HortiHeroes Explore

HortiHeroes
Explore

You have an idea, a technology or perhaps even a solution that is already working in a completely different industry. But what could that innovation mean for the Food & Flower industry? 

HortiHeroes Explore is the free and accessible entry point for innovators who want to get to know the industry – and other innovators – and discover where their innovation could add value. Gain insight into the market, its key challenges and network, without a selection process or fixed commitment.  

Who is HortiHeroes Explore for?

Explore is designed for:  

  • Students and researchers;
  • Entrepreneurs and early-stage startups;
  • Innovators from other industries;
  • International innovators looking to explore the Dutch horticulture industry.

Even if you’re not quite sure yet where your solution fits, you’re welcome to join. That’s exactly what Explore is for. 

WHAT DOES HORTIHEROES EXPLORE INCLUDE?

You’ll receive an onboarding pack full of practical information about the Food & Flower industry, including key players, current challenges and relevant industry data.

In addition:

  • We keep you up to date on interesting developments and opportunities, from innovation challenges and open calls to programs and potential partners.
  • You not only gain knowledge about the industry, but can also experience it first-hand, for example by attending events.
  • You become part of the HortiHeroes community, meet other entrepreneurs and get to know the industry through our network.

When there’s a clear match, we can help you assess your fit and explore a potential next step towards the Market Entry Program.

Join HortiHeroes Explore

Ready to discover where your innovation could make a difference in the Food & Flower industry? Join HortiHeroes Explore for free.

Register

From AI and robotics to resilient crops

We don’t start with a technology. We start with the challenges that matter to the industry, including: 

  • Resilient Crops: new genetics, ecological growing methods and resilient crops.
  • Smart Production: AI, robotics, automation and autonomous growing.
  • Sustainable Production: energy & CO₂, water management and circular, emission-free production.
  • Health: improving health through food, plants and plant-based compounds.
  • Future Food Systems: new value chains, Controlled Environment Agriculture and scalable food innovations.

Does your innovation fit one of these areas? Or are you not quite sure yet? HortiHeroes Explore is the place to find out. 

HORTI NAVIGATOR: A SMART GPT FOR STARTUPS

Do you have a specific question about innovation in horticulture? Perhaps you’re looking for a suitable test location, research partner, funding opportunity or another organisation that can help you move forward.

 

Together with HortiScience Innovation Center (HIC) we developed the Horti Navigator: a smart GPT that helps you quickly find your way around the Dutch horticultural innovation ecosystem. From growers and researchers to investors and test facilities: ask your question and discover which organisations or opportunities could be relevant to you.

 

Think of it as your digital guide for that first question, helping you quickly figure out where to go next.

Horti navigator

Practical information

  • Investment: Participation is free. Some individual events or activities may require a separate fee.
  • Admission: HortiHeroes Explore is open to everyone. There is no selection committee and no fixed programme duration.

Not sure if HortiHeroes Explore is the right entry point for you? Get in touch with Victor and we’ll help you find the route that best fits your innovation and ambitions. 

register