Foodity

Meet the FOODITY innovators: STRADA

Inefficient food management contributes to global edible food waste of 1.3 billion metric tonnes annually, costing billions and leading to environmental issues and foodborne diseases. Strada, one of the winning projects from our first open call, aims to reduce this waste significantly by providing real-time spoilage data. This will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their food. The StradaApp enhances health and nutrition by offering personalised meal plans and fostering healthier lifestyles.

Data-driven technology for efficient food management 

The project introduces the StradaSense sensor, a cost-effective and compact device for the continuous monitoring of spoilage levels in various food products. Simultaneously, the StradaApp integrates this data, providing users with intuitive interfaces for personalised meal plans and physical activity suggestions. Finally, StradaTrack is a system that optimises cold-chain systems in food-producing companies by continuously monitoring spoilage levels, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Expected outcomes from the adoption of Strada, a new industry standard with StradaSense replacing traditional date labels, include transformative behaviour changes in individuals and increased cost-efficiency.

StradaSense manufacturing costs are expected to decrease significantly with scaling and broadening accessibility. The anticipated environmental impact includes optimised cold-chain systems and reduced food waste, lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Strada is more than a technological solution. It offers a transformative approach to food systems, empowers individuals, benefits the environment, and promotes sustainable and conscious nutrition and consumption.

Its team member, Yasin Atik, shares the keys to the project in this interview:

"At Strada, we revolutionise food preservation with our compact, batterless, and wireless sensor that detects food spoilage, combating global food waste."

The Strada team

The Strada team is comprised of professionals in two organisations:

  • Strada Microsystems, based in Turkey, which creates science-based solutions to empower citizens,
  • and EV ILVO, based in Belgium, focused on conducting groundbreaking and independent research on sustainable agriculture, fishing and nutrition.
 
Dr Emin İstif is Strada’s co-founder and chief scientist. A former Marie Curie Fellow and the inventive mind behind the StradaSense, bringing over 12 years of specialisation in polymers with a rich repository of more than 30 scientific articles. The other project’s co-founder and CTO is Dr Levent Beker, who boasts over 15 years in miniaturised sensors and contributed significantly to the field with a portfolio of more than 50 scientific articles and 5 patents. He is also a former Marie Curie Fellow and ERC Starting Grantee.
 

The impact of Strada through FOODITY

Strada is participating in our 12-month, €2 million Pilot Development Programme and is receiving funding (of up to €187,500) and support to further develop and scale its solution. 
 
Through the Programme, they aim to revolutionise food and nutrition systems, benefiting both individuals and the planet. Strada’s innovative components empower citizens to make informed decisions, significantly reducing food waste and fostering healthier lifestylesThis integrated approach not only minimises environmental impact but also contributes to sustainable and conscious nutrition choices, aligning with the broader goals of our FOODITY Pilot Programme. 
 
“Ultimately, our project seeks to create a positive shift in food management practices, promoting a healthier, more efficient, and environmentally friendly approach that benefits both people and the planet”, says the Strada team. 
  
They see being part of FOODITY as immensely beneficial for their startup: “The financial support is crucial for the product launch, enabling us to navigate the challenges of our journey successfully. The training opportunities offered will enhance our capabilities, ensuring our team is well-equipped for the road ahead. With the support and promotion from the FOODITY team, our project will gain visibility, reaching potential customers and establishing recognition in the market. Moreover, the extensive network introduced through the program holds the potential for future business partnerships, presenting a valuable opportunity for our project’s growth and success.” 
 

Stay tuned to discover the stories of other FOODITY innovatorsIf you also want to join us in fostering healthier and more sustainable food and nutrition systemsapply to our Open Call #2 by 10 July 2024!