Unlocking the Potential of the SmartAgriHub Synergy Portal: Webinar Recap and Ongoing E-Discussions
On Thursday, 12 June, INCiTiS-FOOD partners Wageningen University & Research and Aglobe Development Centre, in collaboration with Schuttelaar & Partners, held an insightful webinar titled Unlocking the Potential of the SmartAgriHub Synergy Portal: Tools, Practices, and Community Dialogues. The sessions’ objective was to familiarise INCiTiS-FOOD partners and innovation actors onboarded within the Living Labs with the Synergy Portal’s features and opportunities for engagement. Key updates on the SmartAgriHub Synergy Portal were introduced, including the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) for Competence Centres, the addition of a French language interface to support Francophone countries, enhanced interoperability with the INCiTiS-FOOD (website) registration page, and the launch of a series of moderated e-discussions.
Three more e-discussions are planned in the coming months — follow us on The Synergy Platform and LinkedIn to stay updated and join the dialogue.
Collaboration in Action: Cross-visits between Living Labs
This spring, collaboration within the INCiTiS-FOOD project gained new momentum through two cross-visits between partner Living Labs.
Firstly, teams from Bamenda University of Science and Technology (BUST) in Cameroon and the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Ghana travelled to Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM) in Franceville, Gabon. The visit provided a space to explore the technologies implemented at USTM, exchange ideas on community engagement in urban food systems, and discuss future joint activities.
Later this spring, the BUST team continued their exchange journey with a visit to the UDS Living Lab in Tamale, Ghana. With a focus on food safety and yield trials, the visit included working sessions and practical demonstrations, fostering shared learning and strengthening technical collaboration.
These exchanges highlight how Living Labs are building not only knowledge but also long-term partnerships. Through open dialogue and on-the-ground collaboration, partners are shaping more inclusive, effective, and sustainable urban agriculture solutions across Africa.
Events in Focus: Outreach, Innovation, and Collaboration
- On the 12th of May, our coordinator Gertrud Buchenrieder, along with Vanessa Morales and Thomas Ammerl, the INCiTiS-FOOD partners from Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) GmbH, held a fruitful meeting with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator in Munich. The discussion focused on: potential synergies in promoting urban agriculture innovations, supporting winners and applicants from our Open Calls and exploring long-term collaboration pathways to ensure the sustainability and scale-up of our Living Labs. This valuable exchange marks another step forward in strengthening our outreach and strategic networking efforts.
- On 20 May 2025, a webinar hosted by the INCiTiS-FOOD partner em. Prof. Dr. Ranka Junge, in collaboration with the University of Florence, was held online. The session focused on demonstrating and adapting low-tech soilless technologies in Living Labs — a practical approach to sustainable urban food systems.
- The INCiTiS-FOOD project was showcased at the 92nd International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad! Our partners from Foodscale Hub presented the project and our mission to create an inclusive food system in African cities and towns through solutions centred around soilless crop farming, recirculating aquaculture systems, and insect farming. The fair was a fantastic opportunity to connect with farmers, students, entrepreneurs, and consumers.
- INCiTiS-FOOD was presented during the “Research Meets Bundeswehr” workshop at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich! The workshop created a space for military and academic perspectives to come together, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. INCiTiS-FOOD and FrontAg Nexus projects were featured together as examples of innovative, collaborative research that actively involve students and young professionals.
- Our project was showcased at the 15th CASEE Conference in Novi Sad, Serbia, which was held from June 25-27. Hosted by Faculty of Agriculutre, University of Novi Sad, this year’s theme was “Green transitions in agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine and food systems under a changing climate” Our partners from Foodscale Hub presented INCiTiS-FOOD’s mission to enhance urban and peri-urban food production across Africa, driven by sustainable, circular technologies. It was a great opportunity to connect and exchange ideas.
- INCiTiS-FOOD was proud to take part in the “R&I for a competitive green transition” conference, organised by the European Commission on 23–24 June in Brussels — an event spotlighting the power of research and innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Our co-coordinator, Dr Emmanuel Benjamin, joined the panel discussion “Going green, going local: R&I Solutions for Regions, Citizens and Community Engagement”, sharing insights from the INCiTiS-FOOD project. The session explored how local solutions and community involvement are central to the green transition. Dr Benjamin reflected on how INCiTiS-FOOD develops agri-food technologies tailored to African cities — reducing environmental impact while building more inclusive urban food systems. It was a valuable opportunity to contribute to the EU’s broader conversation on sustainability, citizen engagement, and innovation for impact.
Working Together: Joint Activities with PrAEctiCe
As part of our ongoing commitment to knowledge exchange and collaboration, INCiTiS-FOOD joined forces with the Horizon Europe project PrAEctiCe for two joint activities exploring sustainable food systems and innovation pathways.
In May, we co-hosted a webinar focused on the role of Living Labs and aquaponics in enhancing food and nutrition security. Partners from both projects shared experiences and insights, highlighting how collaborative approaches can support locally adapted, sustainable food practices. The discussions were engaging and opened the door for future joint initiatives.
Building on this momentum, the two projects came together again in June for an in-person workshop in Lagos, Nigeria. Under the theme “Research to Commercialisation: A Case Study of Horizon Europe Projects in Nigeria,” the event showcased real-world impact, bringing together partners from Apodissi, Aglobe Development Center, and the University of Ibadan. The workshop brought together a range of stakeholders from across the agri-food ecosystem, highlighting how EU-funded research can lead to local innovation and entrepreneurial action.
These joint efforts highlighted the strength of working across projects to advance shared goals around sustainable and inclusive food systems.
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