Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley

Wonders of Taste and SFNV Valley After Hours hosted by Givaudan
2024-09-09 14:00 - 20:30 (Europe/Zurich) | Givaudan International, Kemptpark 50, Kemptthal, 8310, Switzerland
AGENDA
Part 1: Wonders of Taste by Givaudan
14:00 – Arrival & Registration
14:15 – The Wonders of Taste Opening
Welcome by Alex Bastos, Givaudan Head Front End Innovation
14:30 – Masschallenge Startups to convince the Shark Tank
Selected startups come back, now with tailored and sharp pitches: Specialty novel ingredients, micro-algae, fermentation, cost effective tools, upcycling, nutrition, sustainable materials and more

AlgaeforFood
Angry Camel
CellX Biosolutions
EcoBean
FOTORTEC
Change Bio
Seaqure labs
Myriad Optics
Reify Nutrition
Rosalind Bioculture
Updairy
Veritas
Yeastime

16:00 – How to REALLY accelerate foodtech nowadays
A panel discussion between startups, investors and corporates on how to move the needle and create more successful storiesClosing & Thank you’s
16:30 – Networking
Startups, accelerators, investors, B2C, B2B corporate innovators

Part 2: SFNV Valley After Hours
16:45 – Arrival & Registration
17:00 – Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley After Hours
Welcome by Christina Senn-Jakobsen, CEO, SFNV
17:10 – Keynote :: Back to the Future… of Food
Sarah Diaz, Global Marketing Manager Culinary, Givaudan will present an exciting and inspiring trip to the future, leveraging the latest AI based futurescaping platforms of Givaudan, looking at trends and weak signals which will shape up the food of the future
17:30 – SFNV Power-pitches
Hear from SFNV Startups for 1 min pitches and have the opportunity to network and try samples during the apéro.

Actidot
Cleangreens
foodflows
Saya Suka

17:40 – ZIC Tour :: Travelling to the Future
An exciting tour through the Givaudan Zurich Innovation Center, its capabilities, tools, products and technologies emerging and designing what consumers may be eating in the future
19:00 – Apéro, Networking & Power Pitches
Attention to Valley Partners : Do you want to take part in informal power pitches? Do you want to contribute some tasty samples or products during the apéro? Please contact us and let’s make it happen.
About Valley After Hours: a curated event by SFNV partners for SFNV partners to amplify networking and collaboration opportunities in an informal setting. Expect to meet a mix of industry experts from large enterprises, academia, innovation enablers, SME’s and a room full of curious minds from the Swiss food tech ecosystem. The power of this event will not be in a PowerPoint but in the interactive in-person networking exchange. It is also an opportunity for the hosts to spotlight their organisation and give a sneak peek into innovation worth sharing.
Would you like to host the next Valley After Hours? Please reach out to our team !

ZFV-Living Lab Innovation Call | Online
2024-09-16 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Online event
Agenda
1. Welcome and Introduction
Presented by Katarzyna Winek, Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley
2. ZFV Operations – Understand the daily business of gastronomy and the hotel industry and its challenges
Presented by Christian Gerber, ZFV-Unternehmungen
3. ZFV-Living Lab (ZLL) – Project Presentation
Presented by Christian Gerber, ZFV-Unternehmungen
4. Startup Presentations – 1 minute elevator pitch per startup

Establishing the connection to the ZFV business
Discussion: How can your solution help ZFV?
Evaluating the relevance of the solution

5. Discussion and Q&A
6. Conclusion and Next Steps

ZFV-Living Lab Innovation Call | Online
2024-09-30 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Zurich) | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84699166920

