Empowering Young Talent in Food Systems Innovation Through InnoNext

Published on October 13, 2025

When Aaqifa Shaikh, a biotechnology graduate from Pune, India, completed her EIT Food Joint Master’s in Food Systems, she was determined to turn research into real-world sustainability impact. Her award-winning thesis on the life cycle assessment of pea protein processing in the Nordics—named Best Positive Environmental Impact Thesis 2024 by EIT Food—reflected that commitment. Yet Aaqifa wanted to go beyond the classroom and bring her ideas to life. In InnoNext, she found the perfect bridge.

Through InnoNext, graduates from EIT Label programmes and EIT-supported startups, like Aaqifa, can access tailored placements that match academic talent with real business needs. This pan-European platform for innovation internships is designed to strengthen innovation, accelerate scale-ups, and bridge the gap between research and industry.

Continue reading on website
Other news

EWA Masterclass: AgriLeaders-Transformation is Women unites EWA Mentees with Danone Farmers from Poland

October 9, 2025
Danone, EIT Food and StartupHub Poland Foundation collaborate for unique EWA Masterclass, bringing together ten EWA programme mentees and 30 female farmers from the Danone network.

Celebrating Women TechEU Winners — Spotlight on Agrifood Innovators

October 14, 2025
In a key milestone for deep-tech and women entrepreneurship, the Women TechEU programme has already selected it's winners: 40 visionary women-led startups from across Europe have each secured €75,000 non-dilutive grants plus high-level mentorship to accelerate their ventures.