Food Innovation Challenge

Food Innovation Challenge (FIC)

The Food Innovation Challenge (FIC), initiated by ProVeg China, aims to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable plant-rich diets and to advance research and innovation in plant-based foods. The competition raises public awareness of the benefits of plant-based nutrition, encourages broader adoption, and cultivates young talent equipped with both an innovative mindset and strong practical capabilities.

The Challenge adopts a market-oriented innovation model in which companies present real-world industry challenges and students develop solution-driven concepts. The current 6th Edition (2025–2026) continues to serve as a professional platform that integrates academic research with industry expertise, empowering young talent to address the evolving needs of a sustainable food system.

The Latest Edition

The current edition of the Challenge focuses on China’s evolving market, aiming to align youth creativity with the national “Big Food” concept and sustainable nutrition needs. Running from September 2025 to March 2026, this year’s program has reached a new level of professional caliber through several key enhancements:

Academic Excellence: For the first time, the NeoProtein Committee of the Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology serves as the official advisory board. Leading university professors provide direct mentorship, ensuring that student concepts are both scientifically grounded and technologically advanced.
Industry-Driven Challenges: Eight leading partners—including Beyond Meat, OATLY, Yihai Kerry Arawana, Dali Foods, Yinlu Foods, Starfield, MoreMeat, and Fushine—have presented real-world market problems, ranging from plant-based food and beverages to innovative snacks.

The finals are scheduled for May 2026, following a rigorous phase of webinars, campus roadshows, and company visits designed to cultivate the next generation of food industry leaders.

Visit our official competition website to register or learn more.