Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley

Meet The Valley
2025-10-09 17:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Zurich) | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85466200159
Are you interested in learning more about Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley (SFNV) and the thriving Swiss food ecosystem? “Meet The Valley” is our monthly virtual meet-up designed to introduce you to our mission and how we collaborate with partners to drive impact.
Why attend?

Get an introduction to SFNV—what we do, why we exist, and how we create value by developing tools and organizing events that support our partners.
Learn how we foster collaboration within the Swiss food ecosystem to tackle key challenges in food, agriculture, and nutrition.

After the introduction, we’ll open the floor for an interactive Q&A session, where you can share your projects, ask questions, and discuss topics like innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.
Who’s leading it? The sessions will be hosted by a member of the SFNV team, and our CEO, Christina Senn-Jakobsen, will join to answer your questions and share her passion for food innovation and partner collaboration.
When? “Meet The Valley” is held monthly. If you can’t attend the next session, simply choose a date that fits your schedule when registering.
Why join us? This is your opportunity to connect with the SFNV team, hear about the tools and events we’ve developed to support our partners, and explore how collaboration drives success in the Swiss food ecosystem. During the Q&A, we look forward to hearing about your projects, sharing ideas, and discussing exciting topics related to food innovation.
Best of all – it’s free!
👇 Register now, and we can’t wait to meet you soon.
Kind regards,
The Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley Team

How AI & Self-Driving Labs Are Shaping the Future of R&D Teams
2025-10-16 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Zurich) | https://swissfoodnutritionvalley.com/event-listing/how-ai-self-driving-labs-are-shaping-the-future-of-rd-teams/
Self-driving labs are no longer a vision of the future, they’re already transforming how R&D is done. Join Atinary and our partner, 5-HT Chemistry and Health, for a conversation to explore how AI-powered, autonomous experimentation is being deployed in research labs today, and what this means for the future.
Meet the Experts:
– Alexander Böser (Senior Innovation Lead Chemistry, 5-HT Chemistry & Health)
– Dr. Loïc Roch (Co-Founder and CTO, Atinary Technologies)
Moderator:
– Martina Löfqvist (Head of Alliances and Strategic Growth, Atinary Technologies)
In this webinar, our experts will discuss how self-driving labs speed up scientific discovery, unlock breakthroughs that were previously out of reach, and open new frontiers in materials science, chemistry, formulation, and beyond. As the complexity of research challenges grows, these technologies are becoming essential tools for driving faster, smarter, and more sustainable innovation.
Whether you’re a scientist, engineer, or innovation leader, this webinar offers a glimpse into the future of autonomous labs.
REGISTER HERE

The Longevity Equation: How Food Shapes a Healthier Future
2025-10-29 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Zurich) | ETH Zurich, Rämistrasse 101, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
Learn from experts about how diet and nutrition influences aging and connect with ecosystem players to explore smarter food solutions.
Modern diets are among the leading preventable causes of chronic illness and early death. At the same time, science is uncovering how food can do far more than simply fuel us — it can promote long-term well-being and extend the years we live in good health. The challenge is clear: how do we reimagine food not as a passive commodity, but as an active driver of health and longevity?
In this workshop, we bring together leading voices from academia, industry, and start-ups to explore how diet can be understood as preventive medicine. We will ask how to distinguish credible science from hype when it comes to food and aging, and how preventive strategies can be built into products and diets that people actually use in daily life. Together we will examine what it means to design food products that optimize health across the value chain, from formulation to consumption, and how processing and reformulation could be rethought to support – rather than undermine – long-term health.
The discussion will cover how to communicate credibly to consumers, e.g. through labeling, marketing, and education, while also exploring the collaborations, policies, and metrics needed to drive system-level change, and how innovations like biotechnology and personalized nutrition can help bring science-based solutions from research to market at scale.Designed for researchers, innovators, start-ups, and investors, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to exchange insights and explore how food can shift from being part of the problem to becoming a fundamental solution for healthy longevity.
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
10:00 – 12:00 CET (+ Cook the Science Special Edition 18:00-19:15)
Location: ETH Zurich, Main Building
Registration open: https://www.eventbrite.ch/e/the-longevity-equation-food-science-the-future-of-health-tickets-1639066936329?aff=oddtdtcreator

