Project

🌱Accelerating the green and digital transformation of Europe’s agrifood sector

GATE5.0 is a European initiative co-funded by the European Union under the SMP-COSME EUROCLUSTERS programme. The project drives the digital  and green transition of the agrifood ecosystem by empowering SMEs to adopt Agriculture 5.0 technologies such as IoT, AI, robotics and data analytics.

Through funding, capacity-building, and  internationalization, GATE5.0 strengthens sustainability,  competitiveness and resilience across Europe’s agrifood value chain.

🌱Project Objectives

• Foster innovation in Agriculture 5.0, supporting SMEs to develop digital and sustainable products and services.
• Provide financial support and capacity building through an Acceleration Programme offering up to €118,500 per SME consortium (including direct funding and training).
• Build collaborative regional ecosystems connecting digital and agrifood actors, academia, investors, and policymakers.
• Accelerate the green and digital transition through training, mentoring, and technology validation.
• Support European SMEs in global expansion, focusing on international markets.

The GATE5.0 journey starts by identifying real  challenges faced by SMEs in the agrifood sector.

Through regional workshops and co-creation sessions, we gather insights from farmers, producers, and agrifood companies to define their most pressing needs.

Next, digital and deep-tech SMEs present technological  solutions capable of addressing those challenges — such as AI, IoT, data analytics, and robotics.

A matchmaking process then connects both sides, forming consortiums between Agrifood SMEs and Digital  SMEs to jointly tackle specific challenges.

These consortiums can apply to the GATE5.0  Open Call (FSTP), proposing collaborative projects to develop, test, and scale innovative Agriculture 5.0 solutions.

Once selected, the SMEs enter a structured acceleration journey consisting of three phases:

• 1. SEED: From idea to business model: 80 SMEs will receive tailored training and mentoring to define their value proposition and prepare a business pitch
• 2. SPROUT: From prototype to validation: 40 SMEs will develop prototypes (TRL 7), conduct feasibility assessments, and receive technical and business support.

• 3. HARVEST: From validation to market: 20 SMEs will implement large-scale demonstrators (TRL 8–9) in real agricultural environments, validating and scaling their solutions for market entry and internationalization.

Throughout the process, each consortium benefits from:

• Direct funding to develop and deploy their solution.
• Tailored capacity building with mentoring, training, and business guidance.
• Networking opportunities to connect with European partners, investors, and innovation ecosystems.

This comprehensive approach ensures that agrifood and digital SMEs co-create scalable solutions that strengthen Europe’s sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience.

📌Who can participate?

📌How the Application Process Worked

The GATE5.0 Open Call is now closed. During the application period, SMEs from across Europe were invited to participate in a collaborative innovation process aimed at accelerating the green and digital transformation of the agrifood sector.

To apply, proposals had to be submitted by a consortium composed of at least one Agrifood SME and one Technology or Digital SME. Through the GATE5.0 matchmaking activities (access the matchmaking platform here), companies were able to connect with potential partners and jointly identify innovative solutions to real agrifood challenges.

Once the consortium was formed, applicants completed the official application form, aligned with the call evaluation criteria and focused on collaborative Agriculture 5.0 solutions involving technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, data analytics and smart farming systems

Selected projects enter the GATE5.0 Acceleration Programme, a three-phase journey — SEED, SPROUT and HARVEST — designed to support SMEs in developing, validating and scaling innovative solutions with financial support, mentoring, training and internationalisation opportunities.

The call closed on 30 April 2026.

Throughout the Open Call period, GATE5.0 organised a series of online information, matchmaking and Pitch & Connect sessions to support consortium building between Agrifood and Technology SMEs across Europe.

These activities helped participants understand the Open Call, identify collaboration opportunities, explore Agriculture 5.0 challenges and connect with potential partners through the GATE5.0 Community Hub.

📄Session Factsheets

Session #1 – Open Call & Matchmaking Guidance

→ Download factsheet [PDF]

Session #2 – Agri-Tech Challenges, Open Call & Matchmaking Guidance

Overview of key Agriculture 5.0 challenges, innovation opportunities and collaboration models between agrifood and technology SMEs.

→ Download factsheet [PDF]

Session #3 – Women in Agri-Tech, Open Call & Matchmaking

Session focused on inclusive innovation, women entrepreneurship in Agri-Tech and final Open Call preparation guidance.

→ Download factsheet [PDF]

Pitch & Connect Sessions – Meet Your Match

Short pitching and networking sessions designed to accelerate consortium creation and connect SMEs with complementary challenges and solutions.

→ Download factsheet [PDF]