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Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge FAQs
Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge FAQs

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What does the Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge offer?

The Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge offers nutraceutical startups targeting the health and wellbeing sector an opportunity to develop their innovative projects through a specialised support programme. 

Who can enter?

All startups that have been active for five years or less can apply with their innovative solutions for the nutraceutical industry focusing on:

  • ground-breaking finished nutraceutical products and ingredients for nutraceuticals, supplements, or functional food and beverages; and/or,

  • innovative technologies, services, and digital solutions that support the nutraceutical industry

How much does it cost?

This competition is free to enter.

My startup is not based in Europe. Can I still apply?

The Challenge is open to startups globally. Previous winners have included European and non-European startups.

What are the benefits and why should I enter?

  • Shortlisted finalists are invited to attend Vitafoods Europe free of charge and present their innovations on stage at the exhibition.

  • Winners choose from a variety of high-value prizes that include an exhibitor booth or mentorship and support offered by our expert jury.

  • Vitafoods Europe attracts over 21,500 attendees and over 1300 exhibiting companies, giving you an opportunity to network with potential partners, clients, investors, and other innovators.

What is the selection process and how are winners picked?

First, our expert jury review all submissions, taking the following elements into account:

  • Market need

  • Value proposal

  • Business model

  • Competitive advantage

  • Team

  • How innovative in the market

Then, the highest-scoring applicants are invited to the finals, which take place in person at Vitafoods Europe.

The finalists pitch twice:

  • To the expert jury behind closed doors (1 December 2025)

  • To the Vitafoods Europe visitors at the Innovation Hub theatre (2 December 2025) after which winners are announced live on stage.

Each year, up to 15 finalists across 3 categories present their innovations at Vitafoods Europe. In addition, a special jury’s choice award is given to a finalist with the most sustainable solution.

Who will I meet by taking part in the Startup Challenge?

This Challenge is right for you if you are looking to meet and collaborate with the kind of nutraceutical industry stakeholders that attend Vitafoods Europe. This includes:

  • Major ingredient suppliers and producers

  • Manufacturers seeking innovative solutions

  • R&D experts from research institutions

  • Banks and venture capitalists

  • Startup incubators, accelerators, business angels

What do I need to submit?

Entrants should submit a slide deck with a business plan along with any other supporting documents that could be helpful (e.g. commercial documentation, advertising, investor presentations, promotional materials, etc).

What’s the submission criteria?

  • The startup should be no older than 5 years;

  • the startup must have a clear business plan and a developed concept and, at the very least, prototypes (final products are preferred); and,

  • the product or service needs to be truly disruptive and unique.

How can I apply?

Apply here for the Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge 2025 and a member of our team will be in touch.

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