reframe.food at Synergy Days 2026: sharing projects, ideas and experiences in Kilkenny

Kilkenny, Ireland, brought together Europe’s digital agri-food innovation community on 20–21 October for Synergy Days 2026. Over two days of project presentations, workshops, exhibitions and discussions, reframe.food took part in the event representing three projects: BioValueAI, DEFENSEFOOD and REHUBS.

Organised by the SmartAgriHubs community, with the support of the European Partnership Agriculture of Data (AgData), Synergy Days provided an opportunity for EU-funded projects, researchers, technology providers and other stakeholders to exchange experiences, share developments and explore areas for collaboration.

Bringing EU-funded projects into the conversation

Throughout the event, reframe.food supported the presence of BioValueAI, DEFENSEFOOD and REHUBS at the Synergy Market, where dedicated exhibition booths introduced their work to participants.

The three projects also took part in the project pitch session on 20 October, presenting their respective approaches and ambitions.

BioValueAI highlighted the potential of AI and digital technologies to support circular bio-based value chains. DEFENSEFOOD presented its work on strengthening food system safety and resilience, with the project pitch delivered by Eleni Chatzidimitriou, Project Manager at reframe.food. REHUBS introduced its approach to supporting rural communities in building climate resilience.

Beyond the presentations, the exhibition provided space for exchanging perspectives, discussing shared challenges and introducing the projects to other initiatives working across the European agri-food ecosystem.

Contributing to discussions on AI and digital innovation

BioValueAI also participated in the workshop programme, contributing to discussions on AI-based solutions and the practical application of digital technologies.

On the first day, the project joined the workshop “How to Facilitate AI-Based Solutions: Foundation Models, Reference Data and Validation of User Needs”, alongside AgriScienceFM.

Its contribution continued on the second day through “Farm Digital Twins and Scenario Simulation”, together with GEH LIFE and participating organisations LIST and ATB.

Another highlight of reframe.food’s presence was the participation of Grigoris Chatzikostas, Partner at reframe.food, who chaired the plenary session “AI & the Valley of Death: EDIHs, TEFs and Regions as the Deployment Fast-Lane”.

The discussion addressed a challenge facing digital innovation: how to help promising AI solutions progress from testing and validation towards real-world deployment, with the support of innovation ecosystems, infrastructure and regional actors.

Beyond the event

Synergy Days 2026 also offered an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between technological progress and the people who ultimately use and benefit from innovation.

Alongside discussions on AI, data and digital infrastructure, the programme highlighted the importance of farmers, advisors, skills and stakeholder involvement in making digital solutions useful and accessible.

For reframe.food, these exchanges connect closely with its work in communication, dissemination and stakeholder engagement: helping research and innovation reach relevant audiences, encouraging knowledge exchange and supporting connections between projects and the wider agri-food community.

During the event, the team also captured moments from the exhibition, project activities and conversations with participants, providing material to share the experience beyond Kilkenny.

Watch our Synergy Days 2026 highlights

From the exhibition area and project presentations to workshops and moments with the team, our short recap video offers a glimpse of reframe.food’s participation in Synergy Days 2026.