Wanted: New insect-based food concepts which are acceptable and inviting for consumers

To provide a worldwide population of ten billion people by 2050 with tasty, affordable, healthy and sustainable food, we need to adopt a circular production and consumption system. Insects can play an important role in a sustainable food system for several reasons. Insects use waste streams that other animals and humans cannot eat. Residual flows are therefore usefully used. Insects are a sustainable replacement for soy - which has to be imported from South America - and fish meal - for which fish must be grown in an unsustainable way. Less land, water and feed is necessary for one kg of protein if you compare it to other feedstock. 

Also, insects have specific properties that are of great added value for animals and humans, such as amino acids, fibers, proteins and lipids that contain a lot of omega 3. Foodvalley NL is supporting this young and emerging sector.

That's why we're looking for new insect-based food concepts which are acceptable and inviting for consumers.

About us

Foodvalley wants to achieve robust and healthy food production that creates balance in our living environment and respects both the climate and the environment. To succeed, Foodvalley NL connects the right players within circular agrifood: Foodvalley NL is the independent platform for innovation and transition of the global food system. 

Since 2004, Foodvalley NL is the independent international platform for groundbreaking innovations that enable the transition to a sustainable food system. The organization, with more than 250 members, sets the agenda, keeps the pace and guides parties in the ecosystem through this transition. By connecting organizations and companies with international partners, unique facilities and knowledge, top talent, global markets and capital, it accelerates innovations. 

Our role is essential to provide 10 billion people with affordable, tasty and healthy food by 2050, produced with respect for animals and our planet. From start-ups, scale-ups to multinationals and investors, everyone is welcome. Because only together we can shape the future of food. Join us!

What we are looking for:

We are looking for solutions that: 

• use insects as a protein or fat source in food products for human consumption
• develop new food concepts which are acceptable and inviting for consumers
• change the consumer preference from a hesitant to a positive attitude towards insects-based food products
• include insects from EU approved species
• possibly have an application for the feed value chain (for instance chicken, pig, petfood etc.)

What we are not looking for:
We are looking for applications in food and possibly for feed applications. Applications for cosmetics, chemical industry or any other non-food application are not what we are looking for.

What we offer:

• A vibrant network of other engaged circular agrifood members like start-ups, corporate and potential partners and investors. Foodvalley’s vast global network will help you find the right connections to let your innovations thrive.
• Guidance and help in entrepreneurial and talent development, upscaling and marketing. Foodvalley has a large network of experts and offers various programs to help you grow.
• Opportunities to join specific chain collaborations.
• Explore the ecosystem for support like where to find shared facilities, resources and expertise.

Conditions for participation
Participation is open for startups, scale-ups, SMEs, grown-ups, innovators and scientists with an innovative product and/or technology.

Your pitch (max. A4 / 18 slides)

• Description of your solution
• Description your company
• Description of the team
  

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.

Dutch and English pitches are allowed.

Timeline

• March 22 at 17.00 CEST: Deadline
• March 23 – April 8: Selection period 
• 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 (and concepts and ideas in it) will be viewed and be shared with (internal) stakeholders. Keep IP sensitive unique (technical) details out of your pitch, keep it a secret that you can share later.
• Download Terms & Conditions

Background information
If more background information is desired, you can contact jolijn.zwart-vankessel@foodvalley.nl

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