CLIC RECYCLE Joins the EIT Food Accelerator Network 2026 in Catania

CLIC RECYCLE has joined the 2026 EIT Food Accelerator Network (FAN), from 15 to 18 of september, becoming part of the programme's Catania Hub in Italy, focused on Water-Smart Agrifood Systems.

Selected as part of the 2026 cohort of 65 startups from across Europe and Horizon Europe-associated countries, CLIC RECYCLE will take part in a three-month acceleration programme designed to support technology validation, product development and commercial readiness.

From waste to water-smart agriculture

The Catania Hub brings together startups working on solutions addressing some of the challenges facing modern agriculture, with a particular focus on water efficiency. For CLIC RECYCLE, this provides an opportunity to further explore the potential of CLIC TERRA, our regenerative agricultural material made from discarded human hair and industrial hemp.

Already commercially available, CLIC TERRA is designed as a bio-based alternative to conventional plastic agricultural materials, while transforming a waste stream into a new resource.

The programme also offers an opportunity to investigate how our technology can respond to agricultural conditions where water scarcity, drought and climate resilience are becoming increasingly important.

A European network for technology validation

The EIT Food Accelerator Network connects startups with industry partners, research and technology organisations, investors and experienced mentors. The 2026 programme is being delivered through six specialised European hubs, each addressing a different area of the food system. Catania focuses specifically on Water-Smart Agrifood Systems, alongside hubs dedicated to circular food systems, low-carbon supply chains, biotech, digital farming and future-resilient agriculture.

Looking ahead

Over the coming months, CLIC RECYCLE will work alongside mentors, researchers and industry partners to further validate its technology and explore new opportunities for its solutions in sustainable agriculture.

Being part of the EIT Food Accelerator Network represents another step in our ongoing work to transform waste into valuable resources and develop circular solutions for more resilient agricultural systems.

We look forward to the months ahead in Catania and to the collaborations and insights that will emerge from this European innovation network.