Food Day @ETH Workshop: Ultra-Processed Foods: Myths, Facts, and Future Role
2024-10-30 14:00 - 16:30 (Europe/Zurich) | Bern
Register HERE
In collaboration with Food Day @ETH: For researchers, industry, start-ups & investors with expert knowledge or interest in ultra-processed foods.
The debate over Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) often polarizes into two extremes: outright rejection of UPFs as harmful or full acceptance due to their practicality. During the interactive workshop around this complex issue, experts will shed light on both aspects, providing insights into the multifaceted nature of UPFs, and participants will be encouraged to engage actively in the dialogue.
Key questions that will be explored include: What are the scientific facts and misconceptions about the health impacts of UPFs? How can UPFs contribute to global food security, and what risks do they pose? What regulatory frameworks are necessary to ensure their safe and ethical production and consumption? What drives the increasing consumption of UPFs, and what strategies can be employed to promote healthier alternatives? Finally, what innovations can make UPFs both healthier and more environmentally sustainable?
This workshop offers all the opportunity to collaboratively address the challenges and opportunities that UPFs present. The goal is to ensure equitable access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food while considering the broader implications for global food systems. Through thoughtful exploration of health, regulation, food security, and innovation, the workshop aims to advance understanding of the role of UPFs in our diets.
Register HERE

State of Play Cultured Foods 2.0
2024-12-04 09:30 - 16:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Motorworld – The Valley Eventfactory, Kemptpark 3, Kemptthal, Zurich, 8310, Switzerland
Cultured foods offer a promising solution to some of the most pressing food system challenges. They also present a very significant market opportunity: experts predict that by 2050 cultured food could be a $1.1 trillion dollar industry, creating 9.8 million new jobs globally.
Since our first State of Play event back in 2023, the trends, technologies and legislative environment in this space have continued to evolve and many Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley partners are now actively involved in developing new solutions in this space.
At the same time, The Cultured Hub, a “Scale-up as a service” facility, jointly created by Valley partners Bühler and Givaudan, together with Migros, is now ready to open its doors.
Our second State of Play event will bring Swiss and international experts together again to consider what we can do to accelerate cultured food to market.
Programme
09:30 – Welcome & Networking Coffee
SETTING THE SCENE
10:00 – Welcome to Cultured Food 2.0, Christina Senn-Jakobsen, CEO, Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley
10:10 – The Swiss vision for cultured foods, Yannick Gächter, CEO, The Cultured Hub
10:20 – From policy to plate: Legal developments for novel foods in Switzerland, Ralph Langholz, Swiss Protein Association
10:30 – The global lens: Where are we heading? Carlotte Lucas, Head of Industry, The Good Food Institute Europe
10:40 – Audience Q&A, &Discussion with speakers
10:55 – Networking break
11:10 – When tradition meets innovation, campfire discussion with Illtud Dunsford, CEO and CoFounder of Cellular Agriculture Ltd
11:45 – Networking Lunch
DISCOVERING PERSPECTIVES
13:00 – Consumer Acceptance: Cultured Food vs Food Culture, Christine Schäfer, Senior Researcher, GDI Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute
13:20 – A Swiss startup’s journey, Simona Fehlmann, Co-Founder & CEO, Sallea
13:40 – Savoring Innovation: The Journey and Taste of Cultivated Meat, Ira van Eeleen, Co-founder / CEO / Board member, RESPECTfarms / KindEarth.Tech / Cellulaire Agricultur Nederland
14:25 – Audience Q&A, &Discussion with speakers
14:40 – Quick Break
14:45 – Co-creation for future outcomes Workshop
15:30 – Tour of the Cultured Hub (optional)
16:00 – End
Why join us?

Network and share knowledge with cultured food innovators
Understand how the legal framework is evolving
Visit the new Cultured Hub in Kemptthal
Get inspired by innovative startups
Explore how we can team up to accelerate progress

Each Valley Partner can benefit from up to 2 complimentary tickets.

State of Play | Side stream valorisation
2025-03-18 13:30 - 17:30 (Europe/Zurich) | Welle 7, Schanzenstrasse 5, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
Our next State of Play event will explore where Switzerland stands today when it comes to side stream valorisation. Join us to meet the Swiss innovators who are developing innovative circular approaches and discover how companies can use their insights to create more sustainable business models.
What?
Side stream valorisation is all about finding new ways to transform by-products from food processing waste streams into new, high-value products.
Why now?

