Synergy Days is designed to celebrate and showcase European research projects that are transforming the European agri-food sector. Who are they, and how are they using digital technology to innovate the sector? We spoke to HIGHFIVE to learn more about the project, its goals and journey.

 

 

What inspired the creation of your project? 

The food processing industry is facing intense international competition and a growing need for rapid digital and sustainable transformations. At the heart of these companies is the core value of producing high-quality products but achieving this in today's environment comes with several challenges. For one, there are rising demands for quality, which means companies need to meet higher standards than ever before. Additionally, there’s a need to produce a wider variety of products with greater flexibility, which adds complexity to their operations.

Ensuring traceability of origin is another critical challenge, especially as consumers and regulators are increasingly focused on transparency. This, coupled with the constant pressure to reduce costs and meet tight delivery times, creates a tough landscape for these companies. On top of that, personnel costs are rising, and there’s a growing difficulty in attracting specialized talent, which is crucial for maintaining and advancing these complex processes.

To address these challenges, the integration of modern, cost-effective sensors connected with advanced computer-aided systems for information fusion is proving to be a game-changer. Digital technologies, including sensor fusion, big data management, offer promising tools for developing practical and cost-effective solutions. These innovations significantly improve process efficiency and transparency within the agri-food industry. The HIGHFIVE project has centered its activities around these concrete challenges and technical priorities, working to equip food processing companies with the tools they need to navigate this evolving landscape successfully.

Can you share some of the key milestones or successes your project has achieved to date?

HIGHFIVE has significantly empowered agri-food SMEs by driving both their digital and green transformation efforts. The project has been instrumental in overcoming the implementation barriers associated with cutting-edge technologies, which are crucial for enhancing food safety, quality, and sustainability. By addressing these challenges, we've enabled SMEs to stay competitive in an increasingly demanding market.

The initiative has optimized various financial support systems, which has been a game-changer for these businesses. We've managed to assist with three large investment projects, five practical implementation projects, and sixteen innovation projects. In total, HIGHFIVE has supported 34 SMEs (17 as project partners, 27 via cascade funding, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to adopt new technologies and improve their operations.

We've focused on helping SMEs integrate technologies that directly contribute to better food safety, improved quality control, and greater sustainability. This includes everything from advanced traceability systems to more efficient production processes that reduce waste and energy consumption. The result is not only a more competitive business but also one that is more aligned with the growing consumer demand for sustainable and high-quality food products.

What innovative technologies or methods are you most excited about within your project? 

The SME driven projects within HIGHFIVE and supported by HIGHFIVE via cascade funding incorporate some truly cutting-edge technologies that we are particularly excited about. SMEs are leveraging artificial intelligence, advanced sensor systems, and predictive algorithms across various initiatives. These technologies are being used to drive significant improvements in food quality and operational efficiency, which is a central goal for nearly all the SMEs we’re working with. Additionally, we’re seeing exciting advancements in projects focused on optimizing waste reduction and energy efficiency. These efforts are motivated by a strong commitment to sustainability, aiming to reduce energy and water consumption, as well as emissions. It’s this integration of innovative technologies with a clear focus on sustainability that makes these projects so impactful and promising for the future of the agri-food industry.

What advice would you give to other innovators looking to make an impact in the agricultural / food sector through digital technologies? 

Innovating in the agricultural and food sector with digital technologies presents several challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is the specialized knowledge and skills needed to implement advanced technologies. Many companies, especially in food processing, may not have the necessary expertise in-house, making it difficult to adopt new solutions. Additionally, these technologies must be compatible with existing systems and processes, which can make integration complex, time-consuming, and costly.

For SMEs, securing the necessary upfront investment can be a substantial challenge. The benefits of new technologies might not be immediately apparent, leading to uncertainty about the potential return on investment. Furthermore, the heavily regulated nature of the agri-food industry requires new innovations to comply with strict food safety standards, environmental regulations, and other legal requirements, adding another layer of complexity.

Given these challenges, we advise innovators to adopt a strategic approach that involves all stakeholders from the beginning. Collaboration with industry experts, securing buy-in across all levels of the organization, and ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements are crucial steps to successfully making an impact in this sector.

What is the added value of Synergy Days for your project? 

For the HIGHFIVE project, Synergy Days provide the perfect opportunity to showcase our work, share our success stories, and highlight the impact we've made in supporting SMEs. The events also allows us to connect with new partners, broadening our stakeholder community and enhancing the collaborative efforts across the sector. This is particularly important as we aim to scale the impact of our project and ensure that the benefits of our work are felt across Europe.

Moreover, Synergy Days facilitate the cross-pollination of ideas between different projects and initiatives, helping to identify synergies and opportunities for further collaboration. This added value is crucial for the continuous innovation and improvement of the agri-food sector, ensuring that we are not only addressing current challenges but also anticipating and preparing for future ones.

Want to meet them and learn more about the project? Join HIGHFIVE at Synergy Days 2024! More details and how to register.