Inspire – Circular Agrifood
Online and in-person course
Study location: Portugal, and online
Type: Inspire, hybrid
Nominal duration: Students, academic and non-academic staff, and professionals from the agri-food sector.
ECTS: 10.
Study language: English
Application fee:
€350 one-time
Early-bird rate (until 21/09/2022):
– Full course (online & in-person event): 100€;
– Online only course: 65€
General rate:
– Full course (online & in-person event): 350€;
– Online only course: 150€
There are free places for people on parental leave; people unemployed or employed, but on a low income and people living in rural areas. Get in touch with mariana.fazenda@eitfood.eu to get your free code. No questions will be asked and no explanation is required.
For group bookings get in touch with at inspire@eitfood.eu to discuss our discounted offer for group bookings with over 10 participants (including charities, students, and organisation interested in bulk places).
Entry qualification: Undergraduate diploma (or higher)
Language requirements:
English
Good communication in English, both written and spoken
More information: learning.eitfood.eu
Course Overview
The CircularAgriFood Autumn School is a 14-day program providing a comprehensive understanding of circularity in agriculture and food systems, in parallel with sessions aimed at triggering the entrepreneurial mindset of our participants. Through a challenge-based approach, participants gain practical skills and knowledge to design and implement solutions in circular food systems, using cutting-edge technologies. Participants attending week 3 will experience an immersive week in Portugal, in which they will further improve their solutions by collaborating in-person with expert mentors in the beautiful landscape of Arruda-dos-Vinhos. The final pitch competition awards the winning team a €5,000.00 prize to be used in mentoring services provided by the organisation.
Online weeks: 25/09/2023-06/10/2023
In-person days, Portugal: 16/10/2023-19/10/2023
Programme structure
The CircularAgriFood Autumn School will include 2 weeks of online synchronous learning (10 days) and 4 days in-person to take place at Arruda dos Vinhos. Travelling costs to connect Lisbon and Arruda dos Vinhos will be covered, as well as costs with housing and meals for the 3 days (dinner excluded).
Modules
The CircularAgriFood Autumn School will encompass modules from 3 pillars: Circularity in Agrifood thematic modules, Building an Entrepreneur modules, and Meet the Innovator modules.
Circularity in Agrifood
Circular Economy; Challenges and opportunities for circularity in the agrifood sector; Circular Economy Business Models; Linear vs Circular nutrient usage; Technologies for closing the nutrient loop; The role of animals in a circular agrifood system; Food supply chains and waste hierarchy; Food waste valorization towards food and non-food products.
Building an Entrepreneur
Challenge presentation and selection; What is your challenge; What is your opportunity; Project Model Canvas; Tips and tricks to pitch your idea to potential investors.
Meet the Innovator
Sessions featuring entrepreneurs that were able to bring their innovations to the market. These entrepreneurs and startups will be identified among the alumni from the EIT Food flagship programmes.
Career opportunities
The CircularAgriFood Autumn School will boost the professional development of:
- Bachelor Students: Bachelor students interested in agrifood systems and sustainability will benefit from the school by gaining a comprehensive understanding of circularity principles and their application in the agrifood sector. They will learn about cutting-edge technologies and acquire practical skills for designing and implementing circular food systems. The key tangible takeaway for bachelor students is the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to sustainable and circular practices in their future careers.
- Master’s Students: Master’s students pursuing degrees in STEAM will find value in the school. They will deepen their understanding of circularity principles and gain insights into the latest technologies and innovations driving circularity in the agrifood sector. The school will provide them with practical skills and an entrepreneurial lens for addressing circular challenges and opportunities. The key tangible takeaway for master’s students is a competitive edge in the job market and the ability to drive circularity in their future professional roles.
- PhD Students and Researchers: PhD students and researchers from different fields will benefit from the school by broadening their knowledge base and deepening their understanding of circularity principles specific to the agrifood sector. They will learn about cutting-edge technologies and gain insights into practical implementation strategies. The key tangible takeaway for PhD students and researchers is the opportunity to enhance their research plan, to develop an entrepreneurship mindset for bringing research to market, and to be connected to a valuable network of partners.
- Professionals: Professionals working in the agrifood sector, including policymakers, managers, consultants, and entrepreneurs, will find the school highly valuable. They will gain an in-depth understanding of circularity principles and learn about the latest technologies and innovations driving circularity in the sector. The school will equip them with practical skills and knowledge to implement circular strategies, improve efficiency, and drive innovation in their respective roles. The key tangible takeaway for professionals is the ability to enhance their careers, drive sustainable practices, and contribute to the competitiveness and growth of the food system in Europe.
