CALL FOR INTEREST: Innovation Stakeholders
Are you an Innovation Stakeholder in the Mediterranean agrifood sector, wanting to contribute to community building and further development of the region? By participating, you will
Network
Greatly expand your understanding networks in the global food transformation and food tech circuits
Training
Receive specialized mentoring and training as an ecosystem builder or/and entrepreneur
New Market
Develop a new and bold vision for a new food system emerging for the South of Italy and the Mediterranean region
Opportunities
Bring your ambitious ideas on how to valorize the agricultural production and food systems of the South of Italy
Investments
Jointly develop a clear investment proposal for international partners to attract them to the opportunities of the South of Italy
International Roadshows
Possibility to participate in one or more international roadshows organized in Sweden, Denmark and Germany and meet and interact with leading representatives of local ecosystems as well as leading international investors
Advantages of Capacity Building Program
01
International Events
Possibility to Participate in international road-shows
02
Network
Build relations with international partners for the benefit of the South of Italy and its various stakeholders and actively engage with contacts provided by Smarterra
03
Visibility
Regularly share co-branded content and opportunities via digital channels (social media, email, newsletter, etc.) Integrate the “Smarterra” brand and storyline in your own activities where you see fit
Mentoring Program
- Possibility of getting tailored Mentoring sessions, providing you with the tools of becoming a long-term Community Leader
- Develop your role as a Community Leader and Ambassador after the program has ended, organizing and operating a vibrant community of change-makers in the South of Italy.
- Gain valuable knowledge and networks through the program that will enable you to take on such a role together with the other selected participants.
Hybrid Webinars on Educational and Market Orientation Topics
The aim is to prepare the selected companies and stakeholders for both the roadshows as well as other interactions, national and international, on topics such as:
- Financing
- Pitching
- Strategic business development
- Intellectual Property strategy
- Leadership
- Funding
- Networking
- Market Orientation
Bespoke mentoring: In addition to the Capacity-Building Program, selected Ambassadors will receive bespoke mentoring based on their individual needs.
Engaging a Wider Group with International Stakeholders:
In addition to the above outlined program the ambassadors will be instrumental, together with the Smarterra team, in providing opportunities for a wider group of stakeholders in the South of Italy to connect with international stakeholders through webinars, a help desk, participation in at least 4 international conferences, and involvement in the organization of an international-scale event in Southern Italy with a minimum of 100 select participants. The overall aim of the program and post-program activities is to get as many qualified startups and stakeholders as possible into contact with the international community.
The more links that can be created between the international community and the South of Italy the more chances of innovation and development we facilitate. We especially emphasize the establishment of a strong “together-culture with a wide sharing of connections and “pay-it-forward"-attitude at the core. Activities include, but are not limited to:
- Online pitch sessions for international investors
- Online speed dating with investors and potential partners/customers
- Participating at the same conferences as the Smarterra team, facilitating connections with Smarterra’s networks
- Social gatherings together with international stakeholders that “are in town” and that would like to connect with the local ecosystem, learn and experience new things
Roadshow to Germany, Sweden, Denmark:
The ambassador roadshow will facilitate a minimum of 3 missions with at least 5 one-on-one meetings with leading investors.
The webinars and mentoring sessions aim at preparing the group so that the international impression of the South of Italy is as good as possible, generating further interest to discover and engage with the region.
The ideal candidate brings the following qualities:
- Based in the South of Italy
- Startup founder or established ecosystem leader in the region
- Strong understanding of Agricultural or Food Innovations
- Strong English language skills
- A minimum of 2 years of working experience in the Agricultural or Food sector
- Outgoing personality and intrinsic motivation to approach new contacts
- Passion or interest for the startup world, technology and new business models
- Existing network of key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Europe
- You can apply as a team coming from the same organization, with a maximum of three participants
Conditions:
- Free Mentoring and Training Program for 15 months (no compensation)
- Travel required, costs will be reimbursed (if you apply as a team, travel costs will be reimbursed for one person)
Apply Now
To apply please send fill out the sign up form and provide us with a short motivation letter, outlining your vision for the Agrifood Ecosystem in the South of Italy and who you think should invest in and develop it and how you see your role in making the South of Italy a key innovation hub for a future, healthy, sustainable and equitable food system.
If you apply as a team you need to outline the various competencies that the individuals in the team bring to the project.
First deadline 26 July 2024, EOD
