Our Member UHT Breaks Ground on €11.8 Million Center of Competence for Agri-Food Systems and Bioeconomy

A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for the Center of Competence "Agri-Food Systems and Bioeconomy" took place in the courtyard of the University of Food Technologies (UHT) — and we're proud that UHT is one of Agriventures' members. The project is funded under the "Scientific Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation" Programme 2021–2027, with a total budget exceeding €11.8 million.

The new center will create modern scientific infrastructure designed to meet the challenges facing today's society: sustainable food production, conservation of natural resources, development of the bioeconomy, and the creation of high-value-added innovations.

The center brings together the University of Food Technologies as lead partner, along with the Agricultural University, the Agricultural Academy, Trakia University – Stara Zagora, the Medical University – Plovdiv, institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and a number of other scientific and innovation partners.

It is conceived as a modern, multidisciplinary scientific complex with research infrastructure spanning agroecology, plant health, precision breeding, and food safety — built to deliver sustainable solutions across the agri-food chain, from bioresource production to the creation of high-quality, safe, and healthy food products with high added value.

The Research Complex, focused on "Food and Health," aims to become a modern hub for innovation, research, and development in food science and biotechnology. The complex will house chemical, microbiological, and molecular biology laboratories, a pilot technology section, and a sensory laboratory — enabling high-tech research, the development of innovative foods and beverages, and the creation of products with proven quality and health benefits.

The project is expected to result in the Center of Competence functioning as an active incubator for startups. Plans include building a network of mentors — leaders from the real business sector — who will help innovators navigate the path from research to successful market entry. The center will also serve as a platform connecting science with venture capital funds, private investors, and various European and international programs.

Congratulations to UHT and all project partners — we wish them every success in building this important scientific complex for the agri-food sector!

See more on our initiatives: check out the True Foods project at projects.agriventures.co.

The role of Agriventures in supporting agrifood innovation

As the agritech startup ecosystem grows across Europe, initiatives such as Agriventures are helping connect entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and policymakers working in agriculture and food innovation.

Agriventures focuses on supporting agrifood startups, biotechnology innovation, and access to European funding for agriculture, while also helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of startup financing, venture capital, and research commercialization.

By strengthening connections between startups, research institutions, investors, and farmers, Agriventures contributes to building a stronger agricultural innovation ecosystem that can accelerate the transition toward sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.

Through knowledge sharing, events, and ecosystem building, Agriventures helps ensure that promising agritech innovations can scale and reach farmers, food producers, and global markets.