Fi Europe Startup Challenge
Why enter?
Startups today, leaders tomorrow
The Fi Europe Startup Challenge helps launch innovative products, offering key support and exposure for new industry players. Amid high startup failure rates, it connects newcomers with partners and experts for business growth. Stay tuned for when entries open!
Gain international exposure
Build invaluable connections
Get support from the experts
Accelerate your business ideas
"I think that is one of the reasons why Informa Markets is organising this: to give startups a lot of exposure by pitching here, there are investors in the room, that could also possibly help them to make the right connections and get the funding for their product development."
Sandra Einerhand,
Head of Einerhand Sciences & Innovation
Meet the winners of the Fi Europe Startup Challenge!
2026 Categories & More
You can select multiple categories to enter, but please note you will only be able to compete in one category which will be selected by the jury.
This category covers innovations related to food and beverage ingredients or additives from animal and non-animal/plant-based/alternative sources. These innovations can be related to improvements in taste, texture, appearance, or nutritional value/health benefits.
This category covers innovations related to food processing or bioprocessing technologies, solutions or services that enhance either operational efficiency or the nutritional/health value of food.Â
This category covers innovations in digital services and solutions such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, IoT, digital platforms, or data analytics that support improvements in ingredients sourcing and production, food formulation, food safety and quality, traceability, transparency, smart packaging, and/or supply chain management.
This special prize will be awarded to the startup with the most sustainable innovation. All startup finalists across all categories can be considered for this award, with the winners being decided by the expert jury. The startup’s overall sustainability efforts will be considered including efforts to reduce resource usage, minimize waste, and enhance both environmental and societal impact, ensuring the innovation contributes to a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Smartcore, the official digital marketing provider for exhibitors at Fi Europe, is introducing a bonus prize! Two selected Startup Challenge finalists and the Sustainability Award winner (if applicable) will receive a smarter digital marketing package. This exclusive package can help you showcase your innovation or sustainability initiative and elevate your digital marketing strategy in 2026.
The 2025 Startup Challenge winners
Most Innovative Sustainable Solution
Jury's Choice
Kyomei
Most Innovative Foodtech Solution
Bio Blends
Most Innovative Food or Beverage Ingredient
Koppie
Most Innovative Food or Beverage Ingredient
Smartcore Winner
Standing Ovation
Most Innovative Service or Digital Solution Supporting the F&B Industry
Differential Bio
Moments from last year
Influence the future
Innovation awards
Not a startup but have a product or service that's breaking new ground in the industry? Join world-class innovators and put your brand in the spotlight at this year's Innovation Awards.