CHOICE at the heart of Innovation: Reflections from the Smart Agrifood Summit 2024

The Startup Europe Smart Agrifood Summit stands as a pinnacle event for innovation and entrepreneurship in the agri-food sector, drawing attention from across the globe. In its 7th edition, held on March 14th and 15th, 2024, in Seville, CHOICE partner Cooperativas Agro-Alimentarias de Andalucia (CAAND) proudly participated, showcasing CHOICE alongside other groundbreaking initiatives.

CAAND presence was marked by a booth strategically stationed in the exhibition area, where project representatives distributed CHOICE brochures and engaged with participants. These interactions provided valuable insights into CHOICE’s role in shaping a sustainable future in the agri-food sector, generating an enthusiastic response that underscored the growing interest and recognition of our mission.

The discussions centered on CHOICE’s pioneering approach, which unites diverse disciplines and immersive tools to integrate behavioral change and food system actors’ heterogeneity into Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs). By embedding these models into citizens’ daily practices and decision-making processes, CHOICE aims to accelerate climate action, setting a new standard for scientific rigor and societal impact.

One particularly memorable aspect of the event was the opportunity to connect with innovative start-ups and enterprises, such as Tecnoalgae, recognized with the prestigious award for the “most sustainable startup.” Interacting with these forward-thinking entrepreneurs provided invaluable inspiration and reaffirmed our shared commitment to sustainability. It was truly inspiring to network with like-minded individuals whose dedication and ingenuity align closely with CHOICE’s values.

Overall, CAAND’s participation in the Startup Europe Smart Agrifood Summit, was a success, providing a platform to raise awareness about CHOICE, foster collaboration, and exchange ideas with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. As we continue on our journey towards a more sustainable future in the food system, events like these serve as catalysts for innovation, driving positive change in the agri-food sector and beyond.