From Pilots to Prototypes: Advancing Agri-Food Innovation in Germany

th-owl work hall

From 21 to 24 April 2026, partners of the SIXFOLD project will gather in Lemgo, Germany, for the fifth study visit, hosted at the Future Food Factory OWL. Building on previous exchanges across Europe, this visit will focus on advancing test case development, with a strong emphasis on prototyping and practical implementation in agri-food innovation. 

The Lemgo study visit represents a key milestone in the SIXFOLD journey, bringing together experts, researchers, and practitioners to collaboratively refine and test solutions developed within the project’s Living Labs. Through a combination of workshops, peer learning, and hands-on sessions, participants will further explore how digital technologies can be effectively integrated into agri-food systems. 

From Knowledge Exchange to Prototype Development 

Over the course of the visit, participants will engage in dedicated test case workshops aimed at transforming concepts into tangible prototypes. These sessions will build on insights gained from previous study visits, including digital twin applications, data management strategies, and innovation ecosystems for SMEs. 

The focus in Lemgo will be on bridging the gap between theory and practice—turning validated ideas into scalable, real-world solutions. Participants will also examine how tools such as digital maturity assessments and ROI-based evaluation models can support decision-making and accelerate adoption. 

Future Food Factory - TH OWL

Future Food Factory OWL

Strengthening Collaboration Across Living Labs 

A central objective of the study visit is to reinforce collaboration across the SIXFOLD network. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from across Europe, the event fosters cross-border knowledge transfer and encourages the replication of successful approaches in different regional contexts. 

Participants will also explore strategies for improving stakeholder engagement, addressing regulatory challenges, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of Living Labs as innovation environments. 

Clusters: Powering Europe’s Value Chains
Visiting Hannover Messe 

On 22 April, participants will attend Hannover Messe - one of the world’s leading industrial trade fairs and a global hotspot for innovation in digitalisation, automation, and smart technologies. The event brings together industry leaders, technology providers, researchers, and policymakers to showcase cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of manufacturing and beyond. 

On Friday, 24 April, the SIXFOLD presence at Hannover Messe will continue with participation in an EU programme session titled “Clusters: Powering Europe’s Value Chains” (10:45–11:45). The panel will feature Jitka Vocaskova (European Commission), alongside SIXFOLD representatives Simon Maas (AgriFood Capital, Netherlands) and Veerle De Graef (Flanders’ FOOD, Belgium), who will share insights on the role of clusters in strengthening European industrial ecosystems and cross-border collaboration. 

Practical Insights and Local Experience 

Hosted in the dynamic innovation ecosystem of North Rhine-Westphalia, the visit offers participants the opportunity to experience firsthand how regional initiatives support digital transformation in the food sector. The Future Food Factory OWL provides a real-world setting where cutting-edge technologies and industry collaboration intersect. 

In addition to the technical programme, the study visit includes networking opportunities and informal exchanges, allowing participants to strengthen connections and share experiences in a collaborative setting. 

Accept marketing-cookies to display this content.

Looking Ahead 

As SIXFOLD moves closer to delivering its final outcomes, Study Visit #5 plays a crucial role in consolidating progress and ensuring that project results are both practical and impactful. The insights gained in Lemgo will contribute to shaping scalable solutions and guiding future investments in digital innovation for the agri-food sector. 

Join Us at the SIXFOLD Final Conference 

The journey doesn’t end in Lemgo. The SIXFOLD Final Conference will bring together key stakeholders from across Europe to showcase project results, share success stories, and discuss the future of digital innovation in the agri-food sector. Stay tuned for more details and be part of the conversation shaping the next generation of Living Labs and food systems transformation.