ETHZ Food Day
2025-10-29 10:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Zurich) | ETH Zurich, Rämistrasse 101, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
We stand at a crossroads: either we change the way we produce and consume food, or we fail to meet Agenda 2030’s Sustainable Development Goals. At Food Day 2025 at ETH Zurich, all are encouraged to connect and inspire sustainable solutions for our food system.
Focusing on the idea of Planting Healthier Nutrition, participants dive into the latest food system research and engage in critical exchanges on timely issues. As co-creating ideas is at the core of sustainable change, Food Day brings together diverse perspectives from science, industry, and policy with a program of interactive workshops, expert-led sessions, and, of course, a bit of cooking.
In a keynote, Prof. Frank Ewert shares how pioneering methodologies like Living Labs can accelerate the transition toward a resilient food future. Additionally, we are excited to announce a special Cook the Science-Food Day Edition, from the lecture series led by our member Prof. Thomas Michaels. The session will feature chef Michaela Frank and Prof. Patrick Rühs, who will together uncover the fascinating science behind the processing and cooking of plant proteins.
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
10:00 – 17:00 CET (+ Cook the Science Special Edition 18:00-19:15)
Location: ETH Zurich, Main Building
Registration opens on 01 September 2025.

Meet The Valley
2025-11-04 09:00 - 10:00 (Europe/Zurich) | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81657338963

Igeho 2025: A leading Swiss platform for hospitality innovation
2025-11-15 09:00 - 2025-11-19 18:00 (Europe/Zurich)
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.

ZFV Rising Stars Breakfast
2025-11-18 08:30 - 10:00 (Europe/Zurich) | B1 Rooftop Bistot, St. Alban-Anlage 26, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
Valley Early Hours | Hosted by ZFV
For this special breakfast edition of our Valley After Hours series, we’re joining forces with our partner ZFV during the Igeho, the leading Swiss platform for hospitality innovation in Basel, on 18 November – just ahead of the Rising Star Awards Final later that day.
Together, we’ll dive into the opportunities and challenges presented by open innovation in the food and hospitality sectors.
Here’s what you can expect:

Hear inspiring stories of how food and catering businesses have turned ideas into impact.
Listen to a thought-provoking panel discussion with leading experts from across the Swiss ecosystem.
Taste and experience Swiss food innovation through a delicious breakfast with EggField, the Rising Star Award winner in 2023.
Network with colleagues from across the Swiss food and circular innovation ecosystem.

All attendees will receive a free Igeho day pass. Register below to join us.
Event details
08:30 Guest arrival and registration09:00 Panel discussion

Christian Gerber, Head of Innovation Management, ZFV
Silvan Leibacher, Co-Founder & CEO, EggField
Nicola Gryczka Kirsch, Entrepreneur in Residence and Advisor, EHL

09:30 Networking breakfast10:00 Closing and transition to Igeho

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)
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 The Valley
2025-12-09 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Zurich) | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83537270238

Meet The Valley
2026-01-20 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Zurich) | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86221026385

Open Exploration Workshop in Lugano
2026-01-28 13:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Dagorà, Innovation Center di Manno, Via Pietro Peri 21b, Lugano, 6900
Shaping the future together: Rethinking resource efficiency – from soil to plate
In collaboration with Dagorà Lifestyle Innovation Hub.
From Farm to Table: Understanding Resource Efficiency Through Digital Transformation
How can we organize the journey from farm to table in a way that fully leverages the resources and explores the potential of digitalization? Technologies such as sensors, real-time data, digital traceability, and automation can help us use resources more efficiently, close loops, and ensure healthy food for everyone—without compromising sustainability or affordability.
In this open exploration workshop within the Innovation Booster Future Food Farming powered by Innosuisse, we do not focus on generating new ideas, but on understanding the underlying challenges along the entire value chain: from precision agriculture to smart logistics, from food processing to digital services for consumers.
Together, we examine how data, energy, water, soil, nutrients, human labour, time, and capital are interconnected—and how digital solutions can reduce goal conflicts and unlock innovation.
You will learn new system analysis methods, while exchanging perspectives with actors from agriculture, food processing, gastronomy, and research.
This workshop provides a space to share insights, gain knowledge, and build new alliances that can serve as a foundation for future innovation projects.
From a deeper understanding of current challenges and digital opportunities, new impulses for change and innovative solutions emerge.
Participation with funding opportunity
Participation in the workshop also entitles you to submit solution ideas. Project funding of a value up to CHF 39,000 can be applied for after participating in the workshop, incubation sessions/coaching and taking into account the conditions of participation.
Why participate
* You know the challenges for sustainable and regenerative food systems from your own experience and are looking for solutions with like-minded people.
* You have a specific problem that you would like to gain more insight into during the workshop (pitch opportunity depending on available slots upon registration).
* Together, you will identify obstacles that currently hinder solutions for transformation.
* You are looking for partners to develop an innovation project with potential project funding of up to CHF 39,000.
* You want to become part of a multidisciplinary and committed community that is developing new food models.
Who is it for?
Companies, start-ups, restaurateurs, farmers, organisations and research institutions working on sustainable food systems and seeking a holistic understanding of resource efficiency.
Participation
Free of charge, with a reservation fee of CHF 100 (which will be refunded after participation in the workshop).
This event will be held in Italian and English*!*

