EIC opens applications for Corporate Day with Bayer to scout farm tech innovations
- ›The EIC invites EIC-backed start-ups and scale-ups to apply by 21 July 2025 for a tailored acceleration track that culminates in an in-person Corporate Day with Bayer on 4-5 November 2025 in Monheim am Rhein Germany.
- ›Selected companies will receive preparatory coaching mentoring and pitch rehearsals followed by a pitching and matching session with Bayer Crop Science decision makers and post-event support.
- ›Bayer is seeking innovations in four priority areas: sustainable crop protection next generation safety assessment tools soil health measurement and fertility precision application technologies and scalable in-field data generation and monitoring.
- ›Participation is restricted to EIC-backed companies requires C-level representation and participants must cover their own travel and accommodation costs. Selection decisions are made by Bayer and non-selected applicants will not receive feedback.
EIC Corporate Day with Bayer: Opportunity for EIC-backed agricultural innovators
The European Innovation Council is running an open call for EIC-backed start-ups and scale-ups to join a business acceleration programme that culminates in an exclusive Corporate Day with Bayer. The event will take place in person at Bayer Crop Science Global Headquarters in Monheim am Rhein Germany on 4 and 5 November 2025. Applications must be submitted by 21 July 2025.
What the programme offers to selected companies
The EIC Business Acceleration Services will provide selected EIC-backed companies with a tailored preparatory package and access to Bayer decision makers. Services include group briefings one-to-one sessions with business experts pitch deck reviews pitch dry runs mentoring and post-event follow-up designed to increase the odds of concrete commercial engagement.
Who can apply and administrative conditions
This call is open exclusively to companies that are already EIC-backed. Applicants must state which of Bayer’s stated innovation challenges they address. If selected companies must be represented by C-level executives and be available for the full programme including online preparation sessions the in-person event on 4-5 November 2025 and follow-up activities. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.
Bayer Crop Science and the innovation focus
Crop Science is the agriculture division of Bayer AG and is described by Bayer as the global leader in agriculture by sales. The division offers seeds traits crop protection chemical and biological products digital agriculture solutions and services. Bayer reported group revenue of €46.6 billion in 2024 and employs around 93 000 people worldwide. The Corporate Day aims to connect Bayer’s product and research priorities with EIC-backed innovations that can help the company advance sustainable agricultural technologies.
Bayer’s four targeted innovation challenges
Applicants must indicate which challenge or challenges their solution addresses. Bayer seeks technologies that can move toward commercial application at scale while supporting sustainability goals in agriculture.
Timeline key dates and logistics
| Milestone | Date or requirement | Notes |
| Application deadline | 21 July 2025 | Open to EIC-backed start-ups scale-ups and SMEs only |
| In-person Corporate Day with Bayer | 4-5 November 2025 | Monheim am Rhein Germany selected companies must be available on both days |
| Preparatory phase | Prior to the event | Online training pitch dry runs and 1-to-1 business sessions |
| Post-event follow up | Ongoing | Post-event support and a business impact survey after six months |
EIC Business Acceleration Services and Corporate Partnership context
This call is part of the EIC Corporate Partnership Programme under the EIC Business Acceleration Services. The programme aims to match EIC-backed start-ups with large corporate partners to accelerate scale up and market adoption. Historically the Corporate Partnership Programme has organised dozens of Corporate Days and Multi Corporate Days and reports a track record of matches and deals between EIC companies and corporates.
| Metric | Reported figure | Source context |
| Corporate Days and Multi Corporate Days since 2017 | 91 | EIC Corporate Partnership Programme cumulative figure to 2025 |
| One-to-one meetings facilitated | 2 493 | 2017 to 2025 Corporate Partnership Programme |
| Deals reported | 100+ | Corporate Partnership Programme reported outcomes |
| EIC BAS matchmaking outcomes since 2021 | +20 000 one-to-one meetings | EIC Business Acceleration Services impact reporting |
| Deals attributed to EIC BAS since 2021 | 595 | EIC BAS impact reporting |
| Capital raised through investor outreach | EUR 350 million | EIC BAS investor outreach figure |
| Turnover from trade fairs | EUR 42 million | Since 2024 only EIC BAS report |
Practical conditions and cancellation policy
Selected applicants must cover travel and accommodation costs and be represented by C-level executives during the programme. Cancellations are accepted only for duly justified force majeure cases. Unjustified cancellations can lead to exclusion from future EIC Business Acceleration Services.
What founders should consider before applying
This opportunity offers direct access to a major agricultural company and structured support which can be valuable for companies ready to commercialise or scale. However applicants should weigh the practical and strategic implications before applying.
Finally applicants should be realistic about timelines. Corporate pilots and procurement processes can take months to convert into contracts. The EIC reports cases where deals close within six months but outcomes vary widely by technology maturity corporate priorities and regulatory requirements.
About Bayer and regulatory context
Bayer is a global life sciences company operating in healthcare and agriculture. Its Crop Science division focuses on seeds traits crop protection biologicals digital agriculture and related services. Innovations proposed to Bayer may be subject to regulatory scrutiny across EU and international markets particularly when they relate to active ingredients safety assessments or environmental impacts. Applicants should understand regulatory pathways and evidence requirements relevant to their technology.
How to apply
EIC-backed companies can apply through the dedicated EIC application link. The form asks applicants to indicate the challenge addressed and includes a warning that submitted information will be shared with Bayer for selection purposes. Apply by 21 July 2025 to be considered for the November Corporate Day.
Further reading and contact
This initiative is part of the EIC Corporate Partnership Programme and the EIC Business Acceleration Services which publish regular open calls events and ecosystem resources via the EIC Community Platform. For more information contact the EIC Helpdesk and select 'EIC Corporate Day with Bayer' as the subject line.