DEX Innovation Centre becomes EIT Food Country Representative Czechia

Building a pipeline of Czech startups

Within this role, DEX IC will support startups, researchers, and companies in accessing EIT Food programmes and international consortia. This includes identifying relevant opportunities, guiding application processes, and connecting Czech participants with partners across Europe. DEX IC will also focus on systematic scouting of early-stage startups in cooperation with incubators, accelerators, and universities, with the aim of building a strong pipeline of Czech teams. Beyond applications, the emphasis is on preparing them to meet programme expectations and successfully position their solutions at the European level.

A key capacity-building activity will be the EIT Food Challenge Lab, running from October to November 2026. This six-week blended programme will bring together early-stage innovators to work on real agrifood challenges, combining a physical kick-off, online sessions, mentoring, and a final demo day with expert feedback. The Challenge Lab is designed to help participants develop validated, market-relevant concepts while strengthening their entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills, and preparing them for further participation in EIT Food programmes such as Seedbed, TeamUp, Jumpstarter, or Test Farms.

Connecting research, talent and industry

The University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague acts as the lead organisation, contributing expertise in food science and strong academic networks. DEX Innovation Centre complements this role as a partner focused on innovation delivery, startup support, and ecosystem engagement. This division ensures a clear link between research and its practical application within EIT Food activities.

In this context, DEX Innovation Centre will support the participation of Czech stakeholders in EIT Food activities, including entrepreneurship and education programmes, by promoting available opportunities and guiding applicants through the entry process.

“Our role is to actively engage with startups, researchers, and companies, connecting them with concrete opportunities within EIT Food. We focus on helping them succeed in a competitive European environment and become strong partners in international projects,” says Tina Igličar Kubalik, Co-founder of DEX Innovation Centre.