Unearthing tomorrow's tastemakers

The Fi Europe Startup Innovation Challenge has already helped several  industry newcomers successfully launch innovative new products and services.

This unique opportunity is well recognised as a valuable resource for up-and-coming tastemakers in the industry. With staggeringly high failure rates for startups (90% according to Investopedia), we know that it's crucial to connect with the right partners and gain brand exposure early on. This challenge offers the ideal platform for your business to do just that, while also providing invaluable support from experienced professionals.

Don't settle for being part of the 90% of startups that fail! Give your business the edge it needs to become part of the future of food.

Gain international exposure

Build valuable industry connections

Get support from leading experts

Accelerate your business ideas

When and where?

The Fi Europe Startup Innovation Challenge will take place on 27 and 28 November 2023.

Judging will take place offsite alongside the Future of Nutrition Summit on 27 November, behind closed doors.

Live pitches will be delivered at the Innovation Hub on 28 November.

Judges: Investors, accelerators and regulatory experts

 

All shortlisted startups will have access to the Startup Lounge, situated in the heart of the exhibition. This will give them the chance to network and do business for the 3 days of the show.   

 

The winners will be announced on 28th November at the end of the pitch sessions at the Innovation Hub.

 

Entry criteria: 

  • The startup should be no older than 5 years 
  • The startup must have a clear business plan and a developed concept at the very least, prototypes or the final product are preferred 
  • The product or service needs to be truly innovative   

This year's categories:

Category 1: Most Innovative Food or Beverage Ingredient

Category 2: Most Innovative Plant-Based or Alternative Ingredient

Category 3: Most Innovative Processing Technology or Technology platform

Category 4: Most Innovative Service, or AI Solution Supporting F&B

Jury's Choice Award: Most Innovative Sustainable Solution

Deadline: 8 September 2023

Judges

The Fi Europe Startup Innovation Challenge is judged and assesed each year by an esteemed jury of industry professionals. 

Eline Boot - Foodbytes by Rabobank - Head of Partnerships

Sandra Einerhand - Einerhand Science & Innovation - Nutrition Consultant

Itziar Ortega - Eatable Adventures - Senior VP Global Operations

Nicolas Carbonnelle – Bird & Bird LLP – Partner 

Susanne Steghoefer - Givaudan International SA - Research Scientist 

Kevin Camphuis – ShakeUpFactory – Co-Founder

Sonia Huppert – IFF - Global Innovation Marketing Leader, RE-IMAGINE PROTEIN®

Albrecht Wolfmeyer - ProVeg International - International Director of.ProVeg Incubator

Dr. Markus Pfeiffer - Bloom Partners GmbH – CEO 

Giulia Crastolla – StartLife - Investor Relations Manager

Matthieu Vincent – Digitalfoodlab – Partner

Gil Horsky - FLORA Ventures - Managing Partner

Carla Ibañez - External consultant, VC Biotech/AgTech 

Marc-Antoine Olive – FEAST - CEO and Co-Founder

Michael Dovbish - Nutrition Capital Network - Executive Director

Thomas van den Boezem – PeakBridge – Principal

Fabio Ziemssen – ZINTINUS – Partner