The AgriNext incubator at BC Naklo has already begun hosting its first experimental activities, setting the stage for innovative educational practices that combine science, sustainability, and farming.

In late August and early September, the incubator’s growth chamber was used to cultivate microgreens—radish, kale, and Varaždin cabbage—which were later evaluated for their sensory qualities such as taste, aroma, texture, and visual appeal.

While the immediate outcome demonstrated the diversity and potential of microgreens as a nutritious and attractive food source, the broader goal of these activities is much more ambitious. The incubator provides students with hands-on opportunities to link theory and practice, encouraging them to consider how novel production methods can be adapted for real-life farming. Through such trials, learners are exposed to the idea that agriculture is not limited to traditional crop production but can extend into innovative, multifunctional directions.

Microgreens are a prime example of multifunctional agriculture: they require little space, can be produced without pesticides, and offer high nutritional value while also serving educational, culinary, and even commercial purposes. By experimenting with microgreen cultivation, students gain inspiration on how to diversify farm activities, create added value, and strengthen the connection between healthy nutrition, sustainable practices, and rural development.

These first experiments mark only the beginning. The incubator at BC Naklo will continue to support trials, demonstrations, and educational projects that aim to broaden the perspective of young people, showing them how multifunctional agriculture can open new opportunities for farms and communities across Europe.