#AvenirAlimentaire Schwarmraum
2026-01-29 12:30 - 14:00 (Europe/Zurich)
Three minutes, one virtual stage, one question — and the collective intelligence of the entire network. Schwarmraum (buzz room) is our interactive online format that mobilises the collective knowledge of the #AvenirAlimentaire community to tackle key challenges in the food and agriculture system; from pitching project ideas, sharing challenges, receiving feedback and impulses, exchanging knowledge and networks, to connecting with new partners.
Want to join the Schwarmraum or pitch your idea? Register online (https://l1nk.dev/utJ1n) or get in touch with Mara (mara.kessler@sdsn.ch).

Atelier collaboratif à Fribourg - Future Food Farming
2026-02-03 14:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Bluefactory, Passage du Cardinal 13B, Fribourg, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
L’Innovation Booster Future Food Farming, soutenu par Innosuisse, vous invite à participer à un atelier d’exploration ouverte dans l’écosystème unique de Bluefactory, un quartier d’innovation pionnier en Suisse, où durabilité, recherche, entrepreneuriat et culture se rencontrent pour imaginer la ville de demain.
Tout au long de cet atelier, nous explorerons ensemble une comment, du sol à l’assiette, renforcer l’efficacité des ressources, de la santé et de l’autosuffisance dans une économie circulaire.
À travers des échanges ouverts, une immersion dans l’écoquartier, et un travail collaboratif, les participant·e·s – du champ à la table, de la recherche à la pratique – identifieront des leviers concrets d’innovation dans une approche systémique.
Pourquoi participer ?

Rejoignez une communauté multidisciplinaire et engagée qui imagine de nouveaux modèles alimentaires.
Presenter un defis que vous aimerai resoudre dans le cadre de l’atelier (selon reponse aux questions et place disponible)
Identifiez les obstacles et les problèmes qui entravent actuellement la transformation.
Trouvez des partenaires pour développer un projet d’innovation.

Participation avec possibilité de financement La participation à l’atelier donne également droit à soumettre des idées de solutions. Un financement de projet d’une valeur maximale de 39 000 CHF peut être demandé après avoir participé à l’atelier, aux séances d’incubation/coaching et en tenant compte des conditions de participation.
Programme
13:30 – Accueil
14:00 – Mot de bienvenue
14:15 – Présentation de l’écoquartier Bluefactory
14:30 – Atelier d’exploration ouverte
17:30 – Synthèse & prochaines étapes
17:45 – Apéritif convivial
18:30 – Fin de l’événement
Cet événement est organisé en collaboration avec Bluefactory, et se tiendra en français, avec la possibilité de participer en allemand ou en anglais selon les besoins des participant·e·s.

