PREPSOIL and SOILL-Startup Host Online Training on Business Model Canvas

On May 20, representatives of Soil Health Living Labs across Europe came together for an insightful online training session co-hosted by PREPSOIL and SOILL-Startup. The session focused on the PREPSOIL Business Model Canvas, a strategic tool designed to support the establishment and sustainable management of Living Labs and Lighthouses. 

This training is part of a broader initiative by SOILL-Startup to equip Mission Soil Living Labs with the tools and knowledge needed to reach the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” goal of creating 100 Living Labs and Lighthouses by 2030, to restore and maintain soil health across the continent.

From Practice to Strategy: ÖMKi’s Experience

Korinna Varga of the Hungarian Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (ÖMKi) shared her team’s experience in applying the Business Model Canvas within their own regenerative organic soil cultivation projects. Earlier, ÖMKi had used a single organisational business model, without individualised strategies for each of its Living Labs.

Adopting the PREPSOIL Business Model Canvas provided a fresh perspective, helping ÖMKi reassess financial sustainability and long-term planning at the project level. Korinna Varga highlighted the tool’s ease of use—particularly the online version—and its ability to facilitate structured collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, advisors, and breeders. She noted that the canvas was especially beneficial when used alongside the Business Model Canvas Guide, offering a clear framework and sparking productive dialogue.

A Canvas Built on Real-World Insights

The training on Business Models was delivered by colleagues from the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL). The first part of the training focused on introducing key information on what are business models, why are they important for LLs and who to involve. During the second part the training dived deeper on the PREPSOIL Business Model Canvas, developed specifically for the unique context of soil Living Labs and Lighthouses. The canvas is grounded in insights collected over a year-long engagement process with soil-focused labs across Europe.

The PREPSOIL Insights Catalogue was presented as a consultation tool where inputs from existing LLs can be found per each aspect of the BM Canvas. This emphasized that the Business Model Canvas is more than just a planning tool - it is a source of inspiration. Participants were encouraged to explore the Business Model Canvas Catalogue available on the PREPSOIL website, which provides additional guidance and examples for context-sensitive business model development.

Toward a Resilient Soil Future

The training session underscored the importance of strategic thinking and co-creation in the success of Soil Health Living Labs. With tools like the customised Business Model Canvas, initiatives under the EU Soil Mission are better equipped to ensure the viability and impact of local efforts aimed at soil regeneration.

Participants left the session with a clearer roadmap for aligning innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in their Living Lab endeavours - bringing the EU one step closer to its soil health ambitions.

Interested in watching the training session to explore the Business Model Canvas? Please find the video here at SOILL Startup’s webpage!