Givaudan and FoodHack launch the 2025 FoodTech World Cup

Givaudan, Nestlé R+D Accelerator 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 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.