Sixth ProVeg Food Innovation Challenge will focus exclusively on China
Chinese university students are gearing up to showcase their most inventive and game-changing food ideas in an exhilarating competition, with a total prize pool of $18,000 on the line.
Global leaders—including OATLY and Beyond Meat—will challenge participants with real-world problems, giving students the chance to design products tailored to China’s changing tastes and nutritional needs. For the first time, university professors will mentor teams, offering expert guidance and elevating the professional calibre of the competition.
“The Food Innovation Challenge has become a powerful bridge connecting China’s academic talent, research expertise, and industry leaders to accelerate sustainable food innovation,” Nicole Wu, Executive Director of ProVeg China, said.
“In line with China’s ‘big food’ concept, this year’s edition focuses on real market needs, inspiring students to develop solutions guided by top professors and backed by leading food companies. We believe the creativity of China’s next generation will help shape a healthier, more resilient, and future-ready food system,” Wu added.
Uniting Industry Academia and Media for Maximum Impact
Renowned brands such as OATLY, Beyond Meat, Yihai Kerry Arawana, Dali Foods Group, Yinlu Foods Group, and Starfield will challenge students with practical, market-driven problems.Joining them are two emerging alternative protein innovators, Moremeat and Fushine.
The NeoProtein Committee of the Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology will provide expert guidance throughout the competition.
“The neoprotein is an emerging protein resource driven by the rapid development of biomanufacturing technologies. Unlike traditional livestock or fisheries, it offers advantages such as resource efficiency, low carbon footprint, and high production efficiency. With the potential to partially replace conventional animal protein, it is becoming a key lever to ensure a sustainable food supply,”Academician Jian Chen, Chairman of the NeoProtein Committee, said.
“ProVeg Food Innovation Challenge promotes industry-academia-research collaboration and advances the development of the neoprotein sector through scientific and pragmatic solutions. We are delighted to serve as an advisory board for the Food Innovation Challenge, as it brings together the best of science, talent, and market application,” Academician Chen added.
In addition, Foodaily, a leading media outlet in the food and beverage industry, joins as the official media partner, ensuring the Challenge reaches greater visibility and influence across the sector.
Celebrating Creativity, Achievement, and Future Leaders
This year’s Challenge will honour 32 winning teams, including one Grand Prize, three first prizes, eight second prizes, and 20 third prizes, with the total cash award exceeding $18,000. Professors will also receive Mentor Awards in recognition of their invaluable support. The deadline to submit ideas to the Challenge is 20 March 2026, with the finals of the competition taking place in mid-May.
To further enrich students’ learning, the Challenge will feature webinars, campus roadshows, and company visits. These activities are designed to deepen understanding of plant-based innovation, strengthen creative problem-solving, and provide valuable career pathways in the sustainable food industry.
“The 2024 ProVeg Food Innovation Challenge not only drives innovation in the food industry but also leads the way in promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Thanks to ProVeg’s efforts for bringing us such an outstanding event!” says Peter Zhang, Senior Commercial Leader of Unilever.
The top-winning concept of 2024 was a self-heating plant-based beef and rice box.
Alita Tithphit, a member of the winning team, reflected: “The Food Innovation Challenge (FIC) showed me the power of young minds in driving innovation. Being part of the team reinforced that the key challenge in APAC isn’t just access to plant-based food but access to knowledge. Transparency and education are crucial—people need to understand what they consume. My key takeaway is that bridging this gap is essential for a more sustainable future.”
Are you ready for the Sixth ProVeg Food Innovation Challenge? Register now! https://www.proveg.com.cn/food-innovation-challenge
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Notes to Editors
For media inquiries, email Peter Rixon at [email protected].
For scientific data about the benefits of plant-based eating, see our Food System Data website.
About ProVeg China
ProVeg China is part of ProVeg International, a food awareness organisation with the mission to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040. Our vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.
