Generate launches open call for startups to revolutionize food ingredients

Generate, the innovation hub under the Ingredient-Tech Platform known as CSM Collective, has announced a global open call for startups. The initiative aims to identify and support startups developing next-generation food ingredients, with the goal of accelerating the evolution of the food ecosystem.

The open call focuses on disruptive ideas in areas such as clean label gelling agents and emulsifiers, natural origin preservatives, upcycled plant-based proteins and fibers, novel sensory and nutritional solutions for plant-based products, and liquid oil stabilization. Generate also welcomes other transformative innovations that align with its mission to enable the evolution of the food industry.

Startups with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 or higher, scalable solutions, and high-impact teams are encouraged to apply by submitting their investor presentation or company deck to openinnovation@csmingredients.com by 15 January 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed between February and March 2025, in collaboration with Open Innovation Partner URIKA Partners.

Selection criteria include the relevance of the innovation for applications in the Ingredient-Tech Platform’s key categories—such as bakery and fine pastry, ice cream and gelato, dairy and non-dairy, plant-based, and gluten-free—and the potential for scaling the innovation by leveraging the expertise and market proximity of CSM Collective’s companies, including CSM Ingredients, HIFOOD, Vitalfood by Italcanditi, Rubicone, and Comprital.

Generate offers 12-18-month programs tailored to the needs of innovative entrepreneurs. Selected startups will gain access to cutting-edge facilities, technical expertise, and commercial support, enabling them to scale their innovations and bring them to market effectively.

Some of the startups that have already joined the Generate program include Ingrediome, PoLoPo, and DairyX, each contributing unique solutions to the evolving food ingredient landscape.