Meet The Valley
2026-02-12 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Zurich) | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89646354933

Food Day @ETH 2024
2026-02-21 00:00 (Europe/Zurich)
World Food System Center Research Symposium 2024

Meet The Valley
2026-03-10 09:00 - 10:00 (Europe/Zurich) | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86441580487

Open Exploration Workshop in Basel
2026-03-16 13:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Markthalle Basel, Steinentorberg 20, Basel, 4051
Gemeinsam Zukunft gestalten: Ressourceneffizienz neu denken – vom Boden bis zum Teller
In Zusammenarbeit mit dem Ernährungsforum Basel, Basel Circular und Partnerorganisationen aus der Region Basel
Wie können wir den Weg vom Boden bis zum Teller so gestalten, dass Ressourcen effizient genutzt, Kreisläufe geschlossen und Menschen gesund ernährt werden – ohne Kompromisse bei Nachhaltigkeit oder Bezahlbarkeit?
In diesem Open Exploration Workshop im Rahmen des Innovation Boosters Future Food Farming (unterstützt von Innosuisse) richten wir den Fokus nicht auf die Entwicklung von Ideen, sondern auf das Verständnis der zugrunde liegenden Herausforderungen entlang der Wertschöpfungskette.
Gemeinsam beleuchten wir, wie Energie, Wasser, Boden, Nährstoffe, menschliche Arbeit, Zeit und Kapital miteinander verflochten sind – und welche Zielkonflikte, die Innovationen erschweren.
Dabei lernst Du neue Methoden zur Systemanalyse kennen und tauschst Dich mit Akteur:innen aus Landwirtschaft, Verarbeitung, Gastronomie und Forschung aus.
Dieser Workshop bietet Raum, um Perspektiven zu teilen, Erkenntnisse zu gewinnen und neue Allianzen zu schmieden, die als Grundlage für künftige Innovationsprojekte dienen können.
Aus dem tieferen Verständnis aktueller Herausforderungen entstehen Impulse für Veränderungen und neue Lösungsansätze.
Teilnahme mit Fördermöglichkeit
Die Teilnahme am Workshop berechtigt ausserdem zur Eingabe von Lösungsideen. Eine Projektfinanzierung im Wert von bis zu CHF 39’000 kann nach Teilnahme am Workshop, an Inkubationssitzungen/Coachings und unter Berücksichtigung der Teilnahmebedingungen beantragt werden.
Warum teilnehmen
* Du kennst die Herausforderungen für nachhaltige und regenerative Lebensmittelsystem aus eigener Erfahrung und suchen mit Gleichgesinnten nach Lösungen
* Du hast eine konkrete Problemstellung, für die Du im Rahmen des Workshops mehr Erkenntnisse gewinnen möchten (Pitch Möglichkeit je nach verfügbaren Slots bei Anmeldung).
* Gemeinschaftlich identifizieren wir Hürden, die derzeit die Lösungen zur Transformation behindern.
* Du suchst Partner für die Entwicklung eines Innovationsprojekts mit einer möglichen Projektfinanzierung in einem Wert von bis zu 39’000 CHF.
* Du möchtest Teil einer multidisziplinären und engagierten Gemeinschaft werden, die neue Ernährungsmodelle entwickelt.
Für wen Unternehmen, Start-ups, Gastronom:innen, Landwirt:innen, Organisationen und Forschungsinstitutionen, die an zukunftsfähigen Ernährungssystemen arbeiten und Ressourceneffizienz ganzheitlich verstehen wollen.
Teilnahme Kostenlos, mit einer Reservierungsgebühr von CHF 100 (die nach Teilnahme am Workshop zurückerstattet wird).
In diesem Event wird mehrheitlich Deutsch gesprochen. Gruppenarbeiten sind auch auf Französisch und Englisch möglich.

BIOKET 2026
2026-03-17 - 2026-03-19 | Forum Fribourg, Rte du Lac 12, Granges-Paccot, 1763, Switzerland
BIOKET is an annual international conference that serves as a platform dedicated to advancing Key Enabling Technologies and innovations applied to biomass valorization. The conference aims to promote the production of high added value products across diverse sectors of the economy through sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies
Focus: BIOKET focuses on technologies and innovations that enhance the value of biomass, transforming it into valuable products that benefit a wide range of industries.
Objective: BIOKET provides a platform for professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to connect, exchange knowledge, and build sustainable business partnerships globally.
Relevance: By facilitating discussions and showcasing the latest advancements in biomass valorization, BIOKET contributes to the growth and sustainability of the bioeconomy sector.
SFNV partners are able to book as PromFR partners, and benefit from a discount on the standard rate. Event organisers will check all ticket purchases against a list of Valley partners.

