The Fi Europe Startup Challenge is back for its ninth year, offering a unique platform for young companies to showcase their cutting-edge innovations in the food and beverage ingredients sector. With entries now open and a submission deadline set for 6 September, this competition is poised to be a significant event for industry entrepreneurs.
This year, the challenge introduces an exciting new category—Most Innovative Foodtech Solution—alongside three other established categories and a special Jury’s Choice award for the Most Innovative Sustainable Solution. These awards aim to recognise the most groundbreaking products and ideas, providing a spotlight for startups that are driving positive change within the industry.
The Fi Europe Startup Challenge is more than just a competition; it is an unparalleled opportunity for startups to gain exposure to a global audience, expand their networks, and attract potential investment. Merely entering the challenge ensures that participants will capture the attention of the advisory board, who are responsible for shortlisting the most promising entrants.
Shortlisted startups will benefit from the opportunity to pitch their innovations to an influential judging panel, as well as showcase their solutions to over 25,000 visitors at Fi Europe. The competition is open to startups that have been active for five years or less, with a focus on innovations in additives and ingredients, as well as the latest technologies and digital solutions.
This year’s categories are:
Most Innovative Food or Beverage Ingredient
Most Innovative Plant-based or Alternative Ingredient
Most Innovative Foodtech Solution (New)
Most Innovative Service or Digital Solution Supporting the F&B Industry
In addition, the Jury’s Choice award for the Most Innovative Sustainable Solution will be selected from among the finalists across all categories.
Winners in each category will have the opportunity to choose from a selection of coveted prizes, including a free stand at next year’s Fi Europe, a digital marketing package through Ingredients Network and Fi Global Insights, or mentorship and support from one of the esteemed jury members.
This year’s judging panel comprises industry leaders such as Michael Dovbish, Executive Director of Nutrition Capital Network; Kevin Camphuis, Co-Founder of ShakeUpFactory; Itziar Ortega, Senior VP of Global Operations at Eatable Adventures; Thomas van den Boezem, Principal at PeakBridge; Albrecht Wolfmeyer, International Director of ProVeg Incubator; Sonia Huppert, Global Innovation Marketing Leader at IFF; and Sandra Einerhand, Founder of Einerhand Science & Innovation and Co-founder of the Fi Europe Startup Challenge.
“Startups are defining and designing the innovative food ingredients of tomorrow, but often lack the scale and funds to bring their solutions to market,” says Yannick Verry, Brand Director, Food ingredients Europe & Americas. “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.”
David Ciudad Rodriguez, CEO and Co-founder of Deep Detection, one of the 2023 award-winning companies, highlights 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.”
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Hannah Larvin
Editor, International Confectionery
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