After two years of collaboration, knowledge exchange and practical learning, the SIXFOLD project is coming to a close. However, the connections established between European Food Tech Living Labs offer a foundation for continued cooperation beyond the project's lifetime. The SIXFOLD journey brought together Living Labs, researchers, technology providers, industry representatives and innovation stakeholders from across Europe to explore how collaboration can accelerate innovation in the food industry.
Through study visits, workshops, demonstrations and knowledge-sharing activities, the project created opportunities to exchange experiences, identify common challenges and explore practical solutions for the future of food production.
The journey culminated in the SIXFOLD Final Conference, held on 22–23 September 2026 in Helmond and Veghel, the Netherlands. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the project's achievements, reconnect with partners and discuss how the network could continue to grow.
While the funded project is reaching its conclusion, its central ambition remains relevant: connecting European Food Tech Living Labs and strengthening practical collaboration between them.
Keeping the SIXFOLD Network Alive
One of the most valuable outcomes of SIXFOLD is the community that has developed around the project. To build on this momentum, we encourage all partners, Living Labs and stakeholders to stay connected and explore the following opportunities.
Continue Connecting Through SS4AF
The Smart Sensors 4 Agri-Food (SS4AF) network offers opportunities for further networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Community members are invited to participate in upcoming Pitch & Connect sessions and other activities designed to bring together organisations working on agrifood innovation.
The next Pitch & Connect session is planned for the end of November 2026, with further details to be announced on the SS4AF website.
Reconnect at Anuga FoodTec 2027
Another opportunity to bring the community together is Anuga FoodTec 2027.
On Wednesday, 24 February 2027, a workshop entitled “Manufacturing Future Food Production” is planned, hosted by ZENIT/Enterprise Europe Network and TH OWL.
We hope this event will provide another occasion for SIXFOLD partners and Living Labs to reconnect, exchange ideas and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Turn Ideas into New Projects Through FutureFoodS
Many of the discussions during the SIXFOLD Final Conference in Helmond highlighted shared interests, complementary expertise and opportunities for future collaboration.
The FutureFoodS funding initiative offers a potential pathway to turn some of these ideas into joint research and innovation activities.
We encourage partners to revisit the conversations started during the conference, reconnect with potential collaborators and explore opportunities to develop new proposals together.
Stay in Touch Through the Food Tech Living Labs LinkedIn Group
To support ongoing exchanges, the Food Tech Living Labs LinkedIn group remains available as a shared space for the community.
Members are encouraged to use the group to share project ideas, funding opportunities, partner searches, upcoming events and questions relevant to Living Lab development.
Keeping the conversation active will help maintain the relationships built during SIXFOLD and create new connections across the European food innovation ecosystem.
Strengthen Your Living Lab with ENoLL
For Living Labs interested in further developing their operations and long-term sustainability, the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL) offers useful resources and opportunities.
In particular, the ENoLL Self-Assessment Tool provides a structured approach to evaluating Living Lab maturity and sustainability across six areas and 15 criteria.
The tool can help Living Labs reflect on their current practices, identify areas for improvement and plan their next steps towards sustainable operations.
Thank You for Being Part of SIXFOLD
The success of SIXFOLD would not have been possible without the commitment, expertise and active participation of its partners, Living Labs and wider stakeholder community.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the project's activities, hosted study visits, shared knowledge, participated in workshops and helped establish new connections across Europe.
Although SIXFOLD is coming to an end, we hope the collaborations it has inspired are only beginning.
We encourage everyone to stay connected, continue sharing ideas and reach out whenever an opportunity for joint action emerges.
The project may be finishing, but the network is only getting started.
With appreciation,
The SIXFOLD Project Consortium
