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Impact Digest | Nutrition & Longevity: Striving for longer, healthier lives
As the global population ages, the role of nutrition in elongating our healthy years has never been more vital. And it’s not just about living for longer: increasingly, scientific advancements, sustainable food solutions, and personalised nutrition strategies are...
Valley partner CleanGreens Solutions and GreenLife partner on building world’s largest aeroponic greenhouse
Valley partner CleanGreens Solutions and the GreenLife Company, a leading agricultural innovator in the Middle East, have signed an agreement to expand their collaboration and build the world’s largest Aeroponics Greenhouse farm in Abdali, Kuwait. Setting a new...
Igeho Rising Star 2025: Public voting opens
Fifteen startups have been invited to present their innovations at Igeho 2025 in November in Basel. A public vote will now determine which five advance to the final, where they will face questions from the panel and audience, competing for the 2025 Igeho Rising Star...
Valley partner Cultivated Biosciences rebrands to Cosaic and introduces new ingredient
Over the past three years, Valley partner Cultivated Biosciences has worked on using state-of-the-art biotechnology to solve the food industry’s pressing challenges. With recent breakthroughs in product development and industry collaborations, Cultivated Biosciences...
Catering to innovation: Key learnings from the first edition of the ZFV Living Lab
Copyright: ZFV-Living Lab © ZFV-UnternehmungenWhat happens when you facilitate an open innovation approach to build a more sustainable catering sector? The ZFV Living Lab (ZLL) set out to find out. The ZLL gives start-ups, companies and academic institutions access...
Impact Digest | Controlled Environment Agriculture: How is technology shaping the future of farming?
As the global population is predicted to approach 10 billion by 2050, the demand for sustainable, efficient food production systems has become a critical challenge. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) – an advanced farming method that optimises plant growth by...
Seven things we learnt at our State of Play event on side stream valorisation
The Valley’s State of Play event on side stream valorisation brought Swiss industry leaders, innovators, startups and researchers together in Bern to explore how side streams can be upcycled into valuable and nutritious products - for the benefit of both planet and...
Christina Senn-Jakobsen: Taking a bite out of food system myths
Taking a bite out of food system mythsBy Christina Senn-Jakobsen, CEO, Swiss Food & Nutrition ValleyOn April Fools’ Day, we’re prepared for the hoaxes that weave their way into our favourite programmes and news platforms. But what about the myths that persist in...
EPFL President and new SFNV Steering Committee member Anna Fontcuberta on shaping the future of food
Switzerland is home to some of the world’s most advanced research institutions, driving innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and food. As the President of Valley partner EPFL and an expert in nanotechnology, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral brings a unique...
Valley partner Upgrain wins the Swiss Sustainability Impact Award
Valley partner and Appenzell-based startup UpGrain has been honored with the Swiss Sustainability Impact Award at this year’s START Summit in St. Gallen for its achievements in food upcycling. The award ceremony took place at Olma Messen St. Gallen. As Europe’s...
Forward Fooding unveils 2024 FoodTech 500, celebrating the top global AgriFoodTech companies
Forward Fooding has released the official full ranking of the FoodTech 500, identifying and celebrating the world’s most promising AgriFoodTech businesses. Forward Fooding describes the 2024 edition as “a testament of how the global AgriFoodTech sector is currently...
5 questions on side stream valorisation for Rethink Resource CEO Linda Grieder Kern
Side stream valorisation focuses on repurposing by-products from food processing waste streams into high-value products. Rethink Resource plays a pivotal role in this space by offering guidance on projects around new value-creating opportunities for industrial side...
5 questions on turning side streams into delicious products for Luya co-founder Flavio Hagenbuch
More and more people are reducing their meat consumption for sustainability, health, and animal welfare reasons. Valley partner Luya aims to meet growing demand for a versatile, organic protein source made from natural ingredients that’s good for both people and...
Givaudan, Nestlé R+D Accelerator Lausanne and FoodHack launch the 2025 FoodTech World Cup
The future of food is personalised, functional, and built for better health. As science uncovers the deep links between nutrition and well-being, innovative startups are taking a leading role in redefining how we nourish people worldwide. Valley partners Givaudan,...
Five questions for StreamUp Project Lead Tatjana Nebel about supporting Swiss food loss reduction solutions
Food losses can occur at any stage of the supply chain, from production through to consumption, making cross-industry collaboration and innovation crucial for creating effective solutions. One approach to reducing food losses is side stream valorisation, whereby...
Will the future of farming be soil-free?
In the lead-up to our next Impact Forum on Controlled Environment Agriculture on 11 March, Bruno Cheval from cultivation technology specialists CleanGreens Solutions SA gave us a flavour of what’ll be on the menu during the event – from the way technology is...
5 questions on side stream valorisation for UpGrain CEO Vincent Vida and COO William Beiskjaer
Side stream valorisation is all about finding new ways to transform by-products from food processing waste streams into new, high-value products. This approach isn’t just about sustainability – it’s about smarter resource use, cross-industry collaboration, economic...
