participation fee of € 800,00 at the start of the programme. Participation in the Bootcamp is free of charge.
The core program will start August 10, 2026 and will end December 10, 2026
Join our information webinar
Want to learn more before applying?
Join one of our information webinars to meet the team, learn more about the programme, and ask your questions directly.
📅 Date & Time: July 23, 2026 04:00 PM CET
🔗 Participation Link: Provided upon request
Meet your coaches and experts
Our programme is delivered by experienced FoodTech, AgTech, innovation, and market validation professionals from DIL, Swiss Food Research, and our industry network.
Your coaches and experts:
Dr. Lucas Grob, CEO Swiss Food Research
With a PhD in Food Process Engineering from ETH Zurich and as CEO of Swiss Food Research, Dr. Lucas Grob combines scientific expertise with a passion for bridging research and industry. As a startup coach, he helps founders transform early-stage FoodTech ideas into impactful, market-ready innovations by connecting science, business, and the right innovation ecosystem.
Jan Biehl, Food Tech & Nutrition Leader Swiss Food Research
With over 20 years of experience in R&D, protein science, biotechnology, nutrition, and business innovation, Jan Biehl combines scientific expertise with leadership experience at Nestlé, yfood, and FoodTech incubators. As a startup coach, he helps founders turn science-based innovations into scalable, market-ready products and business models.
Leila Pamingle, Accredited Innovation Manger for Innosuisse and Innovation Manager at SFR
With 15 years of experience in food innovation, product development, customer insights, and sustainability, Leila Pamingle is an accredited Innosuisse Innovation Mentor who helps startups and organizations transform ambitious ideas into fundable, scalable innovation projects. Driven by a strong commitment to sustainability and collective intelligence, she empowers founders and teams to navigate change with agility while building impactful, market-oriented solutions.
Erwan Velin, Partner at Unlock Consulting
With 20 years of experience in FMCG and CPG, Erwan Velin brings deep expertise in strategy-to-action, growth acceleration, consumer and marketing strategy, and brand turnaround. As a startup coach, he helps founders sharpen their positioning, accelerate growth, and transform innovation portfolios into focused, market-ready business opportunities.
Alexander Märdian, Head of Innovation Hub at DIL German Institute of Food Technologies
With decades of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation management, and international business development, Alexander Märdian leads the DIL Innovation Hub, where he supports AgriFood and FoodTech startups through accelerator programs, mentoring, and the EIT Food and de:hub ecosystem. As a startup coach, he helps founders validate business models, build strategic partnerships, and accelerate the journey from innovation to market.
Gregor A. Erkel, CEO be ventures and managing partner at united sustainability group
With more than 25 years of experience in building new business models, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship, Gregor A. Erkel has supported startups, corporates, and investors as a founder, executive, and mentor in leading accelerator programs including APX and EIT Food. As a startup coach, he helps founders develop scalable business strategies, drive innovation, and navigate sustainable growth in rapidly changing markets.
Matej Hojnik, CEO WOMP Parczew and CEO APS_Vita D.O.O.
With more than 20 years of experience leading APIS-VITA and WOMP, Matej Hojnik has built expertise in food manufacturing, international expansion, acquisitions, and brand development for Food solutions across Central and Eastern Europe. As a startup coach, he helps founders scale food businesses through strategic growth, operational excellence, and successful market expansion.
Dr. Mehmet Cicek, CEO Symvion GmbH
With more than 20 years of experience in food innovation, R&D, and innovation management, Dr. Mehmet Cicek combines leadership experience at Nestlé, DIL, and Symvion to help FoodTech startups accelerate product development and market entry. As a startup coach, he supports founders in building innovation strategies, scaling R&D efficiently, and transforming scientific ideas into commercially successful products.
