They are based in the same location–the Plus Ultra II building on the Wageningen University campus–and share a passion for accelerating technology and innovation in creating a sustainable food system. Each brings a different perspective, knowledge, and network to the F&A Next table. We are talking about StartLife, Foodvalley, and the Wageningen University & Research (WUR), three of F&A Next’s organizing partners.
Today, we sat down with Bram van Beek, both Head of Marketing & Communications at StartLife and F&A Next’s Event Director, Sebastiaan Berendse, Value Creation Director for WUR, and Minerve Vicente Programme Manager Entrepreneurship & Shared Facilities at Foodvalley. Gearing up for this year’s 10th edition, we looked back at their experience at F&A Next, what it means to them, and their vision for the future of the summit.
StartLife is a food and agritech accelerator that helps startups grow in this domain. Since its founding, the accelerator has supported over 400 startups, which raised €650 million in total and created more than 3000 jobs.
Wageningen University and Research is a global leading institution in agriculture, food, sustainability, and technology. With cutting-edge research and innovation, it drives solutions for global challenges in food security, climate change, and sustainable development.
Foodvalley is a unique, independent practice leader in food system transition, dedicated to driving collective action. It brings together key agrifood stakeholders to co-create solutions and move towards a more sustainable and fairer food system.
Joining F&A Next
Within this trio, Sebastiaan has been involved with F&A Next for the longest time–since the second edition in 2017. The summit is of great value to the university. “F&A Next allows us to welcome hundreds of visitors on campus and show them what is happening here. At the same time, this influx of diverse people brings us new perspectives that challenge and inspire our academic activity,” he explains.
After joining StartLife in late 2019, Bram became part of F&A Next’s organizing team. Since then, the summit has been a significant part of his job, even more so after becoming the Event Director in 2022. He names several aspects that make the summit unique, highlighting three.
“First of all, F&A Next is organized by the industry for the industry. We practice what we preach, achieving outstanding outcomes through collaboration with each partner, bringing added value and network. Secondly, our summit is very much startup and innovation-focused, attracting a large pool of the world’s leading players in the industry. Lastly, F&A Next is always appraised for its independent, high-quality content and network.”
Minerve has a different perspective. Before joining the F&A Next team she attended a couple of editions as a participant, experiencing its unique value firsthand. “As a professional, the event is a chance to think beyond your daily job. It is an eye-opener and a way to get acquainted with fresh ideas and more visionary thinking.” Now, as part of the steering team and in line with F&A Next’s philosophy, she helps shape an event that sparks meaningful conversations, showcases cutting-edge innovations, and inspires professionals to drive change in the agrifood sector.
The value of F&A Next
Per Bram, F&A Next is in essence what StartLife does all year round, but in two days and on a bigger scale. “It is all about connecting people, aligning ambitions, and helping companies overcome challenges and growing together,” he says. “F&A Next is a positive fever, an infectious wave of energy, innovation, and collaboration that spreads through the agrifood ecosystem. You can’t help but catch the excitement, and once you do, it stays with you, driving momentum long after the event ends and leaving you longing for the next edition.”
Minerve praises the event’s ability to link people, foster collaboration, and drive impact in the ecosystem. At the same time, as a future thinker, she looks beyond. She sees the summit not just as a meeting point but as a catalyst for meaningful change. “The real question isn’t just about what F&A Next is today, but how it can continuously evolve, increase its impact, and enhance its role in shaping the sustainable food systems of tomorrow. That is the greatest value F&A Next has for me and Foodvalley.”
How should the F&A Next future look?
When asked how to keep F&A Next relevant in the years to come, our interviewees shared different perspectives.
According to Bram, not just Wageningen but the whole Dutch agrifood ecosystem is beginning to capitalize on the momentum generated by F&A Next. “We’re seeing more related activities taking place around the same period, and I look forward to seeing this grow in the coming years,” he explains. Expanding this innovation hub will transform F&A Next into a must-attend week of agrifood innovation, offering a more immersive experience and deeper engagement with cutting-edge developments.
Sebastiaan points out some topics the summit should watch in the upcoming editions. “There are many developments surrounding agrifood biotech, especially in precision fermentation and in materials circularity. These are areas that should be part and parcel of the summit. At the same time, we must keep an eye on water tech, a key area for food processing and production.”
“We can stay relevant if we follow up on F&A Next’s essence while staying closely connected to the evolving needs of the outside world. But our true strength lies in going beyond immediate necessities—inspiring our community to think bigger, explore new possibilities, and drive meaningful change. That’s what sets F&A Next apart,” underlines Minerve.
Why should you attend F&A Next?
Attending F&A Next is fruitful in all stages of a startup founder’s journey. Although the event does not focus primarily on early-stage startups, budding founders can gain valuable insights into how venture capital funds work. “Then, a few years later, you would come back knowing how to approach them with a funding proposition,” underlines Sebastiaan.
Bram offers arguments for convincing startups, investors and other innovation leaders to join us this year. “With so many startups and scale-ups gathered in one place—alongside one of the largest pools of leading agrifood investors and industry decision-makers who are not just present but ready to engage—it’s an unparalleled opportunity. It saves time, accelerates connections, and builds momentum for any company fully committed to sustainable innovation in food and agriculture,” he concludes.
