EWA Masterclass: empowering Latvian women in agrifood innovation
Ten ambitious Latvian women entrepreneurs recently participated in EWA Masterclass focused on brand positioning and the integration of technology in the agrifood sector.
On the 13th of August, ten dynamic Latvian women entrepreneurs gathered for an in-person Masterclass, as part of the EIT Food’s Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) business support programme, implemented in Latvia by the Riga Technical University (RTU) Science and Innovation Centre (SIC). This event marked a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey, offering an immersive experience focused on brand positioning and the latest advancements in agrifood technology
The Masterclass is a key part of the EWA programme, bringing women entrepreneurs in the food innovation field together to share progress and gain essential skills. It offers in-person meetings, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help participants advance their business ideas.
The day began with a professional photoshoot, providing participants with high-quality images to enhance their professional profiles. Following this, the entrepreneurs engaged in an intensive training session on brand positioning, where they honed their startup ideas by examining them through the lens of customer needs and potential market opportunities. The training was led by Evita Strausa, a distinguished expert in marketing, business development, new product creation, and export expansion. This event was a remarkable opportunity for participants to refine their ideas and network with like-minded individuals passionate about food innovation.
EWA Programme prepares innovators for international showcase
Over the next four months, these women entrepreneurs will continue to build on their experiences, focusing on business development and enhancing their entrepreneurial capabilities. The programme offers access to a broad network of partners and mentors, providing essential support during the critical early stages of business development. The mentorship component, in particular, is poised to be a valuable resource in elevating their business ideas to the next level.
The programme will culminate in November at the International innovation ecosystem summit, Innovate 360, where participants will showcase their progress and compete for a grand prize of up to 10,000 EUR to further advance their business concepts.
The EWA programme is being implemented internationally for the fifth time and will take place in Latvia for the second time. It is running simultaneously in 12 countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Ukraine, supporting 120 women in total.
Tech for Food: Agrifood Startup Community Meetup highlights innovation and investment in the sector
The Masterclass seamlessly transitioned into the Agrifood Startup Community Meetup and networking event—Tech for Food which took place in Startup House Riga premises. This session was a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities within the agrifood sector, fostering a collaborative environment where participants could share founder stories and discuss investment prospects. Esteemed speakers, including Annija Emersone from P-Agro Minerals, Karlis Udrisfrom Elogium provided stories about attracting funding, and Andrii Shekhirev from Biocatalyst Foundation, provided invaluable insights into the role of biotechnology in addressing global food challenges. Additionally, three EWA participants—Jomanta Smane, Kristine Stikane from Gutopia, and Elina Zandere from Legomo—had the opportunity to present their innovative ideas to the community.
About Riga Technical University
Riga Technical University (RTU), founded in 1862, is a top institution in the Baltic States with 13,000+ students and a strong research team. Holding 91 Latvian patents, RTU excels in education, research, and innovation, consistently ranking high globally. The 2022-established RTU Science & Innovation Centre supports entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer. It aims to boost innovation and entrepreneurship, enhance knowledge transfer, and foster active engagement. RTU expanded its impact in 2023 by integrating two more universities.
Learn more about Riga Technical University on their webpage.
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