After two days of intense pitching, the Euroseeds InnovAction Stage crowned three groundbreaking technologies redefining the seed value chain.
More than 20 applications. Eight spectacular finalists. One powerful message: the future of the seed sector is being built right now.
Over the past two days, eight bold innovators took to the Euroseeds InnovAction Stage, each given 30 minutes to pitch their breakthrough technologies to a jury of industry leaders, investors, and technology experts as the final step in this year’s InnovAction competition. After intense deliberation, the jury revealed their decision Tuesday evening in front of an enthusiastic audience. phenoLytics claimed the top prize — a German company co-led by mother and son, Dr. Antje Wolff and Dr. Johannes Wolff. Accepting on behalf of the team, Johannes Wolff described how four decades of research have evolved into a breakthrough that fuses 3D imaging and big data to revolutionize digital phenotyping.
Joining him on stage as runners-up were two equally forward-thinking innovators:
From Spain, Polyfly — led by co-founder and CEO Marc Vaez-Olivera — is the first company to industrially produce hoverflies as natural pollinators. Their approach offers growers a scalable, sustainable alternative to chemical or manual pollination, reducing environmental impact while boosting productivity.
And from Sweden, Cgrain, represented on stage by Managing Director Moa Källgren, is redefining grain quality assessment. Its high-precision imaging system replaces manual grain grading, analyzing comprehensive physical and sieving data on every kernel in a single run.
The awards ceremony — co-hosted by kilt-clad Seed World Group President Shawn Brook and Euroseeds Secretary General Garlich von Essen — celebrated not only the winners but the creativity and courage driving these innovators forward.
“Innovation isn’t just about technology,” says Brook. “It’s about curiosity, collaboration and perseverance — about nurturing ideas, attracting new talent and investment and creating real impact.”
After accepting their awards, all three winning innovators took part in an InnovAction panel discussion, joined by Pernille Ollendorff Hede, co-founder of last year’s InnovAction winner, Healthycrop. Together, they reflected on how curiosity, collaboration and persistence remain the essential ingredients for turning bold ideas into technologies that move the seed sector forward. The conversation underscored a clear message: real progress depends on connecting innovators, streamlining processes, and cutting bureaucracy so that fresh ideas can reach the market faster.
“Platforms like the InnovAction Stage accelerate the seed sector progress by spotlighting breakthrough seed-tech solutions and connecting innovators with key EU stakeholders and policy influencers,” said Seed World Europe Editorial Director and InnovAction Stage jury member Marcel Bruins.
“They serve as dynamic showcases and networking hubs — informing market needs, giving visibility to new ideas, and facilitating collaboration — ultimately nurturing scalability, adoption, and policy alignment across the European seed ecosystem.”
Behind every new step forward for the seed sector lies years of research, testing and persistence. Recognition like the Euroseeds2025 InnovAction Awards celebrates that work, opening doors to partnerships, funding and collaboration across the global seed value chain.
This year’s top eight finalists also included outstanding innovations from: Videometer A/S,
Nox Storage, BreedBio, Crover, and Corvus Drones
Congratulations to all!
