Source: European Union 2 Published on: 2026-06-08
Under the theme “Investing in a nature-positive economy”, the EU Green Week 2026 brought together policymakers, investors, businesses and researchers to explore how nature-positive solutions can drive both environmental and economic benefits. As every year, CINEA contributed to the event through a range of activities showcasing innovative projects supported by its funding programmes.
From pitching sessions connecting projects with investors to hands-on demonstrations at the CINEA stand and the celebration of the LIFE Awards, the event provided a valuable platform to highlight the impact of EU-funded initiatives across Europe.
Connecting projects and investors
One of the highlights of this year’s edition was the Startup–Investor Event, designed to help innovative projects and companies connect with potential investors and funding partners.
Interest in the initiative was high, with around 80 projects applying to participate. Following a competitive selection process, only 16 projects were selected to pitch their solutions across four thematic categories: Nature-Positive Production Systems, Nature for Risk Reduction, Nature Intelligence & Measurement, and Nature as a Financial Asset.
Among the selected projects, 11 were supported by CINEA funding programmes, demonstrating the strength and diversity of the Agency’s portfolio. The selected projects came from Green Assist, LIFE, BlueInvest and EU4Algae, covering topics ranging from biodiversity monitoring and sustainable forestry to innovative business models, AI-powered solutions and sustainable food systems.
By presenting their ideas directly to investors and stakeholders, the projects gained valuable visibility and networking opportunities while showcasing the role that EU support can play in helping innovative solutions reach the market.
At the end of the event, the jury selected four category winners:
• ALGAE SCOPE was recognised in the Nature-Positive Production Systems category,
• REEFCIRCULAR in Nature for Risk Reduction,
• LIFE OASIS in Nature Intelligence & Measurement,
• The Landbanking Group in Nature as a Financial Asset.
Their solutions stood out among a highly competitive field of innovators working to demonstrate the business case for investing in nature.
Bringing EU-funded innovation closer to citizens
Throughout the two-day event, visitors could also discover innovative solutions at the CINEA stand, located in the exhibition area.
The stand featured projects supported under several EU programmes managed by CINEA, including LIFE, Horizon Europe, EMFAF, the Innovation Fund and Green Assist. Through demonstrations, prototypes, presentations and direct exchanges with project representatives, visitors had the opportunity to learn how EU-funded initiatives are addressing environmental challenges and contributing to Europe’s green transition.
The stand attracted a steady flow of visitors, creating opportunities for project promoters to engage with policymakers, fellow innovators, investors and citizens interested in sustainability and nature-positive solutions.
Green Assist projects showcase nature-positive solutions
Green Assist was particularly well represented at this year’s EU Green Week, reflecting the growing recognition of the advisory initiative as a catalyst for nature-positive innovation. Through tailored advisory support, Green Assist helps projects move from promising ideas to scalable solutions, strengthening their environmental impact and long-term viability.
Among the projects showcased at the event was RumenAI, a company developing AI-powered solutions for the livestock sector. By combining advanced sensing technologies with artificial intelligence, RumenAI helps farmers better understand animal health and nutrition, contributing to more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
Visitors to the CINEA stand could also discover Iroony, an innovative company working to transform hemp into sustainable materials for applications in sectors such as textiles and manufacturing. Combining expertise in materials, biochemistry and supply-chain innovation, the project supports the transition towards more sustainable production systems by developing alternatives to conventional, resource-intensive materials.
Together, these projects illustrate the diversity of solutions supported by Green Assist, ranging from AI-powered tools for agriculture to innovative bio-based materials. Their presence at EU Green Week highlighted how nature-positive innovation can create environmental benefits while opening new business opportunities across different sectors.
Celebrating excellence through the LIFE Awards
Also part of EU Green Week, the LIFE Awards celebrated outstanding LIFE projects completed in the previous year that made significant contributions to nature and environmental protection, climate action, and sustainability across Europe. Established by the European Commission in 2006, the awards marked their 20th anniversary this year, recognising excellence in nature conservation, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
Among nine finalist projects selected across three categories, the winners were LIFE Danube floodplains in the Nature Protection & Biodiversity category, LIFE Turn to e-circular in the Circular Economy & Quality of Life category, and LIFE WetLands4CLIMATE in the Climate Action category.
The Citizens’ Prize, determined through an online public vote, was awarded to Egyptian Vulture New LIFE, while the Special Award went to LIFE Olivares Vivos for its outstanding work in protecting and restoring biodiversity in olive groves across southern Spain, reflecting the European Green Week 2026 focus on investing in a nature-positive economy.
