Eatable Adventures Launches Raíces 2026: Bridging the Funding Gap for Spanish-Speaking Startups
Eatable Adventures, the world’s leading Agrifoodtech accelerator, has opened applications for Raíces 2026, the second edition of its innovative program designed to foster agrifood innovation ecosystems across Spain and Latin America. This initiative aims to transform promising solutions from the Spanish-speaking world into scalable businesses with significant international growth potential. Despite the region accounting for nearly 20% of global agrifood exports, it attracts only 3% of global Agrifoodtech investment, highlighting a critical funding gap that Raíces seeks to address.
Connecting Corporations, Institutions, and Startups
Raíces was established to create a bridge between Spanish-speaking corporations, institutions, and startups, facilitating innovation transfer between Europe and Latin America—two regions that are strategically important for the food industry. Eatable Adventures has built a robust presence in both markets through various acceleration programs, innovation hubs, and strategic partnerships, particularly in Colombia and the Southern Cone.
In its inaugural edition, Raíces successfully selected five startups that advanced from concept to market. These startups benefited from connections with over 80 international corporations and developed approximately 15 pilot projects to test and validate their technologies in real-world settings. Building on this success, Eatable Adventures aims to amplify the program’s impact in 2026 while incorporating new technology categories that are increasingly relevant to the agrifood sector.
The Philosophy Behind Raíces
Mila Valcárcel, Managing Partner of Eatable Adventures, emphasizes that “Raíces is more than an acceleration program—it demonstrates that when Spanish-speaking talent is connected with the right investment, expert mentorship, and direct access to industry, startups scale successfully.” This philosophy underpins the unique methodology employed by Eatable Adventures, which not only creates innovation ecosystems but also activates them, helping companies transition from solution to market while transforming the food system from within.
A World-Class Support Network
To bolster the Raíces program, Eatable Adventures has assembled a formidable network of strategic partners. Raíces 2026 will receive support from ICEX, which will aid in the global expansion of participating startups; AZTI, which will provide technological development and validation; the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, which will enhance regional business connections; and Bimbo Ventures, which will offer startups opportunities to validate their solutions through real-world pilots and commercial agreements.
A Comprehensive 16-Week Acceleration Program
Raíces 2026 offers selected startups a high-performance, 16-week acceleration program that includes two in-person bootcamps in Madrid and Bogotá. Participants will receive initial investment starting at €100,000, with the potential to secure up to €1 million in funding. They will also gain access to a global network of corporations, institutions, and investment funds, along with opportunities to launch pilot projects in both European and Latin American markets. Additionally, startups will benefit from international visibility through leading media outlets and participation in key industry events.
The program is specifically seeking technology-based startups operating in seven strategic areas: Health & Nutrition, Next-Generation Agriculture, Circular Value Chains, Next-Generation Ingredients, Fresh Tech, AgroFintech, and Artificial Intelligence, the latter being introduced as a dedicated category for the 2026 edition.
Opportunities for Startups on Both Sides of the Atlantic
Raíces presents a unique opportunity for startups on both sides of the Atlantic. Spanish companies can develop pilot projects with Latin American corporations, tapping into a consumer market of over 420 million people. Conversely, Latin American startups can leverage the program as a gateway to the Spanish and broader European innovation ecosystem.
Applications for Raíces 2026 are open until June 28, 2026, and interested startups can apply through the Raíces website.
About Eatable Adventures
Eatable Adventures is a global leader in Foodtech acceleration, dedicated to transforming the food system to make it more equitable, sustainable, healthy, and resilient. Through strategic partnerships with startups, corporations, governments, and investors, the company promotes the adoption of advanced technologies across the entire agrifood value chain, from seed to table.
With a strong international footprint, Eatable Adventures has built a global community of over 25,000 changemakers, developed 12 acceleration and incubation programs, and launched more than 70 initiatives in collaboration with corporations and governments. The company also manages a €30 million investment fund dedicated to supporting emerging ventures. Each year, Eatable Adventures accelerates over 100 startups, solidifying its position as a key player in the global Agrifoodtech ecosystem.
For more information, visit EatableAdventures.com.
