Title AssociationVerticalFarming-EIT-Food-Impact-Funding-Framework-2023-2025-Launch-Plan.pdf ✅

[ PROGRAMME ] BioStev Phase 1: Pioneering Advanced Agritech to Develop Sustainable and Commercially Viable Stevia Cultivation Models in CEA Systems Launch Plan Our BioStev-CEA1 programme is meticulously designed to maximize the consortium’s chances of achieving both research and commercial success by adopting a demand-driven approach. Key components of our business model include: • Guaranteed Purchase Agreement: The consortium has already secured a commitment from a leading European manufacturer to purchase all of our entire projected output of dried stevia leaves over the two-year period. (We have uploaded a copy of the purchase commitment as a supporting document to our proposal.) This strategy mitigates market risk and ensures steady revenue streams. • Diverse Revenue Streams: Initial revenues are generated from the sale of dried stevia leaves and specialized training courses. Upon successful programme execution, additional income sources include licensing of proprietary cultivation “recipes,” sales of registered seedlings, fertilizers, and advanced growing systems. • Pricing Strategy: Acknowledging the competitive landscape, the programme positions its high-quality, EU-compliant stevia at a premium price point of €10-12 per kilo, approximately double that of imports from China and South America. This pricing reflects the superior quality and compliance with stringent European standards. • Market Responsiveness: By involving buyers from the outset in decisions ranging from stevia variety selection to packaging, the programme ensures alignment with market preferences and regulatory requirements, enhancing product acceptance and reducing time-to-market. • Scalability and Replicability: The programme’s focus on developing commercially viable cultivation models adaptable to various European climates and scales ensures that successful practices can be replicated, facilitating expansion and long-term sustainability. Collectively, these elements create a robust framework that not only addresses current market demands but also positions BioStev-CEA1 for sustainable growth and industry leadership in the European stevia market. COMMERCIAL PRODUCT/SERVICE AND BUSINESS MODEL BioStev-CEA1 is designed as a demand-driven, vertically integrated business model, ensuring that all stevia leaves produced during the two-year programme are pre-sold through a guaranteed purchase agreement with a committed buyer. This guarantees market security and eliminates excess production risks. 1. Revenue Streams A. During the 2-year Programme ○ Sale of Dried Stevia Leaves – Pre-agreed purchase contracts with European buyers ensure all output is sold at €10-12/kg, which is approximately double the price of stevia from China. These contracts provide immediate cash flow and secure economic sustainability for growers. ○ Sale of Training Courses – The programme includes an 80-hour immersive hybrid training course for farmers, agronomists, and investors. These training courses will be monetized, with estimated annual enrollments of 30 participants at €4,000 per course, generating an additional revenue stream.

○ Immersive hybrid learning approach: The 80-hour program combines e-learning modules with in-person components for flexible and comprehensive learning experiences. ○ Advanced agritech solutions: Courses include insights into cutting-edge technologies such as vertical farming, hydroponics, aeroponics, and AI-integrated systems, tailored to different levels of adoption. ○ Expert-made instruction: Designed and developed with experienced agronomists, plant scientists, and industry practitioners to ensure high-quality learning outcomes. ○ Comprehensive curriculum: Modules cover stevia-specific plant science, advanced agritech, market commercialization, and sustainability practices. ○ Training and knowledge transfer: Participants gain expertise in advanced agritech applications and sustainable farming, fostering long-term success and profitability. ○ Market access and pre-established demand: Trainees benefit from a committed purchase agreement and strong industry linkages, connecting them to direct buyers. ○ Inclusive and diverse audience: Designed for farmers, agripreneurs, investors, students, teachers, and researchers, making it accessible to a wide range of stakeholders. ○ Practical application: Real-world insights and hands-on guidance ensure that participants can effectively apply their knowledge to stevia cultivation. ○ Sustainability focus: Emphasis on sustainable practices that align with environmental and ethical standards, creating value for the wider ecosystem. ○ Networking opportunities: Provides access to a community of professionals, industry leaders, and stakeholders within the stevia supply chain, fostering collaboration and partnerships. MARKET AND CUSTOMERS 1. Market Trends: Drivers of demand for stevia ○ Rising consumer demand for natural, non-caloric sweeteners as part of the health-conscious movement. ○ EU regulatory policies encouraging food reformulation and sugar reduction. ○ Growing interest in sustainable and traceable food sources, favoring local production. ○ Advances in agritech enabling higher yields and superior quality stevia cultivation in controlled environments. 2. TAM-SAM-SOM Analysis ○ Total Addressable Market (TAM): The global stevia market was valued at approximately €675 million in 2023 and is projected to reach €1.2 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 10-12% (Source: Market Research Future, 2024). Europe represents ~15% of the global stevia market, with an estimated demand of €190 million by 2028. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for natural sweeteners and regulatory pressure to reduce sugar consumption. ○ Serviceable Available Market (SAM): The European food and beverage industry, which is shifting towards natural and clean-label ingredients, constitutes the primary market for high-quality stevia. Within the €190 million European stevia market, the segment specifically requiring EU-compliant, high-purity stevia (free from contaminants and adulterants commonly found in imports) is estimated at €95 million, covering premium buyers who prioritize sustainability, traceability, and regulatory compliance. ○ Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM): BioStev-CEA1 aims to capture at least 0.62% of the European stevia market by 2028, translating to an estimated revenue of €1.186 million. This is based on a projected annual production of 100,000 kg of dried stevia leaves, secured through pre-arranged purchase agreements at €10-12 per kg. Scaling beyond the programme, BioStev-CEA1 expects to expand into additional market segments, including seedling sales, specialized fertilizers, and agritech solutions, further increasing its SOM over time.