In this blog post, we highlight the outcomes of our 4th General Assembly, new opportunities to contribute to the future of circular food systems through the Delphi Study and Synergy Portal discussions, as well as recent events where INCiTiS-FOOD was presented to diverse audiences across Europe and beyond.
Read on to learn more.
4th General Assembly Brings the Consortium Together
On 8 and 9 July, the INCiTiS-FOOD consortium met virtually for the project’s 4th General Assembly. The two-day meeting was an opportunity for partners to review the progress achieved so far, exchange updates, and coordinate the next steps towards the successful completion of the project.
Throughout the meeting, partners presented the latest developments across all work packages and Living Labs, while aligning on the remaining activities and key deliverables. Discussions also focused on strengthening collaboration across the consortium with the aim of ensuring the long-term sustainability and impact of the project’s results.
Participate in the INCiTiS-FOOD Delphi Study
The Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management at the University of Ibadan invites policy experts, researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders to participate in the INCiTiS-FOOD Delphi Study.
The study aims to gather expert perspectives on advancing the adoption of circular food system innovations and shaping effective urban food policies for more sustainable and resilient food systems in African cities. By bringing together knowledge from across sectors, the study will help build consensus and contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations.
The questionnaire takes just 5–10 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain anonymous and confidential.
Showcasing INCiTiS-FOOD
Across the INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs, recent activities have continued to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation in sustainable food systems.
- In May, INCiTiS-FOOD coordinator Gertrud Buchenrieder welcomed a high-level delegation from Jordan to the University of the Bundeswehr Munich (UniBw M) and the RISK Research Center as part of a GIZ-funded study tour on strengthening Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus governance. The visit explored integrated approaches to resource management and highlighted lessons learned from the EU-funded projects. Discussions focused on how climate-smart and water-efficient innovations, including hydroponics, aquaponics and insect farming, can support resilient agri-food systems, particularly in water-scarce regions.
- INCiTiS-FOOD partners from Future Systems Hub presented the project at the 93rd International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad, Serbia, which took place from May 16th to May 21st. Visitors learned about the project’s mission to foster inclusive and circular food systems in African cities through innovations such as soilless crop production, recirculating aquaculture systems and insect farming. The event attracted around 120,000 visitors, highlighting its significance as one of the key agricultural gatherings in the region.
- On 6 June, the University of the Bundeswehr Munich welcomed almost 40,000 visitors during the nationwide Tag der Bundeswehr. At the RISK Research Center stand, INCiTiS-FOOD coordinator Gertrud Buchenrieder presented our project. The event offered a valuable opportunity to demonstrate how research on circular agriculture, food systems and climate-smart innovation contributes not only to sustainable development but also to societal resilience, public health and long-term food security.
- On 11 June, partners from Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) represented INCiTiS-FOOD at GreenTech Amsterdam, one of the world’s leading exhibitions for horticultural technology. Bringing together more than 550 exhibitors and professionals from over 120 countries, the event showcased the latest developments in AI, robotics, vertical farming, water and energy solutions. It provided an ideal platform to present the project’s innovative approach to circular urban food systems and connect with stakeholders from across the global horticulture sector.
- At the beginning of July, partners from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) presented INCiTiS-FOOD at the EADI-IOB Conference in Antwerp, held under the theme Shaping Sustainable Futures: Global Challenges, (G)local Solutions?. The conference explored sustainability challenges from both global and local perspectives. During the event, the team presented the poster “Identifying Policy Priorities for Urban Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Q-Method Approach in South-Western Nigeria”.
- Egerton University’s innovation “Green Circular Bioponics” was selected among the top 20 projects out of 207 submissions in the China International College Students Innovation Competition 2026. At the regional event held in Nairobi on 27 July 2026, the team was awarded the Silver Award.
Strengthening Digital Innovation Through the Synergy Portal
To support the implementation of innovative solutions across the Living Labs, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), in collaboration with Schuttelaar & Partners (S&P), organised a dedicated online workshop for the INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call winners on 12 June 2026.
The session introduced the latest developments on the SmartAgriHub Synergy Portal, including the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) for Digital Innovation Hubs and a new series of moderated e-discussions. The workshop aimed to strengthen the digital capacity of Living Lab stakeholders, encourage peer learning, and foster stronger local innovation ecosystems by promoting collaboration with innovation actors already active on the Synergy Portal.
Join the Latest e-Discussion on the Synergy Portal
We invite all interested stakeholders to participate in the latest e-discussion on the Synergy Portal, which focuses on the question: How can operational greenhouse hydroponics hubs successfully evolve into integrated circular farming systems that combine hydroponics, aquaponics, bioponics and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technologies?
- We encourage participants to share their knowledge, experiences and practical ideas on topics including:
- Technical and operational integration of circular farming technologies
- Transforming organic waste into valuable nutrients and animal feed
- Digital tools for monitoring and managing integrated production systems
- Partnerships, business models and capacity building for young innovators
Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, entrepreneur or policymaker, your insights and experience are highly valuable to this discussion.
To access the Synergy Portal from your Phone, please download the app via the links below:
- For Google Play Store: https://lnkd.in/dDEp9S39
- For Apple iOS: https://lnkd.in/eQN7ix2c
Once you have downloaded the app, click Discover and add this URL “ https://lnkd.in/diffrJkw ” to access Synergy Portal. Use your Synergy Portal login to access the Synergy forum.
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