Dear SPLORERS, welcome to the latest episode of Efecto Cascada! This week, we’re diving into the fascinating intersection of art, technology, and sustainability in the agri-food sector. Our guest is Lija Groenewoud van Vliet, co-founder and creative director of In4Art. Lija is at the forefront of art-driven innovation, and she joins us to discuss Hungry EcoCities, an ambitious European project that is leveraging the power of art and technology to tackle pressing food system challenges.
In this episode, we explore how Hungry EcoCities is working with artists, SMEs, and researchers to experiment with new solutions for food production, distribution, and consumption. With the project now in its second phase, it is focused on Paths to Progress Experiments, where selected SMEs and artists collaborate on disruptive solutions.
The Vision of Hungry EcoCities: Where Art Meets Agriculture
Lija introduces us to the mission of the initiative, which applies art-driven innovation to the agri-food sector. This approach fosters collaboration between artists, scientists, and industry professionals, creating experimental projects that address food sustainability, waste reduction, and ethical consumption.
By integrating artistic methodologies with technological advancements such as AI, machine learning, and generative design, Hungry EcoCities provides a fresh perspective on the challenges facing the food industry. The project’s interdisciplinary approach allows for radical innovation, helping rethink the way we grow, process, and consume food.
EP 19 – Art & Tech Feeding the Future
Innovating with SMEs: The Role of Experimentation
A major focus of Hungry EcoCities is collaborating with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe, helping them implement cutting-edge technologies and artistic insights into their operations. Lija highlights that these businesses are often vulnerable to sudden environmental and economic changes, making innovation crucial for their survival.
One of the most compelling aspects of Hungry EcoCities is its experimentation-driven approach. The project has already worked on nine prototypes, focusing on areas such as:
AI-driven food distribution systems
Sustainable farming technologies
New ways to reduce food waste using creative design
Looking Ahead: The Future of Food Innovation
As we look to the future, Lija shares her insights on how Hungry EcoCities can influence broader trends in food sustainability and ethical consumption. She sees art-driven experimentation as a key tool in addressing the complex challenges of the food industry, allowing for novel solutions that go beyond conventional business models.
With initiatives such as prototype parks and matchmaking platforms in development, Hungry EcoCities aims to continue fostering collaboration between innovators, artists, and food producers well beyond the project’s current phase.
Listen to the Full Episode
Hungry EcoCities is reshaping the future of food, and we’re excited to see how these experiments evolve! Available on Spotify, Amazon Podcast and YouTube.
Until next time, SPLORERS! Keep exploring the frontiers of innovation with us!
This podcast has been made possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Spanish Government. Their support has been fundamental to carry out this podcast.
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EP 19 Hungry EcoCities: Art & Tech Feeding the Future with Lija Groenewoud – Vliet
