Givaudan, Nestlé R+D Accelerator Lausanne, and FoodHack are joining forces to host the 2025 FoodTech World Cup – the ultimate tournament to showcase the world’s best startups in food for health.

Applications are now open until 12th March 2025.

The future of food is personalised, functional, and built for better health. As science uncovers the deep links between nutrition and well-being, the race is on to redefine how we nourish people worldwide.

From precision nutrition to functional ingredients, pioneering Founders are harnessing cutting-edge innovation to create food that actively supports human health. Through investment and collaboration, they’re shaping a future where food isn’t just sustainable—it’s smarter, healthier, and tailored for impact.

This year, the Food for Health World Cup will spotlight the world’s most promising startups at the intersection of food and health, connecting them with the investors, partners, and visibility they need to scale their breakthroughs globally.

Alexandre Bastos, Head of Front End Innovation at Givaudan, said, “At Givaudan we partner with the best and brightest minds in the industry, by teaming up with startups we can spark new, creative approaches, and create faster, more agile, innovation pathways. We’re excited to team up with FoodHack and the HackSummit to launch a global competition to put the spotlight on new technologies. We look forward to supporting more startups on their scale up journey and to collaborating with them for a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”

Maria Eugenia Barcos, Startup Program Lead at Lausanne Nestle R+D Accelerator, added, “At Nestlé, we’re committed to developing innovative products and services that unlock the power of food and enhance quality of life. We strongly believe in the power of collaboration to find innovative solutions to challenges and needs that truly matter for consumers, society, and the planet. Through our partnership with FoodHack and the HackSummit, we are thrilled to connect and join forces with startups, as we recognize the potential of unlocking cutting-edge science and technology through these collaborations.”

Take part in the FoodTech World Cup

To uncover the next rising stars and superstars of FoodTech, Givaudan and FoodHack invite Stealth to Seed startups to pitch their solutions in:

• Longevity: Supporting healthier ageing and well-being through nutrition
• Glucose Management: Supporting stable and balanced blood sugar levels.
• Immunity: Strengthening and supporting the body’s natural defenses.
• Weight Management: Helping consumers achieve and maintain healthy weight goals.
• Gut Health: Targeting the connection between gut health and well-being.
• Energy: Enhancing and sustaining physical and mental energy throughout the day.

The FoodTech World Cup Qualifiers will run as 6 Demo Days, one for each region, across Asia, Europe, Latin America, MENA, North America, and Sub Saharan Africa.

40 shortlisted Founders will present their vision and demonstrate their startup’s impact potential to a line-up of top-tier judges from Nestle, Givaudan, and selected FoodTech VCs around the world.

After an in-depth shortlisting process, the 10 most promising solutions (2 per region) will be invited to pitch in the final at a Side Event of the HackSummit in Lausanne, Switzerland on May 15th, where the winners will be crowned.

Enter your startup to the FoodTech World Cup today.

About Givaudan

Powered by innovation and creativity, Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing aims to shape the future of food by becoming the co-creation partner of choice to its customers. Built on its global leadership position in flavours and taste, the Company goes beyond to create food experiences that do good and feel good, for body, mind and planet. With an expanded portfolio of products across flavours, taste, functional and nutritional solutions, and a deep knowledge of the food ecosystem, Givaudan’s passion is to collaborate with customers and partners to develop game-changing innovations in food and beverage. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. 

Learn more at www.givaudan.com/taste-wellbeing

About Nestlé R+D Accelerator

Nestlé is committed to developing innovative products and services that unlock the power of food and enhance quality of life, aiming to support people and pets, at every life stage – now and in the future. Nestlé has the most advanced science and innovation network in the food industry, with 4,100 employees working in R&D and investing over CHF 1.7 billion every year in R&D as an engine for growth. Whether the focus is on developing plant-based foods to support healthier lifestyles, tackling packaging waste, or driving affordable nutrition, Nestlé is continually developing its products and services while innovating to create new ones.

Learn more at https://www.nestle.com/about/research-development 

About FoodHack

FoodHack is one of the world’s largest FoodTech communities. Where FoodTech professionals come to get the inside scoop on industry news and meet partners, friends, mentors, investors – and everything in between. 

From a weekly newsletter to ambassador-run Meetups and the annual HackSummit – FoodHack makes it easier for purpose-driven food founders to access the funding, network, and knowledge they need to successfully launch and scale their business.

Join the community www.foodhack.global

About HackSummit

The HackSummit is Europe’s must-attend gathering of Climate Deep Tech builders and investors, taking place in Lausanne, Switzerland on May 15-16.

Not just any Climate Conference, The HackSummit is a full week of activities and gatherings where Climate innovation takes over the lakeside city of Lausanne.

Join the startup pitches, fireside chats, and debates with industry frontrunners to get exclusive insights, early signals, and first-hand data to leapfrog the competition.

Meet us in Lausanne: www.hacksummit.co