Policy momentum is growing: In line with the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, Switzerland has set an ambitious goal to halve food waste by 2030. Side stream valorisation has a key role to play in achieving these targets.
Technology is enabling new possibilities: Innovations in bioprocessing, fermentation, and precision drying are making it easier than ever to upcycle side streams into nutritious, functional ingredients.
Sustainability is shaping consumer choices: Consumer interest in sustainable food products is rising, with many brands incorporating upcycled ingredients into snacks, plant-based proteins, and functional foods.
Circular approaches are unlocking new business models: Side stream valorisation can cut CO₂ emissions while reducing costs and creating new revenue streams, making sustainability a win-win strategy.

Meet our speakers

Here’s who will be sharing their insights:

Linda Grieder-Kern, Founder & CEO, Rethink Resource
Nicolas Dorsaz, Technology & Startup Scouting (Europe), Bühler Group
William Beiskjayer and Vincent Vida, Co-founder & COO, Upgrain
Flavio Hagenbuch, Co-founder, Luya
Tiffany Abitbol, Assistant Professor at EPFL in the Institute of Materials (IMX), EFPL
Tatjana Nebel, Project Lead, StreamUp, United Against Waste Schweiz
Aurèle Meyer, CEO, Brauerei Locher AG
Clemens Rüttimann, Mentor & Food Hub Wädenswil
Doris Erne, Founder & CEO, Wheycation
Karin Friedli, Deputy Managing Director, Circunis
Fabian Weinländer, Chief Transformation Officer, Blattmann Schweiz AG

Join us to dive deeper

Explore how technology is transforming food by-products into high-value ingredients
Uncover real-world success stories and new collaboration opportunities
Network with innovators from across the Swiss ecosystem
Taste their products for yourself

Programme schedule

13:30
Welcome & Arrivals

14:00
Welcome remarks, Sidestream valorisation
Christina Senn-Jakobsen, CEO, SFNV

14:10
Setting the Scene on sidestreams
Linda Grieder-Kern, Founder & CEO, RethinkResource

14:20
Exploring the solutions Technology as an enabler
Nicolas Dorsaz, Technology & Startup Scouting, Bühler Group

14:30
How Upgrain Transforms Brewers’ Spent Grain
William Beiskjayer, Co-founder & COO, Upgrain

14:40
Upcycling Beer Sidestreams: From Brewery to Brewbee
Aurèle Meyer, CEO, Brauerei Locher AG

14:50
Eat better, live better: Connecting taste, health and sustainability by upcycling side streams
Flavio Hagenbuch, Co-CEO & Co-founder, Luya Foods

15:00
Waste-to-Taste: Transforming Wet Byproducts of the Food Industry into New Nutritious Foods
Prof. Tiffany Abitbol, EPFL

15:10
QA with all

15:20
Networking Break

15:35
Panel Discussion “StreamUp – Grow your food, save impact”
Tatjana Nebel (moderator) – with Streamup!

16:05
Transforming glucose from potato sidestreams
Fabian Weinländer, Chief Transformation Officer, Blattmann Schweiz AG

16:15
Mini-break

16:20
Deep Dive tables

17:00
Closing
Christina Senn-Jakobsen, CEO, SFNV

17:05
“Taste the Waste” , 1-min Sidestream product pitches and networking

18:00
End of Event

Each Valley partner can benefit from two complimentary tickets. Other companies can join the event by buying a ticket via the link below.
With support from :

SFNV Valley After Hours hosted by House of Lab Science
2025-04-10 17:00 - 20:30 (Europe/Zurich) | House of Lab Science, The Valley, Kemptpark 2,, Kemptthall, 8310, Switzerland
Join this Valley After Hours for the Grand Opening of House of Lab Science in The Valley!
The wait is over! On April 10th from 5:00 PM, House of Lab Science officially opens its doors in The Valley Kemptthal—and you’re invited!
Experience your ideal R&D lab space, connect with incredible companies and discover exciting collaboration opportunities at this vibrant innovation hub.
REGISTER HERE
AGENDA

17:00 – 17:30 – Doors Open

17:30 – 17:40 – Welcome Note – Oana Monica Vrabie, Co-founder House of Lab Science
Introduction to the new location at The Valley Kemptthal. Vision and mission of House of Lab Science. Importance of innovation ecosystems in biotech and food tech.

