Berytech, Lebanon’s leading ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation, recently led a delegation of five startups from its Agrytech program on a comprehensive immersion trip to the Netherlands. The five-day journey, hosted in collaboration with the StartLife accelerator in Wageningen, was designed to bridge the gap between the Lebanese agrifoodtech scene and the advanced Dutch ecosystem, providing founders with critical market entry foundations and technical insights.
Strategic Market Entry And European Expansion
The immersion began with a deep dive into the Wageningen agrifoodtech ecosystem, often referred to as “Food Valley.” StartLife introduced the Lebanese founders to zero-equity programs that facilitate connections between early-stage startups and research partners, mentors, and corporate investors.
A key component of the trip focused on utilizing the Netherlands as a strategic gateway to Europe. LIOF, the regional development agency for Limburg, presented the advantages of the Dutch market, citing its proximity to Belgium and Germany. The startups were briefed on “soft-landing” programs and the Limburg Early-Phase Funding (LVFF), which offer international founders the tools necessary to validate their business models and navigate European regulatory landscapes before committing to full-scale relocation.
Intellectual Property And Strategic R&D
Recognizing that innovation requires protection to attract global investment, the program included intensive workshops on Intellectual Property (IP). Led by experts from EP&C, the sessions moved beyond basic legalities to discuss how patents serve as strategic assets that build company value and differentiate technology in competitive markets.
The startups also engaged in field visits to the HortiScience Innovation Center and Ecological Farm De Lingehof. These visits allowed founders to observe precision agriculture, vertical farming, and advanced greenhouse climate control in action. By witnessing the integration of LED lighting research and sustainable crop planning, the MENA-based entrepreneurs gained a clearer understanding of how to adapt their solutions to meet future environmental and resource challenges.
Funding Pathways And AI Integration
The trip addressed the complexities of European financing, with Catalyze leading a session on the distinction between dilutive and non-dilutive funding. Founders explored various Grant-based pathways that support research and development without requiring equity, emphasizing the importance of aligning with European priorities such as sustainability and food system resilience.
In addition to traditional business growth, the program hosted a community workshop on the practical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for startups. The session focused on how lean teams can use AI to accelerate research, prototype faster, and optimize internal workflows with limited budgets—a critical skill for startups operating in the volatile Lebanese economic climate.
Culmination And Ecosystem Synergy
The immersion trip concluded with a Pitch Day at StartLife, where the Agrytech startups presented their refined business models to the Dutch ecosystem and a group of Lebanese-Dutch entrepreneurs. This final session served as a validation of the week’s learning, showcasing the evolution of each startup’s value proposition. The initiative underscores Berytech’s commitment to providing Lebanese innovators with global exposure and the technical resources needed to scale beyond regional borders.
About Berytech
Berytech is an ecosystem for entrepreneurs in Lebanon that provides a dynamic environment for the creation and development of startups and SMEs. By fostering innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, Berytech offers Lebanese founders access to specialized programs, funding opportunities, and a network of facilities including serviced offices and labs to help them scale their impact globally.
Source: Berytech
