EBN Techcamp 2025

Driving Change: Autonomous Systems and Agri-Food Innovation for a Smarter Future

On 19-21 November 2025, the EBN Techcamp went to Nivelles (Belgium), co-hosted by EU|BIC CAP Innove, EBN Techcamp 2025 offered an immersive learning and networking experience through expert insights, practitioner testimonials, peer exchange, and field visits.

Over two days, incubation programme managers and entrepreneurship support practitioners explored the latest agri-food and autonomous systems trends, examining how EU|BICs and ESOs can drive the development and scaling of breakthrough innovations. Participants also reflected on strategic, programmatic, and methodological approaches within these organisations.

At the Workshop on Circular Innovation in Agriculture, hosted by EBN – European Business & Innovation Centre Network and powered by the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) Knowlege Hub, Q-PLAN team Evangelia Tsagaraki, Circular Bioeconomy Quest Leader and Kostas Giagtzoglou, head of R&I projects, introduced practical tools and insights from the Horizon Europe MainstreamBIO Project, including:

• best practices in circular bioeconomy business models,
• The Decision Support System (DSS),
• the Triple Layered Business Model Canvas (TLBMC),
• and lessons from Multi-Actor Innovation Platforms.

In this session, two of our ongoing projects that further build on our work in rural bioeconomy were presented:
a) BIOECONOMY GIANTS: aiming to support biomass producers and rural entrepreneurs into cooperative circular bio-based business models with bio-based industry and
b) thERBN EU Project: an EU-wide thematic network to share knowledge about circular bioeconomy solutions for small-scale farmers and foresters.

Participants then joined three rotating round tables about:

• Value chains & regional ecosystems
• Business models & incubation approaches
• Circular economy in uncertain times

The discussions were lively, practical, and full of valuable examples, a great demonstration of how collaboration across regions and innovation ecosystems can drive real circular transformation in the agri-food sector.