Food Innovation Challenge 2023

In 2021, ProVeg launched the first edition of the Food Innovation Challenge in China, inviting college students to take part in a unique and exciting competition to further develop plant-based products in conjunction with major brands. Following the success of the inaugural edition, the challenge was expanded the next year to include South-East Asia and has since expanded to cover the entire Asia-Pacific region (APAC).

Asia is projected to dominate the global plant-based sector in the coming years.¹ With this in mind, ProVeg launched the Food Innovation Challenge, encouraging young talent in the APAC region to lead the way in the plant-based sector and foster innovation.

Prominent players in the food industry, including Beyond Meat, CPF, Haofood, Shuangta, and Thai Union, have all been actively supporting the challenge, giving participants the opportunity to receive expert mentoring from key industry professionals, while networking with representatives from leading organizations and their peers in the region. The challenge is a great launchpad for anyone interested in entering the plant-based industry, with the possibility of being offered internships and full-time positions.

In addition to boosting their career development, students will also receive a certificate of participation, as well as the chance to present their ideas at the UN Climate Conference (COP28) in December. Plus, all participants have the chance of winning a share of cash awards totalling 10,000 USD!

In order to harness the vast potential for reshaping our food systems, innovation is absolutely crucial. Asia needs more tasty, nutritious, and easily accessible plant-based products designed for a wide range of consumers – not just those who are following plant-based diets.

This is where Gen Z comes in. The Food Innovation Challenge is specifically directed at college and university students, acknowledging their exceptional talent and inventive prowess.

ProVeg welcomes university students across various academic disciplines currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs in the Asia-Pacific region to participate in the challenge.

Proposals can be submitted until 20 November 2023, with final presentations taking place from December 2023 to January 2024.

Early-bird candidates who submit their applications before 20 October will be invited to attend the ProVeg Incubator Demo Day online in December and get the chance to watch trailblazing food-tech startups pitch their products to a panel of prominent investors.

1. Bloomberg Intelligence (2021): Plant-based foods poised for explosive growth, cited from Gelski, J (2021): Global plant protein market could hit $162 billion by 2030. Food Business News. Available at https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/19347-global-plant-protein-market-could-hit-162-billion-by-2030