The NEX-LABS Nexus Innovation Program has supported seven entrepreneurial projects with the aim of promoting technology transfer in the agri-food sector and implementing clean technologies for sustainable growth in agri-food production, based on more efficient use of energy and water.

For four months, the program has had the guidance of experts in the agri-food sector, roundtable discussions with leading companies like Vacka, and meetings with investors in the sector.

The program concluded on October 26th with the presentation of the four projects that reached the finals:

• Clic Recycle has developed two products based on human hair to clean water from pollution and reduce water consumption in plantations.
• Happy Crops aims to develop photochromic coatings that provide intelligent protection against excessive solar radiation and temperature increase in greenhouses without relying on any electrical source.
• OceanGarden cultivates macroalgae around the cages of offshore fish farms, selling blue carbon credits. In addition to capturing carbon dioxide, these algae will reduce water eutrophication and oxygenate it.
• TraceDrink intends to develop the authentication of cavas through multi-isotopic characterization.

In addition to the project presentations, the closing event featured a conference by Malwine Steinbock, the Director of Strategy at Food Republik, who discussed new trends in the agri-food sector and highlighted various products already on the market that address the needs of consumers in terms of health and sustainability.