Date
June 11, 2026
Agritech & Food Commission 2026
On June 11, 2026, the Agritech & Food Commission was held, the third of the five planned by UniCredit Start Lab.
These are the Board Experts who evaluated the Finalist Startups behind closed doors:
- Jacopo Alberti - Innovation & Ecosystem Expert, Amadori
- Giuseppe Di Martino - CEO, Pastificio G. Di Martino
- Pompeo Farchioni - Presidente & CEO, Farchioni Olii
- Ugo Peila - CEO, Molino Peila
- Michela Petronio - CVC Senior Advisor, Barilla
- Alexandre Rochat - Innovation Intelligence Manager, Esselunga
The startup winner of the first prize is:
BEADROOTS, develops natural solutions to increase the resilience of agriculture to climate change, with particular reference to the efficient management of water resources and the improvement of soil productivity. Specifically, the startup proposes an innovative solution for water retention at the root level through algae-derived superabsorbent polymers, which helps to increase yield and improves its quality.
The second-place startup is: INSECTIBLOCK aims to industrialise and commercialise at scale an innovative proprietary technology for environmental control and the eradication of pest insects in the agri-food and industrial sectors, without the use of insecticides, pesticides, or plant protection products. The system is based on an exclusively physical-mechanical mode of action, non-toxic, designed to operate in production environments characterised by stringent food safety requirements and compliance with HACCP standards.
The third place was awarded to: RETHAIN develops solutions for the valorization of digestate produced by biogas plants, with the aim of improving their sustainability and economic efficiency. Through a proprietary and patented process, RethaiN allows to recover ammonia nitrogen by converting it into high-value and protein-rich microbial biomass. The technology enables the production of novel biofertilizers and biostimulants for advanced agricultural applications.
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The Commission also awarded a special mention to:
PLANTZCARE develops wearable sensors for continuous and real-time monitoring of the physiological status of crops. The solution uses innovative technologies such as stem electrical bioimpedance and integrates them into a multi-sensor system combining plant, soil and environmental data, providing a direct and comprehensive view of the crop while enabling early detection of crop stress and analysis of key parameters related to plant health and evapotranspiration. The platform supports more precise agronomic decisions, optimizing resource use and improving operational efficiency.
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The other startups that took part in the Commission and that are joining the UniCredit Start Lab platform are (in alphabetical order):
AGRI-E developed modular micro-biorefineries that can be installed directly at rice mills and agro-industrial companies, to convert agricultural waste into bioethanol. The system is conceived as a plug-and-play solution, with the objective of reducing logistics and disposal costs, enabling the client to increase the level of energy self-sufficiency through the on-site production of biofuel for agricultural machinery, tractors, dryers etc.
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KELPEAT is developing the first integrated European macroalgae supply chain, from cultivation to processing, through to the development of high-value food ingredients and applications. Through direct control of the supply chain, KelpEat aims to ensure quality, traceability, industrial scalability, and stable access to a new generation of sustainable ingredients.
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MATERIA FACTORY has developed a patented industrial circular economy model that transforms organic waste from the Ho.Re.Ca. sector, in particular coffee grounds, into high-performance bio-based fertilizers and biostimulants for regenerative agriculture. Through modular production units integrated with Artificial Intelligence, the startup closes the "waste → soil → carbon" cycle, also generating CO₂ sequestration credits for the voluntary market. Materia Factory also offers raw material collection and traceability services, environmental education programs, and B2C and B2B solutions aimed at measurable environmental and social impact.
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NOIET develops clean-label ingredients through a proprietary multi-microbial fermentation technology. Our first ingredient, NOIFERM, is a multifunctional ingredient that combines natural preservation and antioxidant functionalities with high protein and fiber content in a single solution. We upcycle byproducts from plant-based beverage production and, through our proprietary fermentation process, transform them into high-value ingredients capable of enhancing the nutritional profile of foods while helping manufacturers shorten ingredient labels.