17:45 – 18:15 – Panel Discussion: How to build the Next Global Biotech/Foodtech Champion
Discussion on Topics: Scaling innovations from lab to global markets. Securing funding and investment for growth. Building strategic partnerships and collaborations

Christina Senn-Jakobsen,CEO @ SFNV
Alexandre Bastos, Head of Ventures @ Givaudan
Pascal Bieri, Co-founder @ Planted

18:15 – 18:30 – Ending Remarks, Christian Hugo Hoffmann, CEO @ HLS

18:30 – 20:30 Lab Tours & Apero Riche

The House of Lab Science is expanding, bringing the innovative Lab as a Service concept to Kemptthal. The state-of-the-art bio lab spaces are designed for Startups seeking flexibility, efficiency, and innovation, not only reduces operational costs but also accelerating time-to-market for groundbreaking technologies.
Be part of this milestone event! Connect with industry leaders, explore the new space, and discover how House of Lab Science can support your growth.
REGISTER HERE

Valley After Hours is curated by SFNV partners for SFNV partners to amplify networking and collaboration opportunities in an informal setting. Expect to meet a mix of SFNV partners, investors, industry experts, and a room full of curious minds from the Swiss food tech ecosystem. Do you want to host the next Valley After Hours? Reach out to events@sfnv.ch

SFNV Valley After Hours hosted by COSAIC (formerly Cultivated Biosciences)
2025-05-13 17:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Horgen Labs Innovation Campus, Bachtobelstrasse 5, Horgen, Zurich, 8810, Switzerland
Join this Valley After Hours at the Horgen Innovation Labs hosted by COSAIC (formerly Cultivated Biosciences) as part of the official Side Event for Hack Summit.
Get ready to dive into the future of food at Cultivated’s brand-new laboratory space. Hosted by the scientific team, this event is your chance to explore the innovative world of Cultivated Biosciences.
🚀 – Interactive Discussion Sessions – Exchange ideas with fellow innovators and Valley Partners
🔬 – Lab Tour(s)– Get an insider’s look at our latest prototyping and experience our emulsion
🥂 – Lively Networking – Connect with industry peers over drinks & bitesBe part of this exciting event where you can discover Cultivated’s innovations connect with with industry leaders, explore the new space, and discover how House of Lab Science can support your growth.
REGISTER HERE to confirm your attendance

Valley After Hours is curated by SFNV partners for SFNV partners to amplify networking and collaboration opportunities in an informal setting. Expect to meet a mix of SFNV partners, investors, industry experts, and a room full of curious minds from the Swiss food tech ecosystem. Do you want to host the next Valley After Hours? Reach out to events@sfnv.ch

Igeho 2025: A leading Swiss platform for hospitality innovation
2025-11-15 09:00 - 2025-11-19 18:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Bern
Igeho is Switzerland’s premier international trade show for the hotel, catering, food service, and hospitality industries. Serving as a dynamic live marketing platform, Igeho provides delegates with a comprehensive overview of market trends, valuable networking opportunities to foster new business connections, and insights into the latest innovations shaping the future of hospitality.
Calling all Startups! Become an Igeho Rising Star 🌟
SFNV has teamed up with Igeho, Switzerland”s largest and premier international trade show for the hotel, catering, food service, and hospitality industries to host a Food Innovation Tech area and support the Igeho Rising Star Award.
The Igeho Rising Star competition gives fifteen (15) Startups a free exhibit both to showcase their products and solutions over 5 days at the largest industry platform (tradeshow) in Switzerland. Making contacts with investors, sponsors and some of the biggest players in the Swiss retail market.
Successful Startups will:

