Women occupy only about 30% of leadership positions in agricultural and livestock businesses in Europe. The percentage is even lower among women from RIS regions (countries supported by various European funds to reduce developmental disparities between European regions), despite women being the majority of the population in Europe.
To change these statistics in favor of women, we are implementing a program designed to encourage and empower them in developing products and services, launching startups, and fostering entrepreneurship in the agrifood sector.
Over 40 women applied to participate in the program, and 10 with the most innovative ideas have been selected to receive support for their development.
Matchmaking
The Empowering Women in Agrifood program officially launched in Zagreb on June 8 with a Matchmaking event, where new connections were formed, and business ideas were presented. The event was hosted in collaboration with Bornfight, whose premises provided the selected participants an opportunity to connect with their mentors and pitch their business ideas, allowing mentors to better understand the individual projects.
Keep reading – we believe the entrepreneurial ideas of the selected participants will inspire you!
Tomislava Vukušić Pavičić – RONSense
Tomislava is developing the idea of plasma-activated water (RONSense), an innovative and eco-friendly solution. RONSense aims to enhance seed germination and plant growth due to its nitrogen-rich composition. Beyond promoting plant health, it also has disinfectant properties, making it versatile for microbial protection and improving vertical farming methods. This technology aligns with ecological standards and promises to revolutionize urban agriculture by providing a sustainable alternative to harmful pesticides.
Ekaterina Šprajc – Edible String
Ekaterina’s idea focuses on producing edible string for culinary use in tying and securing ingredients. Made from natural, allergen-free materials, the string is available in various colors and sizes. The product is zero-waste, with a prototype and a pilot machine version already developed. Ekaterina plans to expand production capacity and enhance features based on customer feedback. Market analysis confirms demand, and potential customers are awaiting further product refinements.
Lucija Crnković – BAZA
The vision of Obrt BAZA is organic spice production using sustainable, pesticide-free methods. Instead of chemicals, they plan to use companion planting, insect hotels, and pest-repellent plants for protection. Their goal is to provide gluten-free, contaminant-free spices while meeting the growing demand for safe, organic food. Using eco-friendly practices and short supply chains, they aim to deliver high-quality, fresh spices like basil, rosemary, thyme, and parsley directly to producers, restaurants, and online customers.
Valentina Merz – Living Microgreens
Living Microgreens is a new product offering around 20 varieties in various colors and flavors, from spicy to sweet, sold in containers. Valentina aims to address distribution and transportation challenges to keep the product fresh. She plans to enhance marketing and sales to ensure continuous production and availability.
Marinka Franulović – OPG Rumarinka
In Dubrovnik-Neretva County, a lot of excellent organic fresh fruit is wasted due to the lack of organized collection and machinery for small producers. As the owner of OPG Rumarinka, Marinka makes traditional jams, but the process is time-consuming and yields minimal output. Establishing a facility with key equipment to process otherwise discarded fruit into jams, marmalades, and syrups could increase efficiency and product availability, aligning with the vision of OPG Rumarinka.
Alina Jantol – Kupalin vrt
Kupalin Vrt is creating an edible landscape farm that integrates consumers into the agroecosystem. Through themed events, it aims to provide guests with unique experiences. The farm features a central firepit and a kitchen-classroom for communal meal preparation and idea-sharing. Smaller relaxation areas allow for rest and recreation. Direct distribution and collaboration with consumers will build trust and awareness about human roles in ecosystems, promoting sustainability and reducing emissions.
Ana Matekalo – OPG Matekalo
Ana focuses on freeze-drying fruits and vegetables, a process that removes moisture to less than 1%, extending shelf life up to 25 years while preserving vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. The result is a product rich in concentrated flavor and aroma. Currently producing freeze-dried fruit, Ana plans to expand into vegetable freeze-drying and smoothie powder production.
Jelena Jakus – OPG Plame Hvar
Jelena’s goal is to expand her OPG on Hvar Island through sustainable production, education, and additional services. Key development areas include producing natural pellets, establishing composting sites, developing a small animal farm, and creating organic fertilizer. Jelena also plans cooking and sustainable farming workshops, private garden dinners, guided nature walks, and children’s nature camps.
Jelena Abramović – OPG Bijela Murva
Jelena’s idea revolves around an intimate garden experience based on regenerative principles, offering baskets of seasonal produce. The experience will be enriched with digital educational content and phytotherapy consultations as part of integrative Gestalt therapy. The garden is already planted and growing, with plans for delivery services for specific target groups. Support is needed to develop the phytotherapy aspect, integrating therapeutic practices with natural growth cycles to nurture both body and mind, offering holistic well-being.
Ivona Blažević – Microgreens Farming
Ivona’s urban farm idea focuses on growing microgreens using renewable energy to create ideal growth conditions. She plans to sell the products to local restaurants and educate consumers about the nutritional benefits of microgreens through workshops and social media. The farm will deliver directly to restaurants and private customers, promoting microgreens as a nutritious and versatile culinary choice.
Mentors
To provide participants with quality support in developing their existing ideas or those they are just beginning to bring to life, each participant will be paired with a personal mentor. They will collaborate, seek advice, and improve their product or startup to reach its full market potential, contribute to environmental preservation, promote sustainable food production, and ultimately serve as an inspiration for women’s entrepreneurship, both in the agrifood industry and across Croatia.
The mentors who will guide these ten ambitious women in their entrepreneurial ventures and help them achieve their goals are: Sandra Vlašić, Helena Habdija, Marija Mažić, Dora Zane, Dario Zorić, Filip Stipančić, Mato Mrkalj, Hermes Arriaga, Dražen Nikolić, and Gordana Ćorić.
More About Smion
Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs and build innovative ecosystems by providing tools, resources, and support for successful innovation.
In addition to the EWA program, we work on numerous other projects and organize events, workshops, and activities. We are currently involved in projects and programs that you can learn more about through the following links:
- Forward to Health Innovation
- EIT Food Hub
- Green Tech Entrepreneurship Challenge Hub for work-based learning
For monthly updates on news, innovations, technologies, and opportunities in the entrepreneurial world, subscribe to our Newsletter. Don’t search for opportunities—let them find you!
Need help organizing an incubation or startup program? Contact us!
