The first cohort of the Executive Program in Agrifood Innovation within the Executive Innovation Academy (EIA) Programme celebrated its closing ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ).
Developed through a partnership between QOOT Cluster and the Professional Training Center (CFP) at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ), the programme was funded by the European Union through the EuroMed Clusters Forward Programme, implemented by ANIMA Investment Network, and led by Berytech.
Bringing together partners, experts, professionals, and participants, the ceremony marked the completion of a learning journey designed to strengthen innovation capacities within Lebanon’s agrifood sector through applied learning, collaboration, and direct engagement with real industry challenges. Beyond the completion of the programme itself, the event reflected a shared commitment to equipping professionals with practical tools and innovative thinking that can contribute to the sector’s resilience and long-term development.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized the importance of transforming innovation into concrete action. Prof. Fadi El Hage, Director of CFP, noted:
“This programme marks not only the conclusion of a first cycle, but the beginning of a long-term journey of collaboration and transformation. Through its practical and applied approach, particularly the flipped-learning methodology adopted throughout the training, participants were able to connect academic expertise with the realities and challenges they face within their organizations.”
Reinforcing the programme’s practical vision, Mr. Nabil Schumann, President of QOOT Cluster, emphasizing that the initiative was designed to move beyond theory by fostering practical ways of thinking and acting, while also acknowledging the resilience and commitment shown by all stakeholders throughout a particularly challenging period in Lebanon.
“Innovation only creates impact when it is translated into action. The true value of this programme lies in what participants will take back to their organizations and how they will transform ideas into practical change.” Mr. Nabil Schumann
Speaking on behalf of Berytech, Mr. Nicolas Farhat, Deputy General Manager, reflected on the broader mission of the Executive Innovation Academy, emphasizing that innovation is driven not only by ideas, but by people capable of adapting, collaborating, and leading change. He reaffirmed the importance of investing in human capital and highlighted the value of the collaboration between QOOT Cluster, USJ, and the EuroMed Clusters Forward Programme in transforming capacity-building initiatives into meaningful impact for the agrifood sector.
For his part, Prof. François Boëdec, SJ, Rector of USJ, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening the connection between academia and the professional world. Referring to the agrifood sector as a strategic priority for Lebanon’s future, he highlighted the role of educational institutions in developing sustainable and relevant solutions that respond to the country’s evolving needs, while creating spaces where expertise, experience, and action come together to generate real impact.
The ceremony continued with testimonials from Mr. Fady Aziz and Ms. Ghiwa Daccache, who shared testimonials reflecting on the value of the experience and the practical perspectives gained throughout the programme. They highlighted how the training challenged them to rethink innovation more strategically, while providing practical tools, peer exchange, and real agrifood case studies that helped transform ideas into actionable approaches relevant to their businesses and the wider sector.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants, followed by a networking session that brought together graduates, partners, experts, and guests. As the first cohort comes to a close, the Executive Innovation Academy programme continues its mission of fostering innovation, collaboration, and leadership within Lebanon’s agrifood sector. Building on the momentum and impact of this first edition, preparations are already underway for a second cohort in Executive Program in Agrifood Innovation that will continue empowering professionals to drive sustainable transformation and innovation across the industry.
