Since its launch in 2022, the EWA Programme (Empowering Women in Agrifood) has been a transformative initiative for female entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector across Europe. In Italy, EWA, a program designed and implemented by EIT Food in collaboration with the Future Food Institute, has run for three consecutive years, supporting a vibrant network of women-led agrifood startups and entrepreneurs.
One of the standout success stories from EWA Italy is Diana Zagarella, an aeronautical engineer and founder of Olivair, a pioneering agritech startup. Olivair’s innovative drone technology enables efficient olive harvesting, using environmentally friendly methods that generate wind to gently drop olives from trees when they are perfectly ripe.
Zagarella participated in the 2023 edition of the EWA Programme, where she gained vital skills, mentorship, and access to a robust network of industry experts. Her experience culminated in winning the EWA Italy award and receiving €10,000in financial support, which played a critical role in scaling her business.
Reflecting on her experience, Zagarella rated the programme highly across various aspects:
- Networking and Business Development: 9/10
- Project Sustainability: 9/10
- Financial Support: 9/10
- Finding New Partners, Funding, and Customers: 10/10
Moreover, Olivair’s success story received major media recognition, with an article in La Repubblica, one of Italy’s most prominent newspapers. This visibility not only elevated Diana Zagarella’s startup but also underscored the potential of female entrepreneurship in reshaping Italy’s agrifood landscape.
Beneficiary: Diana Zagarella founder of Olivair
Programme involved: Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) Italy
Knowledge and Innovation Community: EIT Food
