Winnipeg/Brussels, September 9, 2026, | The Government of Manitoba and EIT Food today announced a strategic framework to explore collaboration that strengthens Manitoba’s agriculture and agrifood innovation ecosystem, support competitiveness, and advance sustainable and resilient growth. The collaboration brings together EIT Food’s experience in ecosystem coordination, knowledge exchange, innovation programming and international collaboration with Manitoba’s work to advance industry–academia collaboration, applied research, innovation adoption and new funding opportunities. EIT Food is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.
Representatives from the Government of Manitoba and EIT Food during the signing of the agreement, including the Hon. ROn Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of the Minister of Agriculture, Raphaël Debleser, Chief Operating Officer at EIT Food and Patricia Willems-Mawenu, Strategic Collaborations, Global & Multi-stakeholder.
This partnership intends to explore programmes, initiatives, knowledge exchange and research activities with the Department of Agriculture of Manitoba (Manitoba Agriculture) to connect their strengths with European networks, partnerships and markets. It also recognises the value of two-way exchange, creating opportunities for European innovators to engage with Manitoba’s agriculture and agrifood ecosystem while supporting Manitoba-based innovators, researchers and institutions seeking links to Europe.
The framework also builds on EIT Food’s growing engagement with the Canadian agrifood innovation ecosystem. In May 2026, EIT Food announced a partnership with AgSphere to support cross-border collaboration between Canada and Europe, including startup immersion programmes and exchanges, training and skills development, and strategic collaboration between the two regions. AgSphere also will join EIT Food’s Next Bite event in Warsaw to connect Canadian agrifood startups with European market opportunities, reinforcing the role of international partnerships.
Five areas for collaboration
Subject to mutual interest and separate written agreement where required, EIT Food and Manitoba Agriculture will explore:
- Horizon Europe and research collaboration, including links to consortia, partnerships, funding opportunities, pilots and demonstration activities where eligible.
- Two-way innovation and market connectivity between European and Manitoba-based companies, innovators, researchers and institutions.
- Application of EIT Food’s Knowledge Triangle model, integrating academia, industry and entrepreneurship, to support ecosystem development.
- Future pathways and investment readiness, including high-level frameworks and roadmaps for programming, partnerships and investment considerations.
- Global knowledge exchange and stronger network connectivity between Manitoba and the European Union.
"Manitoba’s producers and processors are the backbone of our rural economy, and this collaboration strengthens the tools they need to stay competitive in a global market. By linking our innovation ecosystem with Europe’s largest agrifood network, we’re opening doors for new research, new technologies and new market opportunities that directly benefit Manitoba farms, local businesses and communities. This partnership helps ensure that the ideas and products developed here at home can grow, scale and succeed on the world stage.” The Hon. Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of the Minister of Agriculture in Manitoba, said.
“This agreement offers EIT Food and our European partners a valuable opportunity to strengthen links with Manitoba-based innovators, while bringing fresh knowledge, technologies and market perspectives into Europe’s food innovation ecosystem. By connecting academia, industry players, and entrepreneurs across our regions, we look forward to exploring how this partnership can drive our shared ambition in building a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system.” Richard Zaltzman, CEO, EIT Food, said.
“International collaboration is essential if we are to accelerate innovation across the food system and create stronger connections between regions with complementary expertise. This framework with Manitoba offers a practical opportunity to connect European and Canadian innovators, researchers and institutions, helping ideas, talent and entrepreneurship move more effectively across borders. By working together, we can support new routes for knowledge exchange, market access and sustainable growth.” Benoît Buntinx, Director of Business Creation, EIT Food, said.
This five-year framework marks a shared commitment to turn international collaboration into practical impact. By connecting Manitoba’s agrifood strengths with Europe’s largest food innovation ecosystem, EIT Food and Manitoba Agriculture aim to create new pathways for ideas, talent and entrepreneurship to grow across borders, supporting a food system that is more competitive, resilient and better equipped to deliver sustainable growth for people, places and the planet.