ETTI MarketSprint 2026

A new European program supports DeepTech innovations on their path to market.

Quakenbrück / Zurich, July 2026 – The European Tech Transfer Initiative AgriFood (ETTI), founded by the DIL (German Institute of Food Technology) e. V. and Swiss Food Research (SFR), is launching the application phase for the ETTI MarketSprint 2026. The four-month program is aimed at innovative FoodTech and AgriFood startups as well as project teams looking to successfully bring their technology to market. Unlike traditional accelerator programs, MarketSprint does not focus primarily on funding or growth, but rather on the crucial first step toward successful commercialization: the systematic validation of market potential.

The program’s goal is to align scientifically grounded innovations with actual market demands and to support startup teams in developing robust business strategies. “Many technological innovations fail not because of their quality, but because market assumptions aren’t tested early on,” explains Alexander Märdian, head of the Innovation Hub at DIL. “With MarketSprint, we help startups significantly reduce this very risk.”

During the four-month program, participants will receive:

• a one-day online boot camp,
• six one-on-one coaching sessions with experienced FoodTech and market experts,
• In-depth workshops on financial modeling, production implementation, and market access and trading,
• two in-person networking meetings,
• as well as access to the extensive European innovation network of DIL and Swiss Food Research.

A key element of the program is intensive market validation. The teams conduct interviews with up to 60 relevant market stakeholders—including companies in the food industry, government agencies, potential customers, competitors, and collaboration partners. The coaches support the participants in preparing for the discussions, establish contacts, and help translate the insights gained into concrete business decisions.

By the end of the program, the startups will have:

• validated market information,
• a clear market entry plan,
• a basis for decision-making for investors and industry partners,
• as well as specific recommendations for action regarding the company’s future development.

Startups and project teams from Europe and Israel with innovations at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher are eligible to apply. The application deadline is July 27, 2026. Following an online boot camp in August, up to six teams will be selected to participate in the full MarketSprint.

About ETTI
The European Tech Transfer Initiative AgriFood (ETTI) was founded by DIL (German Institute of Food Technology) and Swiss Food Research to accelerate the transfer of scientific innovations into marketable products and business models in the European agriculture and food sector.

For more information:
www.dil-ev.de
www.swissfoodresearch.ch

Application deadline: July 27, 2026