Entries for the Fi Europe Startup Challenge are now open with a submission deadline of 6 September
Fi Europe Startup Challenge : Time to take centre stage
Entries for the Fi Europe Startup Challenge are now open with a submission deadline of 6 September
Now in its ninth year , the Fi Europe Startup Challenge 2024 – a unique competition for young companies championing ingredient innovations – is encouraging industry entrepreneurs to submit their applications . This year ’ s challenge will feature four exciting categories , including the new Most Innovative Foodtech Solution plus a special Jurys Choice award for the Most Innovative Sustainable Solution .
The awards recognise innovative products and ideas for the food and beverage ingredients sector , and inspirational young companies that are driving positive changes in the industry . The Fi Europe Startup Challenge also offers a unique platform for startups to gain exposure to a global audience , expand their networks and attract investment . Just by entering the challenge , participants are guaranteed to catch the eye of the advisory board , who will be compiling the shortlist of entrants . All shortlisted startups will not only have the opportunity to pitch to an influential judging panel , but also showcase their innovation to more than 25,000 visitors who attend Fi Europe . Entries are open to startups active for 5 years or less , with innovations focusing on groundbreaking additives and ingredients , technologies and digital solutions .
This year ’ s categories are as follows :
• 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
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Additionally , there will be a Jury ’ s Choice award for Most Innovative Sustainable Solution chosen from the finalists across all categories .
The winning startups in each category will be able to choose one prize from a selection up for grabs , including a free stand at next year ’ s Fi Europe , a digital marketing package for Ingredients Network and Fi Global Insights , or mentorship and support from one of the jury members . This year ’ s panel and supporting companies include 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 ; and Nutrition Consultant Sandra Einerhand , Founder of Einerhand Science & Innovation and Cofounder 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 .”
“ Participating in an event like this is always positive , as other companies , potential clients and investors get to know you , thus reinforcing the brand ,” adds David Ciudad Rodriguez , CEO and Co-founder of Deep Detection , one of the 2023 award-winning companies .
For more information on the Fi Europe Startup Challenge 2024 , which will take place in Frankfurt at the Fi Europe Innovation Hub on 19 November , please visit https :// insights . figlobal . com / fieurope-startup-challenge