Food production for humans & animals, and the associated value chain, accounts for c. 25-30% of total Greenhouse Gas emissions; and according to the IPCC, observed climate change is already affecting food security through increasing temperatures, changing rain patterns, and a greater frequency of some extreme events.
Combining supply-side actions such as efficient production, transport, and processing with demand-side interventions such as modification of food choices, and reduction of food loss and waste, can reduce Green House Gas emissions, and help feed the planet’s projected 9.8 billion population in 2050.
MassChallenge believes startups and corporations can help this effort. Startups can play a unique role in bringing new disruptive ideas to the table. Corporations can play a critical role in scaling these ideas and bringing benefits to society quickly.
In 2020 a group of leading global food manufacturers and producers partnered with MassChallenge to find and collaborate with startups so that together, they could help feed the planet sustainably. Over 1,200 startups have applied to the challenge, 175 being connected to our partners. Of these, over half were involved in follow-up with our partners - check the success stories segment.
In 2023 we will open up the Challenge again; our partners: Bühler Group, Givaudan, Nestlé, DSM, Louis Dreyfus Company, and Südzucker, are looking for startups or scaleups, with proven solutions or technologies in the areas of Sustainable Food & Feed Solutions, Sustainable Supply Chain & Manufacturing, Sustainable Packaging, and Agri Tech.
Any questions?
Floré by Sun Genomics, accelerated their collaboration process with DSM following the Sustainable Food Solutions Challenge. After the initial collaboration process, they met in California in September 2021 and received funding from DSM Venturing within the following months. They are now about to close a second round with DSM, and bring great value to the global biotech company through their next generation sequencing and data set.
Alternative proteins and FoodTech have an impact role on sustainability and our society. This conversation on alternative proteins will provide insights into one of the most prolific sectors in FoodTech.
Agrain by Circular Food Technology