Wrapping up the 2024, we at HIGHFIVE proudly reflect on a year filled with progress, impactful events, and inspiring collaborations across Europe. From stakeholder meetings to international events, study visits, and open calls, we brought together agri-food experts, innovators, and stakeholders to accelerate digital and sustainable solutions for the food processing industry.

Key milestones and events

We kicked off the year with an open call, inviting innovative SMEs to join us in revolutionizing cross-regional and cross-sectoral value chains through the Twin Transition and Industry 5.0. Out of 51 applications, we selected seven winning projects to receive funding for the integration of advanced technologies, including AI, sensor systems, and predictive algorithms. Most projects focused on improving food quality and operational efficiency.

Knowledge-sharing took center stage this year. In January, we hosted a webinar that highlighted success stories of food processing SMEs collaborating with digital solution providers to address key sector challenges through digitalization.

In March, we participated in the ANUGA FoodTec conference, where we connected with technical innovators and industry leaders. During our HIGHFIVE workshop, we shared success stories, led guided tours showcasing the latest in sustainability and food processing technology, and explored the future of food.

At the Synergy Days 2024 event, which brought together digital innovators in the European agri-food sector, we shared our goals, vision, and achievements, including the successes of BENCO Baltic Engineering Company and Birštonas Mineral Waters. Alongside partners like Food-scalEUp and SS4AF, we hosted workshops on digital transformation and supporting start-ups and scale-ups in food processing.

Later in the year, in December, we hosted a workshop to explore the remarkable PrevAI project. Together with Markus Ojala from SeAMK and Alicia Mosquera from TripleAlpha, we delved into how machine learning is transforming demand forecasting in the food industry. This was followed by another forward-thinking webinar that brought together clusters, associations, partnerships, and other innovation promoters from across the EU. The webinar fostered knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices to drive the Twin Transition in the food industry.

Closing a series of knowledge-exchange events, Simon Maas from HIGHFIVE presented the project at the Smart Specialisation Strategies Conference 2024, a flagship event for S3 stakeholders from across regions in the EU. His presentation underscored HIGHFIVE’s pivotal role in promoting cross-regional collaboration and innovation for a sustainable agrifood future.

Practical learning was another key focus in 2024. Bridging theory and practice, we visited Marien Meesterbakkers bakery, where digitalization, automation, and robotics are transforming operations with support from the HIGHFIVE project. In Lithuania, we toured Birštonas Mineral Waters, which has implemented advanced traceability systems and optimized production processes to reduce waste and energy consumption.

Most importantly, 2024 was about collaboration. Starting in February, we held our first online stakeholder community meeting to discuss challenges in the food industry and the role of digital technologies. In May, we strengthened these ties in our second meeting, culminating in an in-person gathering in Brussels, Belgium, where a diverse consortium of experts and stakeholders united to drive meaningful change.

Looking ahead to 2025

As we step into 2025, HIGHFIVE remains committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact across Europe. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, stakeholders, and participants for their invaluable contributions and support throughout 2024. We look forward to working with you in the coming year to shape the future of innovation and sustainability in food processing.