Nutreco Feed & Food Tech Challenge now open for applicants

Just one breakthrough solution could reshape the future of protein production. That’s why Nutreco is looking for startups and other pioneers with innovative and disruptive ideas to produce more food with fewer resources. Candidates can now apply to 2022 Nutreco Feed & Food Tech Challenge (NFFTC).

“Feeding the Future will require significant technological innovation. A single idea could make a huge impact on the future of protein and our planet,” says Joost Matthijssen, Nutreco’s Director of Venturing and NFFTC head juror. “To develop their solutions and attract funding, start-ups need proof of concept. The Nutreco Feed & Food Tech Challenge can help by creating more exposure and further validation of innovative ideas.”

Details for submitting ideas

Start-ups across the globe are invited to submit their applications. The challenge focuses on breakthrough innovations within livestock farming, aquaculture and alternative food proteins. The winning start-up receives a scientific validation trial at one of Nutreco’s research centers.

Nutreco experts will select 15 teams to receive coaching by industry experts and to pitch virtually to the jury in June. The jury will consist of Nutreco and industry experts. The top five teams will then be invited to an in-person event in the Netherlands later in the year.

Applications need to be sent by April 25 at 12:00 CET. Requirements for the pitch deck can be found on the Nutreco website: Nutreco 2022 Feed & Food Tech Challenge 

Challenge winner eniferBio
The 2020 NFFTC winner was eniferBio, a sustainable, locally-produced, and cost-competitive alternative for soy protein concentrate used in aquaculture feeds and, in the future, also in food.


“Since our participation in the challenge, the interaction with the team at Skretting has been just excellent. While we are experts in the development and production of our PEKILO mycoprotein, we definitely needed a helping hand to bring our innovation to the aquaculture market,” says co-founder of eniferBio COO Joosu Kuivanen.

“We look forward to continuing the collaboration as we advance toward realizing our dream of local, sustainable protein for aquaculture,” says co-founder of eniferBio CCO Heikki Keskitalo.