"Forever Chemicals" on our Plates
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:30 (Europe/Zurich) | ETH Zurich, Rämistrasse 101, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
A discussion event with scientific insights into PFAS in our food system
19 March 2026, 18:00 – 20:30
Dozentenfoyer, ETH Zurich Main Building, Floor J, take the lift
In collaboration with scientists from ETH Zurich, Eawag, and the Food Packaging Forum
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), so‑called “forever chemicals,” are no longer confined to industrial sites; they have made their way into Swiss soils, waterways, and ultimately into the food we eat. Recent headlines have highlighted PFAS detections in everyday foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and even milk and yoghurt, with several samples found to exceed permitted limits. But how do these substances enter the food chain, and what does their growing presence mean for our microbiome and overall health?
Join the World Food System Center for a science-based dialogue that goes beyond the headlines to trace the journey of PFAS. Following spotlight presentations, we invite the audience to engage in a panel discussion and continue the conversation over an Apéro, featuring dedicated discussion tables with the scientists.
Speakers
– Elvira Rudin, Doctoral Candidate, Environmental Chemistry Group, Department of Environmental System Science, ETH Zurich
– Serina Robinson, Group Leader, Microbial Specialized Metabolism Group, Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag
– Georg Aichinger, Group Leader, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich
– Katrin Hecht, Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich
– Jane Muncke, Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer, Food Packaging Forum
​Program​
17:30 – Doors Open ​
18:00 – Welcome & Introduction
18:05 – Spotlight Presentations​​
18:45 – Panel Discussion​
19:25 – Wrap Up​
19:30 – Networking & Apéro

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

IFE: International Food and Drinks Event
2026-03-30 - 2026-04-01 | Excel London
IFE is the ultimate business event for food & drink product discovery, taking place on 30 March – 01 April 2026 at Excel London as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. This year’s edition promises to deliver an explosive experience, filled with meaningful business connections, inspiring features, and a stellar line-up of global exhibitors. With 13 dedicated event sections divided by product category across the show floor, you will find relevant products with ease.

Meet The Valley
2026-04-09 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Zurich) | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87254004176

Ecotrophelia Switzerland 2026 - National Competition
2026-04-17 13:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Zurich) | HES-SO Valais/Wallis, Rue de l'Industrie 19, Sion, Valais, 1950, Switzerland
Ecotrophelia Switzerland is the national student food innovation competition where multidisciplinary teams from Swiss universities develop and pitch sustainable, market-ready food products before an expert jury of industry and academic leaders.
The winning team goes on to represent Switzerland at Ecotrophelia Europe, one of Europe’s leading student competitions in food product innovation, held during SIAL Paris (18–19 October 2026).
This event brings together selected representatives from industry, academia, and the Swiss food innovation ecosystem for an afternoon of pitches, evaluation, and structured networking.

Who Should Attend
Ecotrophelia Switzerland is designed primarily for:

Industry professionals active in food innovation, R&D, strategy, or talent scouting
University representatives and academic programme leaders
Innovation ecosystem partners
Participating student teams

Due to the focused format and limited capacity, the event is tailored to professionals and stakeholders directly engaged in food innovation.
SFNV reserves the right to review registrations to ensure alignment with the competition’s objectives.

Programme Snapshot (timings might vary)

13:00 – 13:30 – Welcome coffee & Registration
13:30 – 13:50 – Introduction to Ecotrophelia
13:50 – 15:10 – Team pitches & Q&A
15:10 – 16:00 – Jury deliberation & networking
16:00 – 16:30 – Awards ceremony
16:30 – 17:00 – Closing networking

Our Partners
Gold Partner
Silver Partners
Bronze Partner

Registration
Attendance is free of charge, but registration is required.
Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to SFNV partners and stakeholders active in the Swiss food innovation ecosystem.
If you are unsure whether this event is relevant for you, please contact maelle@sfnv.ch.

