Agricultural Institute launches first living lab
Ljubljana, 1 July - The Agricultural Institute of Slovenia has founded its first living lab, an open innovation ecosystem in a real-life environment that aims to create a sustainable impact.
The lab's main focus will be on organic and local species of buckwheat, wheat, potato and beans. It will serve as a connection between different participants, including researchers and companies in the agri-food sector, with its main purpose being sustainability and social integration.
The newly-established living lab will connect institute researchers to plant breeders, farmers, organic seed companies, educational institutions, companies and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, who will tackle challenges together.
The living lab was established as a part of the European LiveSeeding innovation project, which brings changes that are vitally necessary in the breeding of resistant and locally adapted breeds for organic production, according to the institute.
The aim of the project is to encourage the organic breeding of crops, breed testing and seed production to provide reliable supply.
The project is co-financed by the EU, the Swiss organization The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and the UK Research and Innovation Agency.