Givaudan collaborates with Dole Asia Holdings to upcycle green bananas into a natural texturiser
Valley partner Givaudan has announced an agreement to distribute upcycled Green Banana Powder produced by Dole Specialty Ingredients. This collaboration provides product developers with a natural, high-performing, clean-label texurising solution, while helping to...
Voltiris secures CHF 4.8 million seed financing to power high-tech greenhouses
Valley partner and Swiss startup, Voltiris, a leader in solar energy solutions for greenhouses, has successfully closed a CHF 4.8 million seed financing round to accelerate the electrification of high-tech greenhouses - a fast-growing $60 billion market. The round was...
Eggfield Co-Founder Silvan Leibacher on growing eggs in a field
The Igeho Rising Star Award celebrates innovation and excellence in the hospitality and food sectors. In 2023, EggField, a Swiss startup specializing in plant-based egg alternatives for B2B customers, emerged as one of the award’s standout winners. We spoke with...
Spotting the Rising Stars in food tech with Igeho Brand Director Benjamin Eulau
As a leading international trade fair for Switzerland’s hotel, catering, take-away and care industries, the Igeho offers a unique platform for exhibitors and visitors to engage in dialogue and promote innovation. In 2023, Igeho launched the Igeho Rising Star Award to...
Impact Digest | Cultured foods: How can we drive impact at scale?
With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, scaling innovative protein solutions is essential to meeting both demand and climate targets. Cultured food could provide protein products that taste and feel like the animal-based original, but with a...
The Igeho Rising Star Award 2025 focuses on FoodTech innovations
In 2023, Igeho launched the Igeho Rising Star Award to support founders and start-ups in the hospitality sector. Its second edition is now inviting all FoodTech startups to submit their applications by January 31, 2025. Fifteen start-ups will have the chance to...
Christina Senn-Jakobsen: Empowering citizens to drive food system transformation
Empowering citizens to drive food system transformationBy Christina Senn-Jakobsen, CEO, Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley“It’s the food companies!” he says.“It’s the government’s job to legislate,” she argues.“It’s people’s own responsibility,” others shout.“It’s the...
2024: Taking a big step towards a more future-proof food system
2024 Taking a big step towards a more future-proof food systemAs 2024 draws to a close, we wanted to take a moment to look back at some of our key highlights - both as individual innovators and as an ecosystem. In the year that Switzerland was ranked leading...
Givaudan and Moonshot Pirates work together to shape the future of alternative protein
Valley partner, Givaudan, a global leader in flavours, taste, functional and nutritional solutions, has announced a new collaboration with Moonshot Pirates, a dynamic movement of young leaders and changemakers. The “Shape the Future” Challenge will inspire Gen Z...
Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley and The Cultured Hub bring together experts and industry to accelerate cultured food to market
On 4th December 2024, Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley, together with Valley partner The Cultured Hub brought together Swiss and international experts to explore the state of the industry and discuss how to collaborate to capitalise on opportunities for growth.The...
The Cultured Hub opens its state-of-the-art biotech facility in Switzerland
Kemptthal (Switzerland), December 3, 2024 –The Cultured Hub officially opens its doors today, marking a milestone for the global cellular agriculture and food industry communities. The pioneering scale-up and growth service aims to revolutionize the cultivated food...
Impact Digest | Ultra-processed foods: myths, facts and future role
Nearly 29% of the global population experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023. As the world population grows, we don’t only need to consider food availability - we need to find new solutions to ensure that everyone has access to a nutritionally complete...
Seaweed-based packaging innovator, B’ZEOS, secures seed round and strategic partnerships
B’ZEOS, a European blue-tech innovation company, has closed its seed round led by Faber with participation from ICIG Ventures, the venture capital unit of International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG). The development marks a significant milestone in the company’s...
Bühler’s Grain Innovation Center, a powerhouse for innovation, opens its doors
Swiss technology group Bühler today inaugurates its new Grain Innovation Center (GIC) in Uzwil, a trailblazing facility. The new application center marks a significant milestone in the field of grain processing innovation, combining high-tech solutions with the...
FoodYoung opens groundbreaking innovation facility in Balerna, Switzerland
Valley partner, FoodYoung, a full-stack innovation lab and venture studio dedicated to transforming the food industry has officially opened its new state-of-the-art facility in Balerna, Switzerland. Combining cutting-edge food science, advanced food technology, and...
Christina Senn-Jakobsen: Concern about Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) is growing — but is processing really the problem?
Concern about Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) is growing — but is processing really the problem? By Christina Senn-Jakobsen, CEO, Swiss Food & Nutrition ValleyImage: freepix.comIn recent months, the conversation around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has intensified...