Walking the Valley
2026-04-22 09:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Impact Hub Lausanne, Beaulieu Circulaire, Av. Bergières 10, Lausanne, 1004, Switzerland
Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley’s (SFNV) annual “Walking the Valley” event aims to introduce international startups to key actors in the Swiss Food ecosystem – from corporations like Nestlé, dsm-firmenich, Givaudan, and Tetra Pak through innovation enablers like MassChallenge and Kickstart Innovation to governmental representatives like Canton Vaud and Canton Fribourg.
You will also get the opportunity to network with Swiss startups and hear about their experiences of building a business in Switzerland.
Check out the video of our 2024 edition here.
With support from:

Register now

Investing in the Valley
2026-04-22 13:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Impact Hub Lausanne, Beaulieu Circulaire, Av. Bergières 10, Lausanne, 1004, Switzerland
Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley’s (SFNV) annual “Investing the Valley” event connects Swiss startups to investors interested in helping them scale. A full agenda and confirmation of the date and venue will follow in early 2026.
Eager to join the event?Click on the “register now” button.
Just can’t wait until April?Investors can also sign up to receive a quarterly DealFlow by email here.
With support from:

Register now

Hack Summit Food Day 2026
2026-04-23 | Beaulieu Congress Center, Halle 36, Lausanne, Lausanne, 1004, Switzerland
Food in a Tighter Margin World

The food sector went through a phase of fast funding and high expectations. Some bets were right. Many underestimated biology, regulation, and the cost of scaling. Where food systems break first is now clearer: raw material supply, production consistency, unit economics, and risk pricing. Day 2 of HackSummit is built for founders working on food systems that must keep operating under climate volatility, biological limits, and regulatory challenges.

These companies:
– build in systems where decisions are validated over years
– depend on land, biology, and physical supply chains
– pay for mistakes through yields, margins, and compliance risk

Valley Partner Discounts are available.

Zukunftsfrühstück – Dialogreihe zu KI & nachhaltiger Transformation (DE)
2026-04-23 07:30 - 09:00 (Europe/Zurich) | tibits bistro seefeld, Falkenstrasse 12, Zürich, Zürich, 8000, Switzerland
Mit dem Zukunftsfrühstück lanciert NZZ Sustainable Switzerkand eine neue Dialogreihe im Herzen von Zürich, die aktuelle Fragestellungen rund um Künstliche Intelligenz und nachhaltige Transformation in den Fokus stellt. Das Format findet viermal jährlich statt und bietet eine kompakte Plattform für Austausch, Einordnung und Vernetzung am Morgen. Zum Auftakt am 23. April stehen die Schnittstellen von Nachhaltigkeit und KI sowie aktuelle Entwicklungen in der Schweiz im Fokus – praxisnah und im direkten Austausch. Franziska Barmettler (CEO digitalswitzerland) liefert Impulse aus Wirtschaft, Politik und Digitalisierung, moderiert von Dr. Tobias Reichmuth.

Hack Pilot Day
2026-04-24 | Impact Hub Lausanne, Beaulieu Circulaire, Av. Bergières 10, Lausanne, 1004, Switzerland
Calling Swiss SMEs and ClimateTech startups!
Join the Hack Pilot Day, a curated matchmaking day bringing together Swiss-based SMEs and international ClimateTech startups to explore concrete collaboration opportunities and move toward pilot projects across 3 thematic areas:
– Food Resilience
– Industrial Efficiency
– Built Environment Performance
If you are an SME or a startup active in these areas, join the Hack Pilot Day to meet relevant partners, explore concrete use cases, and assess pilot opportunities with clear next steps.
Sign up here: https://www.hacksummit.co/hack-pilot-day

Swiss Biotech Day
2026-05-04 08:00 - 2026-05-05 17:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Messe Basel, Messeplatz 10, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
Since 2021, the Swiss Biotech Day has seen remarkable growth every year and has become a premier global biotechnology conference for life sciences professionals, fostering international collaboration and impactful partnerships. In 2025 it attracted more than 3,000 participants from 49 countries, including 25 international delegations. It was by far the biggest and most international edition of the Swiss Biotech Day ever.
Join the Swiss Biotech Day to network, exchange ideas and explore advances in R&D, manufacturing, data management, AI and innovative financing. In addition, the embedded Global Village provides international delegations a platform to strengthen their ties with the Swiss biotech hub to promote cross-border investments, public-private partnerships, R&D collaborations and the exchange of best practices.
Swiss Biotech Day 2026

Welcome reception on May 3
More than 3,000 senior experts from the life science industry
More than 130 exhibitors and the Global Village with 25 international delegations from all over the world
Innovative biotech start-ups and medium-sized biotech companies
Over 50 thematic company pitching sessions and panel / round table discussions
Swiss Biotech Success Stories Awards
Swiss Biotech Report 2026
Pre-scheduled one-to-one partnering meetings
General Assembly of the Swiss Biotech Association
