For the ninth time this year, the Fi Europe Startup Challenge will be held at the upcoming Fi Europe trade fair in November, a competition for young, innovative ingredients companies in the food ingredients sector. This year prizes will be awarded in four categories. New to the event is the award for the most innovative solution in the food technology segment and the jury’s Choice Award, which is this time presented for the most innovative sustainable solution.
The Fi Europe Startup Challenge recognises innovative products and ideas in the field of ingredients for food and beverages as well as young companies that are driving positive changes in the industry. The Fi Europe Startup Challenge also offers an excellent platform for startups to present themselves to a global audience, expand their network and attract investors.
Valuable exposure to industry experts
Participation in the challenge already generates attention, because the advisory board, which selects the finalists, as well as the jury, consists of well-connected industry experts. Last but not least, the finalists can present their innovations to the more than 25,000 visitors of Fi Europe.
Companies that have been active for 5 years or less and want to present their innovations in the field of ingredients and additives, technologies or digital solutions can apply in the following categories:
- Most innovative food or beverage ingredient
- Most innovative plant or alternative ingredient
- Most innovative solution in the field of food technology (NEW)
- Most innovative services or digital solutions for the food and beverage industry
In addition, the Jury’s Choice Award will be selected for the most innovative sustainable solution from the entries of all finalists.
The winners of the respective category will either win a free stand at Fi Europe next year, a digital marketing package for Ingredients Network and Fi Global Insights, or individual mentoring and support from one of the jury members.
This year’s panel includes Michael Dovbish, Executive Director, Nutrition Capital Network; Kevin Camphuis, co-founder of ShakeUpFactory; Itziar Ortega, Senior VP Global Operations, Eatable Adventures; Thomas van den Boezem, Principal, PeakBridge; Albrecht Wolfmeyer, International Director of ProVeg Incubator; and Sonia Huppert, Global Innovation Marketing Leader at IFF.
Ideal opportunity to meet the right partners
“Startups are developing innovative food ingredients, but often do not have the size and means to bring their solutions to market,” says Yannick Verry, Brand Director, Food Ingredients Europe & Americas. “To come into contact with the right partners is essential for every young company. The Fi Europe Startup Challenge offers the ideal opportunity for this.”
“Participation in such a competition is always useful because you get to know other companies, potential customers and investors, and thus strengthen the brand,” adds David Ciudad Rodriguez, CEO and co-founder of Deep Detection, one of the winners from 2023.
Further information on the Fi Europe Startup Challenge 2024, which will be held on 19. November at the Fi Europe Innovation Hub at Fi Europe in Frankfurt, see: insights.figlobal.com/fi-europe-startup-challenge