Receive a free booth and exhibition space in the Food Innovation Tech area
Pitch to compete in the public vote and be considered for the finals of the Rising Star Award

A public vote will then determine which five startups can go on to pitch their businesses to a jury of industry leaders.
The 5 finalists will present their startups in an exciting elevator pitch. A professional jury of industry leaders will award the winner, who will not only receive a cash prize money but also enjoy heightened media exposure and exclusive additional benefits.
Who can apply?
We’re looking for startups with innovative ideas in foodtech that can help shape the future of the hospitality and food service sectors. Partner with us and our network to showcase your groundbreaking solutions and drive a more future-focused food system!
Why you we’d love you to join us

Connect with colleagues from across the entire Swiss supply chain and a global audience of industry professionals and decision-makers.
Showcase your innovation, gather valuable feedback, and develop partnerships to accelerate your growth.
Gain insight into emerging trends and stay ahead in a competitive market.
Get featured in the Igeho’s media coverage and share your story with our media partners

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION & IMPORTANT DEADLINES

About Igeho
Igeho is considered the most important international industry platform for hotels, catering, take-away and care in Switzerland. As a live marketing platform, Igeho offers the hospitality industry a comprehensive overview of the market, interesting networking opportunities and new inspiration on all aspects of hospitality. The first edition of Igeho took place in November 1965 in Basel – at that time still under the name “Internationale Fachmesse für Gemeinschaftsverpflegung”. Since its inception, the trade fair has been held biennially in Basel, with the exception of 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. Communal catering continues to play an important role, but the hotel, restaurant and take-away sectors were also added over the years. Today, Igeho is the largest meeting place for the hospitality industry in Switzerland.

Igeho Rising Star Awards 2025
2025-11-18 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Messe Basel, Messeplatz 10, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
Finale: Igeho Rising Star Award 2025
At the grand finale of the Igeho Rising Star Award 2025, the five finalists will showcase their groundbreaking innovations to the audience before facing questions from the expert jury.
Launched in 2023, the Igeho Rising Star Award celebrates and supports founders and start-ups in the hospitality sector. Now in its second edition, five pioneering start-ups – Catchfree, Circunis, Foodflows, GoNina, and Yumame Foods — have reached the final round. One of them will be crowned the winner and receive the prestigious award along with prize money.
The jury includes industry leaders and experts such as Pascal Bieri (Planted Co-Founder), Prof. Dr. Claus-Heinrich Daub (FHNW), Marina Helm Romaneschi (Swiss Food Research), Christine Schäfer (Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute), Rebecca Clopath (Alpine Chef), and Christian Gerber (ZFV Group).
We look forward to seeing you there!
More information can be found on the Igeho website in German and French.

Navigating in the Food and Feed Regulatory Jungle
2025-11-24 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Helsinki) | Bern
This webinar organized by the Finnish Food ecosystem program Valio Food 2.0 in collaboration with Medfiles, BioSafe and Sweco Finland is your chance to learn how to effectively navigate in the EU food and feed regulatory landscape.
Numerous food and feed regulations impact food business operators in the area. When developing new sustainable food and feed ingredients, companies—from startups to international food and feed enterprises—must understand the regulatory landscape and its requirements. In this webinar, experienced experts from consulting firms will share their insights on various topics. Additionally, we will hear a practical case example of a novel food application process from the applicant.

Meet Innosuisse
2026-03-24 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Zurich) | https://swissfoodnutritionvalley.com/event-listing/meet-innosuisse/
You are an entrepreneur, part of an SME or a research organisation and would like to better navigate the landscape of the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse? Join our introduction webinar on Innosuisse and the opportunities they provide in this compact, 1-hour webinar.
Who’s leading it? The sessions are co-hosted by Innosuisse and SFNV
Who should join? Valley Partners, either from startups, SME’s or research organisations curious about Innosuisse
Kind regards,
The Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley Team