SFNV’s new Steering Committee Chair Marie-France Tschudin on encouraging collaboration for a better food system
Collaboration is crucial to allow food system innovation to flourish in Switzerland and beyond, according to Marie-France Tschudin, who was elected as Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley’s new Steering Committee Chair in May this year. Marie-France, former President of...
Planted builds additional production facility for Europe in southern Germany
Valley Partner Planted, the Swiss FoodTech pioneer for plant-based meat made exclusively from clean ingredients, is further investing in capacity expansion with the addition of a new production facility in southern Germany. Based on fermentation technology, the site...
Esau & Hueber joins Bühler: complementing forces for innovation excellence
Swiss technology group Bühler is pleased to announce the acquisition of Esau & Hueber, a German company specializing in individual solutions in hygienic process and fermentation technology in the beverage, food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors. The...
FAO and Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley strengthen partnership to foster innovation in agrifood systems
A Letter of Intent between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley (SFNV) will lay strong foundations for an impactful partnership to scale innovative solutions and drive agrifood systems...
Haelixa joins forces with regenagri to use DNA marking technology to enhance trust in sustainable farming practices
Valley partner Haelixa and regenagri have joined forces to spearhead the advancement of regenerative agriculture. Their innovative approach to monitoring and improving regenerative farming systems and ensuring the integrity of the supply chain using forensic science....
Impact Digests | Can we scale up regenerative farming for a sustainable future?
We recently held our third Impact Forum event, featuring four distinguished speakers who shared their insights on accelerating regenerative farming practices to restore harmony with nature. The event highlighted the urgent need to adopt regenerative agriculture as a...
Bühler hosts 80 innovative start-ups as part of the Masschallenge programme
Despite a reduction in start-up funding in recent years due to challenging economic markets, accelerators continue to provide access to vital networks and resources. The MassChallenge Switzerland 2024 accelerator program connects new companies with industry experts,...
The role of Innovation, Impact and Frontline Agricultural Nations in driving global food system transformation
The role of Innovation, Impact and Frontline Agricultural Nations in driving global food system transformationBy Christina Senn-Jakobsen, CEO, Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley “I believe it’s time for us to shift our mindset and recognise how each nation can play to...
Vege’tables teams up with Planted and New Roots to drive healthier and more sustainable diets.
Smart Food consultants, Vege’tables have teamed up with leading Swiss plant-based pioneers Planted and New Roots to drive the adoption of more sustainable diets. We sat down with Vege’tables Co-Founder and CEO, Sophie Hanessian to find out more. Tell us about the key...
SFNV welcomes 23 international startups at its annual Walking the Valley event
Every year before the Hack Summit, the Valley team invites global startups to meet Swiss food ecosystem actors at our annual Walking the Valley event. This year we were thrilled to introduce 23 startups to 11 Valley partners. Watch the event recap video to find out...
Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley teams up with Nestlé and Tetra Pak to inspire collaborative innovation in sustainable packaging
On 11th June 2024, Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley, together with Valley partners Nestlé and Tetra Pak, brought together 60 Swiss and European at a nationwide event in Bern. The joint project was designed to shine a light on some of the most promising approaches in...
Teaming up for impact: ZFV Group on their partnerships with Yumame, Steasy and Food2050
Powering 200+ meeting places across Switzerland, Valley partner ZFV Group (ZFV) has more than 125 years of expertise in the fields of hospitality and catering. Fortunately for our ecosystem, they don't keep this knowledge under lock and key. They're eager to partner...
SFNV welcomes a new Steering Committee President at its 4th General Assembly
On 17th May, Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley held its 4th General Assembly in Bern. The team were thrilled to welcome Marie-France Tschudin as the new president of the SFNV Steering Committee. Watch the recap video below to get a sense of the day. Find out more...
Impact Digests | How can AI ensure food security for 10 billion people?
Last month, we held our second Impact Forum event, bringing together 5 experts to explore how we can use AI to ensure food security for 10 billion people - in just 60 minutes. Topics spanned from leveraging satellite imagery to cellular analysis to data-driven...
Christina Senn-Jakobsen: 3 key food system challenges and how we can tackle them
3 key food system challenges and how we can tackle themBy Christina Senn-Jakobsen, SFNV Managing Director “We have an urgent need for speed, scale, and collaboration if we’re to secure a resilient and livable future on this planet.” Our food systems are responsible...
Givaudan teams up with 5 global startups to transform actionable insights into efficient and delicious alt-protein choices.
Valley partner, Givaudan has launched a Plant Attitude Challenge, inviting start-ups to show how to decrease costs of one of their alt-protein recipes, while ensuring a delicious consumer experience. The contest brings to life 10 pathways to more affordable,...
Swiss innovators Givaudan and Bühler join forces with MISTA to open a new extrusion hub
Valley partners Givaudan and Bühler have teamed up with MISTA to open a state-of-the-art extrusion hub at the MISTA Innovation Center in San Francisco. The opening of this new facility advances MISTA’s capabilities in driving food innovation and highlights Givaudan's...