Wanted: solutions, sources, applications and technology for the valorization of (food) side streams and food waste

The increasing global demand for food leads to an accompanying growth of food industry by-products. From an economic and environmental perspective, efficient side-stream management and valorization are crucial for a circular food value chain. Side streams from agrifood production are full of valuable components, for which many surprising applications are possible. Part of rejected food crops and ‘waste’ from food production are not fit for human consumption but even these residues can become a source of sustainable raw-materials for bio-based products or upcycled as ingredients for feed and food. This provides environmental benefits in addition to adding value by reducing the loss of valuable food and biomass. 

For our Valorization of (Food) Side Streams and Food Waste challenge, we are looking for solutions that can improve the sourcing, processing and usage of food waste and by-products through side stream valorization such as: 

• New (alternative) sources of food side streams with potential for value adding alternative food or non-food usage, for example:

  • peel and cut waste

  • overripe and rejected fruits and vegetables

  • residues from food processing (e.g. pulp from pressed nuts)

  • other forms of residues or ‘waste’

• Food products for human consumption made from otherwise wasted food and food side streams

• Food ingredients derived from residual side streams  that can be used as raw materials for food production such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats

• Valorization and extraction technologies that enable the recovery of valuable substances from residual flows

• Any other solutions that fit within the theme

Why participate in this challenge? 

• With 1 pitch you reach 35+ food corporates, retailers and distributors at the same time! 
• Chance of being invited for 1-on-1 introduction meetings with partners interested in your product or solution during our Matchmaking Event on April 21st.
• Possibility of creating new opportunities to collaborate with leading food companies to test and prove your solutions, or even better, a strategic partnership to produce, scale or distribute your products.

How does it work?

• Send in a short and concise pitch deck (see below) 
• As soon as you have uploaded your pitch, you will receive a confirmation so that you know that we have received your pitch.
• After the deadline, our partners will assess all pitches individually and invite the companies with the most interesting / best fitting solutions for 1-on-1 introduction meetings during the BNF Matchmaking Event on April 21st, 2022. 
• If you both see potential in a collaboration, you can make agreements about follow-ups!

Pitch Format
Pitches must be submitted in English and should be max. 6 pages / 18 slides. The pitch may be submitted in free form (presentation, slide deck, letter form) but must be uploaded as a PDF file (landscape or portrait, A4 - max. 30MB). Videos, example websites, etc. can be included as a link. All pitches should include:

1. A description of your product or solution (max. 3 pages / 9 slides) 
2. A description of your company & team (max. 1 page / 3 slides)
3. A description of your growth ambition and your needs (max. 2 pages / 6 slides) 


Timeline

• January 20: launch Open Call
• March 22 at 17.00 CET: deadline Open Call
• March 23 – April 8: selection by the participating food companies & investors
• April 8: announcement & invites for matchmaking event
• April 21: (online) matchmaking event
• Q2/Q3 2022 onwards: discuss and start collaboration

Terms & Conditions

• Participation is open for startups, scale-ups, SMEs, grown-ups, innovators and scientists with an innovative product and/or technology.
• You will remain the owner of your intellectual rights, concept or solution in your pitch, until you agree otherwise.
• We strongly advise you to document everything you share with others and mention that information provided is confidential and intellectual property rights remain with you/ your company until agreed otherwise.
• Be aware of the fact that your pitch will be viewed by industry professionals and (concepts and ideas in it) may be shared with others. Keep IP sensitive unique (technical) details out of your pitch, keep it a secret that you can share later.
• Download Terms & Conditions

Questions?

For any questions about our Open Call for Sustainable Food Solutions, reach out to our startup scout Sandra at sandra.einvall@bravenewfood.com.