Entries are live for the 2023 Fi Europe Startup Innovation Challenge, giving innovators a rare opportunity to take their concepts to the next level. Now in its eighth edition, the awards programme champions innovation in food and beverage ingredients and technology. Taking place at the Innovation Hub during Fi Europe, it provides a unique platform for young companies to gain exposure to a global audience, attract investment and showcase their products and ideas to influential industry players.
Startups that are less than five years old are invited to submit entries for one or more of the following categories:
- Most Innovative Food & Beverage Ingredient
- Most Innovative Plant-Based or Alternative Ingredient
- Most Innovative Processing Technology or Technology Platform
- Most Innovative Service or AI Solution Supporting the F&B Industry
As it has become requisite for any new venture or ingredient to demonstrate inherently strong sustainability credentials, there will also be a Jury’s Choice award for the Most Innovative Sustainable Solution. Companies cannot apply directly for this category – the winner will be chosen from the finalists across all categories by the expert judging panel.
As well as benefitting from the kudos and publicity that goes hand in hand with clinching a prestigious Startup Innovation Challenge accolade, category winners can choose from a selection of high value business support packages as prizes. These include a free stand at a future Fi Europe, a comprehensive digital marketing package delivered in conjunction with Ingredients Network and mentoring services from investors and incubators.
Said Yannick Verry, Brand Manager, Food ingredients Europe and Americas: “Fi Europe is all about promoting, sharing and celebrating ingredient innovation. Every breakthrough ingredient or disruptive technology starts as an idea and we are proud of our role in helping to nurture and bring on startups. With the Startup Innovation Challenge, we have created a programme that rewards entrepreneurial spirit and helps young businesses to make the connections they need to scale up and grow – essentially it provides a springboard into a vast sea of opportunity.” Entries are open at bit.ly/SUIC2023_apply until 8 September 2023.
Finalists will be announced on 13 October and final judging will take place on 27 November in Frankfurt, Germany.
