Fi Europe Startup Challenge 2024: Fostering innovation in food ingredients
The annual competition seeks groundbreaking solutions from early-stage companies in the food and beverage sector, with applications open until 6 September.
Food ingredient innovators are invited to participate in the ninth annual Fi Europe Startup Challenge, a competition designed to showcase novel solutions in the food and beverage ingredients sector. The challenge, which takes place on 19 November in Frankfurt, offers a platform for emerging companies to present their innovations to industry leaders and potential investors.
Categories and criteria
This year’s challenge features four distinct categories:
- Most Innovative Food or Beverage Ingredient
- Most Innovative Plant-based or Alternative Ingredient
- Most Innovative Foodtech Solution (New category)
- Most Innovative Service or Digital Solution Supporting the F&B Industry
Additionally, a Jury’s Choice award for the Most Innovative Sustainable Solution will be selected from finalists across all categories.
Eligibility for the challenge is limited to companies that have been operational for five years or less. Entries should focus on novel additives, ingredients, technologies, or digital solutions that address current industry challenges.
Evaluation process
Submissions will undergo initial screening by an advisory board, which will compile a shortlist of entrants. Shortlisted startups will then have the opportunity to pitch their innovations to a judging panel comprised of industry experts and investors.
The panel includes:
- Michael Dovbish, Executive Director, Nutrition Capital Network
- Kevin Camphuis, Co-Founder, ShakeUpFactory
- Itziar Ortega, Senior VP Global Operations, Eatable Adventures
- Thomas van den Boezem, Principal, PeakBridge
- Albrecht Wolfmeyer, International Director of ProVeg Incubator
- Sonia Huppert, Global Innovation Marketing Leader, IFF
- Sandra Einerhand, Founder of Einerhand Science & Innovation and Co-founder of the Fi Europe Startup Challenge
Potential impact
Yannick Verry, Brand Director of Food ingredients Europe & Americas, emphasised the challenge’s role in bridging the gap between innovation and market implementation: “Startups are defining and designing the innovative food ingredients of tomorrow, but often lack the scale and funds to bring their solutions to market. Connecting with the right partners is therefore a fundamental part of any startup’s journey, and the Fi Europe Startup Challenge is the ideal place to do so.”
The challenge not only provides exposure to over 25,000 Fi Europe attendees but also offers tangible benefits to winners. Successful startups in each category can select from prizes including:
- A complimentary stand at next year’s Fi Europe
- A digital marketing package for Ingredients Network and Fi Global Insights
- Mentorship and support from a jury member
Previous participant perspective
David Ciudad Rodriguez, CEO and Co-founder of Deep Detection, a 2023 award-winning company, commented on the value of participation: “Participating in an event like this is always positive, as other companies, potential clients and investors get to know you, thus reinforcing the brand.”
The Fi Europe Startup Challenge serves as a barometer for emerging trends in food science and technology. By showcasing innovations from early-stage companies, the challenge provides insight into potential future directions for the food and beverage industry.
Emerging technologies
- The introduction of the “Most Innovative Foodtech Solution” category this year reflects the growing importance of technology in food science. This may encompass advancements in areas such as:
- Precision fermentation
- Cell-cultured proteins
- Novel processing techniques
- Artificial intelligence applications in food formulation
Sustainability focus
The Jury’s Choice award for the Most Innovative Sustainable Solution underscores the industry’s continued emphasis on environmental responsibility. This aligns with broader scientific efforts to develop ingredients and processes that reduce the environmental impact of food production.
Submission details
Interested startups can submit their applications until 6 September 2024. The challenge will take place at the Fi Europe Innovation Hub in Frankfurt on 19 November.
- For more information on how to enter, visit: Fi Europe Startup Challenge 2024.
