EWA Czechia Demo Day: Meet the Winners of the Third Edition

The EWA 2024 Programme, led by EIT Food to support women in the agrifood sector, has successfully completed its latest edition. The programme celebrated inspiring female entrepreneurs who showcased creative and sustainable ideas. Their solutions focus on tackling key environmental challenges and encouraging eco-friendly practices in the industry.

The Demo Day featured a panel of judges, including Lukáš Sedláček (ELAI), Zuzana Zděnková (Nadace Tipsport), and Katarína Klamková (CARE ČR), who evaluated the impactful projects showcased by the participants. The event highlighted the crucial role of women in driving positive change within the agrifood sector.

First Place: Šárka Márová's Fungi Pack

Šárka Márová secured the top position with her innovative project, Fungi Pack, which develops sustainable packaging materials derived from fungi. This approach offers a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. The global sustainable packaging market is projected to reach $470 billion by 2027, up from an estimated $305 billion in 2020, reflecting a significant shift towards environmentally conscious materials.

Second Place: Martina Zelenáková's Shupka

Martina Zelenáková earned second place with Shupka, a venture that transforms coffee roasting byproducts into flavorful syrups. This innovative use of coffee waste addresses environmental concerns associated with the substantial byproducts generated during coffee processing. Research indicates that coffee production increased from about 8.5 million tonnes in 2008 to 10.7 million tonnes in 2020, leading to significant amounts of waste.

Audience Choice Award: Eliška Nováková's 'Zde domov můj'

The audience recognized Eliška Nováková for her project, 'Zde domov můj', which focuses on ecological, hand-harvested herbal teas. This initiative emphasizes sustainable agriculture and the preservation of traditional harvesting methods, offering consumers natural and environmentally friendly tea options. The award was presented by Lenka Bennerová (Vaše zahradnice), an alumna of the EWA programme, highlighting the supportive community fostered by the accelerator.

Special Recognition: Lenka Simerská's Kopřiva Boost

Family brewery Zichovec honored Lenka Simerská for her project, Kopřiva Boost, which involves brewing a nettle-infused IPA. This innovative beverage combines traditional brewing techniques with sustainable foraging practices, introducing a unique product to the craft beer market.

The journey of EWA 2024 didn’t end with the Pitching event. The exceptional EWA innovators and their innovative projects were proudly presented at the prestigious Seed Summit, a platform that gathers key players, innovators, and thought leaders in the agrifood sector. Their participation not only highlighted the incredible potential of women-led ventures but also underscored the importance of fostering gender diversity and innovation in addressing global food and environmental challenges.

By presenting their achievements atPitching event, the EWA innovators highlighted their role as leaders, encouraging the wider agrifood community to adopt sustainable and inclusive practices. Their stories demonstrate the powerful impact of working together, learning from others, and staying determined. These efforts are helping shape the future of the agrifood industry in a meaningful way.

Established in 2011, cats2cats z.s. is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women in all aspects of their lives. Their motto, CATS (Creativity, Activity, Talent, Sharing), guides their mission to empower women through various programmes and initiatives. Whether it's through mentorship programmes, skill-building workshops, or networking events, they are committed to supporting women every step of the way.

Learn more about cats2cats z.s. on their web page.