Innovation need
Are you an ambitious startup that contributes to the alternative protein shift? Do you want to raise funding, grow your business and build awareness for your brand? Then this challenge could be your ticket into the Plant FWD Startup Program where you will have optimal exposure to customers, investors, and media.
The 100 most promising startups will be admitted to the Plant FWD start-up program on April 18 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
All submissions will receive free entrance to the Plant FWD event*
At this conference you will have the chance to:
- Participate in quality 1-on-1 meetings with investors & buyers
- Showcase your latest plant-based innovations in the 'Supermarket of Desire'
- Meet fellow startup founders, share your best practices and build valuable connections
The top 10 startups will also get the opportunity to pitch their company live on stage and gain the attention from top investors, corporates, talents and policy makers!
Plant FWD
Plant FWD is a 1-day alternative protein conference in Amsterdam where we bring together start & scale-ups, investors, future talents, policy- and other changemakers from around the globe to working on creating a plant-forward future together.
At Plant FWD we aim to bring back the balance in our food consumption by accelerating the protein shift to 50% plant-based proteins in 2030. This protein shift will require new technologies, bold ideas and creating collaborations between companies and across companies. We believe in moving things forward and creating solutions that work today, tomorrow and for the future.
What we are looking for
We are looking for innovative new plant-based products that contribute to the protein transition.
This can either be:
- A final alternative protein-based product
- A proven alternative protein-based food or restaurant concept
- The production of food additives that use alternative proteins as a functional ingredient
We are looking for all proven concepts that can be used for human consumption and that are contributing to the protein shift. So even lab meat or insect-based concepts are welcome to participate!
In short, we are looking for startups that have a novel/innovative plant-based product that:
- Tastes good
- Is an accessible product for the wider public
- Is alternative protein-based
- Is an already proven concept
What we offer
We see this challenge as an opportunity to collaborate and actively support startups in growing their business. With this challenge we intend to invite the 100 most promising startups to attend Plant FWD and give the top 10 startups the opportunity to pitch their products to a jury and audience of potential new business partners at the live event.
We help you accelerate innovation and business and maximize your contribution to a sustainable food system. Our partners have access to the best facilities, resources across a wide scope of industries and disciplines and to potential investors and partnerships worldwide.
- Get free admission to the Plant FWD event*
- The best startups will get a chance to pitch at the event
- All participants at Plant FWD will have the opportunity to create new collaborations with business partners
- Top 10 will get to showcase their product in the 'Supermarket of Desire' at the event
- All pitching finalists will be announced exclusively in a press release
*max. 1 ticket per startup, second ticket available with a discounted price of €99 (discount code will be shared after challenge closing).
Conditions for participating
- Participation is open for all startups with an innovative alternative protein-based solution
- You can demonstrate a proven concept/product/prototype, which will be showcased in the Supermarket of the Future
- You will be physically present at the event (please note that you will get one free ticket per startup, second ticket available with a discounted price or €99. Travel and accomondation are at own expense)
- If you are selected for the pitch program, you will be available for the pitch training (online) and the practice round on stage (physically)
How does it work?
- Send in a short and concise pitch deck with your solution
- As soon as you have uploaded your pitch, you will receive a confirmation email with more information
- Your pitch is visible to the Plant FWD jury
- After the deadline the jury will review your pitch deck. If your business idea has what it takes, you'll get the opportunity to pitch on stage in front of the media, investors, industry experts, and Plant FWD’s audience. Plus, shortlisted startups will be announced exclusively in a press release!
- Your pitch will be shared with the corporate business networks of both Brave New Food and Impact Hub Amsterdam
The judges will evaluate pitches on investment readiness, innovative market opportunity, the strength of the business concept/model, and overall wow factor.
Your pitch
- Send in a short and concise pitch deck of your solution (max. 6 A4 / 18 slides) with description of the following two parts:
- Give a short description of your product or solution, as detailed and visual as possible
- In which phase is the solution?
- A description of your company & team
- How and when was your company founded?
- In which phase is your company?
- How many people?
- In which market are you active?
- Also a short description of the (managing) 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.
Only English pitches are allowed.
Timeline
- March 10 at midnight: Deadline Challenge
- March 11th until March 24th: Reviewing period
- March 27th: Announcements selection & invites for Plant FWD event
- April 7th: Final pitch decks due
- April 12th: Pitch training by Impact Hub
- April 17th: Practice on stage
- April 18th: Plant FWD event
- Q3/Q4 2023 onwards: discuss and start collaboration