25.06.2026 | Hannover
Innovation. Exchange. Network.

Hannover, 25 June 2026 – How can innovations be brought into practice more quickly, and how can Lower Saxony further strengthen its position as a leading hub for the agriculture and food industry? These were the central questions at the Parliamentary Evening hosted by the Landesinitiative Ernährungswirtschaft (LI Food) and Seedhouse in Hannover.

Representatives from politics, business, science and the startup ecosystem came together to discuss the future of the food industry and to showcase successful examples from Lower Saxony. The focus was on innovation, technology transfer, startup support and the competitiveness of Lower Saxony as a business location.

In a panel discussion, Christian Klein, founder of food-tech startup UMYNO, and Thomas Janning from the PHW Group shared insights from their practical experience. The conversation highlighted how crucial collaboration between startups, established companies and research institutions is for developing new solutions across the entire value chain. Topics such as artificial intelligence, alternative proteins, fermentation and digital innovation were discussed alongside challenges including the shortage of skilled workers, bureaucracy and the need for reliable regulatory frameworks for investment.

"Innovation happens where different perspectives come together. With its companies, research institutions, startups and networks, Lower Saxony has a strong innovation ecosystem that sets benchmarks across Germany," said Christian Kircher, Managing Director of LI Food.

A central objective of the evening was to strengthen the dialogue between politics and industry. The impulses presented made clear that Lower Saxony is well positioned to continue playing a leading role in agriculture, food and food-tech. At the same time, it became evident that innovation processes require reliable political frameworks, strong networks and effective knowledge transfer.

A further highlight of the evening was the award for the "Most Innovative Product of Lower Saxony 2026". Eight companies from Lower Saxony presented their innovations, which were evaluated by the members of parliament in attendance. The award was presented by Lower Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs, Grant Hendrik Tonne.

First place went to Hemme Milch from the Wedemark region with its product line "Hemme Milch ToGo". The family business, now in its 19th generation, impressed the jury with a relaunch of its milk-based mixed drinks, combining regional milk from around 500 on-farm cows with modern product concepts. The award-winning range includes Milk Coffee, Iced Coffee and Mango Lassi, all produced in the farm's own dairy. The new design, together with the combination of regional value creation, artisanal production and innovative product development, made Hemme Milch the winner of the competition.

The Parliamentary Evening once again underlined the importance of strong collaboration between business, science, startups and politics. LI Food and Seedhouse are committed to actively fostering this exchange going forward, contributing to the sustainable development of Lower Saxony's food industry.