The Challenge
The key challenge in growing into this innovative and relatively new market segment is the ability to capture the hearts of vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. To cater to the latter, plant-based products need to look, taste and feel like actual meat. It is not just about the flavour and texture, it is also about the entire cooking and eating experience – and that has to be as authentic as possible. Achieving this authenticity is what DSM is aiming for. The company is therefore looking for solutions that can:
Mimic traditional meat
Solutions that mimic the cooking and eating experience for meat alternatives.
Improve juiciness and mouthfeel
Solutions such as alternatives to methylcellulose as a binder for meat alternatives
New meat alternatives in the market
Solutions that can offer new alternatives for fish/seafood related alternatives, and egg replacement
New technologies for meat replacement production
New technologies such as advanced fermentation technologies
What's in it for you?
Selected companies will receive a base amount of 50,000 euros to spend on a joint project with DSM to help bring their product to the next level. Additional funds can be made available on a case-by-case basis.
Interact with DSM venturing to explore investment opportunities in the future
Work together with DSM technical experts and scientists for product development
Have access to DSM’s regulatory and legal experts for advice
Additional Requirements
You must already have a proof of concept or a working prototype
Your company should already have ready-to-scale solutions in the field
Timeline
Deadline Applications
Deadline for applications is January 8th, 2021 at 11:59 CET.
Online Selection Day
Top startups are selected to participate further in the challenge.
Online Proposition Training
Selected startups will participate in an online proposition training to ensure the value proposition is aligned between them and DSM.
Online Finals Day
Online finals day to announce the winner of the challenge will be on February 18th.
Offline Finals Day
COVID restrictions permitting, the finals day will be held in person, on March 4th.