Swiss startup honored for sustainable innovation in St.Gallen: UpGrain wins Startfeld Diamant 2025

Food made from brewery byproducts: the Swiss startup UpGrain has been awarded the prestigious Startfeld Diamant 2025 in St.Gallen. The prize, presented by the St.Galler Kantonalbank, recognizes outstanding companies from Eastern Switzerland that demonstrate innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and a strong vision for the future.

“This award is a great honour for our team and proves that our vision for sustainable, circular food systems is setting a new standard,” says Vincent Vida, CEO and co-founder of UpGrain.

UpGrain specialises in the sustainable use of brewer’s spent grain – a previously underutilized byproduct of the beer brewing process. The young company transforms it into nutrient-rich ingredients for the food industry.

Strong partnerships with impact

In collaboration with Brauerei Locher, UpGrain launched Europe’s largest food upcycling facility last year. The plant processes around 25,000 tons of spent grain per year, converting it into proteins, fibers, and other valuable nutrients. These ingredients are used as flour substitutes, texture enhancers in baked goods and meat alternatives, and as the basis for protein-rich snacks and beverages. This process
helps reduce CO₂ emissions, conserves water, and lowers the demand for farmland typically used for conventional protein sources like wheat or soy.

Pioneering Food Innovation from Appenzell.

In March 2025, UpGrain was already honored with the Swiss Sustainability Impact Award. Now, with the Startfeld Diamant, the company has received its second major national award in just a few months – underscoring the relevance and impact of this innovative startup from Appenzell.

„UpGrain impressed us with its sustainable innovation. The startup is not only scalable, but also delivers long-term ecological value”, says Bettina Hein Göldi, a member of the jury.

Vincent Vida emphasizes: “With the Startfeld Diamant behind us, we’re more motivated than ever to drive the transformation of the food industry forward.”

Sign up for quarterly Swiss food innovation updates.

Latest News