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Inspire - Circular Agrifood

Gain practical skills and knowledge in circularity, sustainability, and innovation in the agrifood sector.

Course information

Level

Intermediate: suitable for students who have some basic understanding of the subject matter and want to deepen their knowledge

Applications

Open

Dates

From the 23rd August to the 6th September 2024 (online)
From the 23rd to 27th September 2024 (in-person; Portugal)

Where

Online and on-site (Portugal)

Course soon available

About : A Sustainable Agrifood Circular Economy Programme

The CircularAgriFood Autumn School aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of circularity principles and cutting-edge technologies in agrifood systems. It explores challenges and opportunities for circularity, fostering creativity and ideation. The school encourages the development of innovative solutions for real-world challenges and equips participants with practical skills and knowledge applicable to their careers. Participants will learn strategies and technologies to reduce waste, emissions, and promote resource efficiency in the agrifood sector. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be developed to address real life circularity challenges in agrifood systems.

Advantages :

The CircularAgriFood Autumn School has several unique selling points and advantages to the participants:

  • Challenge-Based Approach: participants are presented with real-world challenges from industry and academic partners. This approach goes beyond theoretical learning and provides participants with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to solve practical problems. By working on these challenges, participants gain valuable hands-on experience and develop innovative solutions that can have a real impact in the agrifood sector.
  • Immersive Experience: The program offers an immersive week in Portugal, where participants have the opportunity to collaborate directly with mentors and industry partners. This hands-on experience allows participants to deepen their understanding of circularity, build relationships with professionals in the field, and further develop their ideas and solutions. The immersive experience enhances the practical application of knowledge and provides a unique networking opportunity for participants.
  • Focus on Cutting-Edge Technologies: The school places a strong emphasis on the most up-to-date deeptech innovations available for implementing circular practices in the agrifood sector. Participants gain knowledge about the latest advancements in precision agriculture, digital solutions for supply chain optimization, waste valorization technologies, and sustainable packaging innovations.
  • Recognition and Final Prize: The school offers participants the chance to pitch their ideas and solutions to a panel of experts, which can lead to future ventures and/or collaborations and partnerships.

The CircularAgriFood Autumn School is designed for students, and researchers who are interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in circularity in agrifood. Participants will have the opportunity to network with experts and peers from diverse backgrounds, and to gain practical insights on how to apply circular principles in their own work. By the end of the program, participants will be equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to contribute to the development of sustainable and regenerative food systems.

Career Opportunities : This programme is for you!

During the intensive three-week programme, participants of this school will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue diverse career opportunities within the food system. This programmemr will empower participants to apply innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities to create impactful solutions within the food industry. Whether it's developing sustainable farming practices, creating new food products, analyzing food systems, or driving policy changes, graduates of this program will be well-prepared to embark on entrepreneurial paths in the dynamic field of food innovation. 

Inspire - Circular Agrifood Andrea Lorenzo Gallicchio
“What an incredible opportunity! I got to dive deep into entrepreneurship with amazing classmates from all over the world, guided by top professors from Europe’s best schools. The sweetness of the experience was surpassed only by the hospitality and the food, generating an unforgettable atmosphere.”
Andrea Lorenzo Gallicchio, CEO & Co-Founder Welbemo.com, Italy, Alumnus Inspire Circular Agrifood
Inspire - Circular Agrifood Jasel Alarez
“Last year, through the Circular AgriFood Program, I not only learned about Circular Systems and how my solution fits into this approach but also realized a crucial insight. A solution must offer clear value to customers. A solution that doesn't consider the value it offers to consumers is merely a good idea. Any solution proposed for the agrifood sector should be customer-centered. As consumers, we hold the power to change the future of food, both as problem solvers and end-users. It is important to remember that everything is connected, and a healthy life is intrinsically linked to the well-being of our planet.”
Jasel Alvarez, Founder and CEO Circular Powder, Mexico, Alumna Inspire Circular Agrifood
Inspire- Circular Agrifood Lyubomir Nikovski
“The Circular AgriFood School was an eye-opener. Not only did it equip me with in-depth knowledge of circularity in food systems, but it also fostered connections with a vibrant community of passionate individuals. I left the program feeling inspired and ready to make a positive impact across multiple disciplines”
Lyubomir Nikovski, Bulgaria Research & Development Technician Nasekomo, Bugaria, Alumnus Inspire Circular Agrifood

What you'll learn : Acquire a deep understanding

Entrepeneurship

  • Entrepreneurship:
    • Design effective actions to scale societal impact

Problem solving

  • Mobilise effective co-creation methodologies to generate original and sustainable solutions that include relevant voices

Critical thinking

  • Collect, analyse, interpret and report information to develop sustainable solutions to current and future challenges

Food systems

  • Design innovative responses to address sustainability challenges in the food system.

Technology management

  • Mobilise appropriate technologies in innovation processes

Structure & Modules : 15-day programme

Agrifood circularity is crucial for sustainable and resilient food systems, prioritising renewable resources, waste reduction, emissions reduction, by-product valorization, and regenerative practices. It mitigates environmental degradation, preserves resources, enhances food security, and offers economic benefits. Transitioning to circularity is vital for our planet’s well-being amid a growing population and limited resources.

The CircularAgriFood Autumn School is a 15-day programme providing a comprehensive understanding of circularity in agriculture and food systems, in parallel with sessions aimed at triggering the entrepreneurial mindset of our participants. Through a challenge-based approach, participants gain practical skills and knowledge to design and implement solutions in circular food systems, using cutting-edge technologies. The programme also includes an immersive week in Portugal, in which they will further improve their solutions by collaborating in-person with expert mentors.

The school ends with a final test. Successful participants will be granted a Certificate of Completion.

However, right after the school ends participants will have the opportunity to join the Inspire Impact competition, continue their learning, earn an additional certificate and compete for cash prizes (up to €4000). 

The Inspire Impact course is free of charge for candidates who have satisfactorily completed any Inspire School. 

More information about this competition will be shared soon!

Practical : What you need to know

Participation Fees - Early Bird / General rate

  • Full course (online & in-person event): 121€ / 423.5€
  • Online only course: 78.65€ / 181.5€

Application deadlines

  • Pre-deadline: 1st August 2024 at 23:59:59 CET
  • Deadline: 22th August 2024 at 23:59:59 CET

VAT is included in all the prices.

 

What is included in the Participation Fee?

The online only course fee :  includes the attendance on the course, and access to all materials.

The full course fee :  includes the online course, plus the attendance, accommodation and meals during the in-person week in Portugal. Travel costs need to be covered by the participant. 

Please note, course fees will be waived for 20 individuals with care responsibilities; persons on parental leave; people who are unemployed; employed but with a low income; and people living in rural areas. These will be given out on a first-come first-served basis. Get in touch with the team via to claudia.godinho@bgi.pt get your free code.

THERE ARE NO MORE FREE PLACES.

For group bookings get in touch with at inspire@eitfood.eu to discuss our discounted offer for group bookings with over 10 participants (including charities, students, and organisation interested in bulk places).

Applications clearly made solely using AI text generation and un-proof read will not be accepted and rejected.

Activity Leader :

Cláudia Godinho

Cláudia Godinho

Partners : In collaboration with

Building Global Innovators

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Food 4 Sustainability

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Aarhus University

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