The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved the New Horizons technical cooperation programme, aimed at promoting innovative investments in Ukraine’s agri-food system, the bank’s press service reported.
The project is intended to become a key tool for restoring the national economy and accelerating the Euro-integration of Ukraine’s agribusiness sector, the EBRD noted.
According to the project description, the programme focuses on supporting businesses that implement advanced technologies in food production and agriculture.
The main directions of the New Horizons programme include stimulating investment through a combination of sectoral analysis and opportunity mapping to support informed investment decisions; supporting high-potential segments such as alternative protein production and sustainable intensive agriculture.
Additionally, the project aims to foster international cooperation, particularly between Ukrainian businesses and leading global research institutions (R&D) to enhance innovation potential. Selected Ukrainian companies are expected to receive audit and innovation screening services to identify opportunities for modernizing their business processes.
The programme also includes a review of the Ukrainian agri-tech sector’s compliance with EU requirements regarding food safety, sustainability, and digital trade standards.
The research results and identified innovation opportunities will be presented to Ukrainian companies during a dedicated knowledge-sharing event bringing together technology developers, startups, and major agribusinesses.
The EBRD is the largest institutional investor in Ukraine. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the bank has directed over EUR 8.5 billion to the country to support energy security, critical infrastructure, food security, trade, and the private sector.
