Next generation ingredients firms sought with global Generate innovation venture
Generate, the forward-thinking innovation hub designed to forge the next generation of food ingredients including for the confectionery sector has launched an international open call for start-ups to join its initiative, reports Neill Barston.
The venture, which is open until 15 January, utilises the ingredient-Tech Platform also known as CSM Collective in a bid to identify alternative food sources, with a number of businesses having already signed up, including meat protein firm, Ingrediome, meat-free molecular farming business PoLoPo, and DairyX, specialising in fermentation technology aiming to supply a sustainable dairy alternative.
As Generate noted, with its first Open Call, Generate is seeking disruptive ideas especially in relation to added-value proteins and technical ingredients, in areas such as clean label gelling agents and emulsifiers, natural origin preservatives, upcycled plant-based proteins and fibres, novel sensory and nutritional solutions for plant-based products, and liquid oil stabilisation. Generate will also welcome other transformative innovations that align with its purpose of enabling the evolution of the whole food ecosystem.
The Open Call will end on January 15th, 2025. Startups with a TRL (Technology Readiness Level) of 3 or higher, scalable solutions, and high-impact teams are encouraged to apply by submitting their investor presentation or company deck to the email address [email protected]. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed between February and March 2025, in collaboration with the Open Innovation Partner URIKA Partners.
Selection Criteria include the relevance of the innovation for applications in the Ingredient-Tech Platform’s most relevant categories, including bakery and fine pastry, ice cream and gelato, dairy and non-dairy, plant-based and gluten-free, and the possibility of scaling the innovation by leveraging the expertise and the market proximity of CSM Collective’s companies, including CSM Ingredients, HIFOOD, Vitalfood by Italcanditi, Rubicone and Comprital.
With a mission to foster collaboration between startups and established players, Generate offers 12-18-month programs tailored to the needs of innovative entrepreneurs. Selected startups will gain access to cutting-edge facilities, technical expertise, and commercial support, enabling them to scale their innovations and bring them to the market.
