RIS Inspire - SAFER (Student Entrepreneurship for an Agri-Food Ecosystem Recovery)

● Introduce participants to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and the food system: Participants will develop the ability to critically assess the food system and identify key sustainability challenges, fostering a problem-solving mindset.

● Equip participants with practical tools for business modeling and innovation: Participants will learn to use the Business Model Canvas and prosperity thinking methodologies to develop and refine business models and value propositions.

● Develop participants skills in business creation: participants will acquire and apply skills in idea development, team building, market research, and the overall process of starting a business in the agrifood sector. This will foster participants entrepreneurial mindset and their capacity to solve problems through innovative business creation.

● Introduce participants to emerging technologies in the agrifood industry: participants will learn to critically evaluate and implement emerging technologies to address challenges in the agrifood sector.

● Foster an understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship: participants will learn how to build businesses that are socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable, understanding the role of the entrepreneur in fostering a sustainable environment.

The SAFER programme equips you with valuable skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities within the agri-food sector, particularly focusing on sustainability and entrepreneurship. By developing competencies in problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership, you can pursue careers in startups, corporate innovation teams, or even launch your own ventures. You will also gain exposure to real-world challenges and solutions through mentorship and networking with industry experts, positioning yourself for roles that drive transformation within food systems​​.

The SAFER programme offers numerous benefits that set it apart from other educational initiatives. You will build essential entrepreneurial skills, particularly in sustainability and innovation, empowering you to create impactful solutions for the food system. The programme blends theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on learning through workshops, mentorship, and a boot camp, allowing you to refine your business ideas and bring them to life. By the end, you will have developed critical capabilities in areas like business modeling, market research, negotiation, and teamwork.

The SAFER (Student Entrepreneurship for an Agri-Food Ecosystem Recovery) programme is designed to empower you with the entrepreneurial skills and knowledge necessary to address sustainability challenges in the agri-food sector. It combines theoretical education with practical, hands-on experience, helping you to innovate and create impactful solutions for the food system.

The programme is divided into two main components:

1. New Ventures Design in Food Ecosystem (6 weeks online):

This module offers remote training through a series of interactive workshops and lectures delivered by experts from the University of Salerno, Future Food Institute, and Marmara University.

Key topics include entrepreneurial processes, innovation in the food industry, business modeling, and sustainable entrepreneurship. You'll participate in team-based projects to develop business models and prepare for pitching.

The final week includes a live pitch competition, where your progress will be evaluated based on your ability to present your business idea.

2. (optional) Startup Acceleration Bootcamp (3 days in-person):

This intensive boot camp provides hands-on, real-world training. You’ll refine and prototype your business ideas with support from mentors and industry experts.

The boot camp also includes keynote sessions, field visits to innovative agrifood enterprises, and team-building activities, culminating in a final pitch presentation.

Travel and accommodation costs for the Boot Camp are at the expenses of the Participants (who can choose if participated or not). The best 15 participants to the Online module will be awarded of a grant that will cover these expenses.

The SAFER programme is open to a diverse range of participants, including:

• Bachelor and Master’s students interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation in the agri-food sector.
• Recent graduates looking to gain practical skills and hands-on experience in business creation and food systems.
• Early-career researchers (PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers) eager to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and develop entrepreneurial projects.
• Aspiring entrepreneurs from any educational background who want to innovate and create sustainable solutions in the food industry.

Requirements:

• Age: Participants must be 18 years or older.
• Motivation and Commitment: Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation within the agrifood sector. They should be committed to actively participate in all components of the programme, including online training sessions, hands-on activities, and the in-person boot camp.
• Language Proficiency: As the programme will be conducted in English, participants must have a good command of the English language to ensure effective communication and participation in all activities.
• Multidisciplinary backgrounds will be encouraged.
• Applicants from rural areas will be encouraged, as these regions are where innovation is most needed and where the mission of creating sustainable and resilient food systems will have the greatest impact.