This could be the most exciting time in food tech.
We’ve seen major scientific breakthroughs, tough journeys to market, and now, more consumers are finally benefiting from new technologies and ingredients.
There are clear wins to celebrate. Just last month, Australian start-up Vow got regulatory approval, meaning diners will be able to try cultivated quail “within weeks”. Signs of a more progressive regulatory landscape in the EU and UK are also giving hope to the sector.
Elsewhere, innovators are creating functional ingredients – some that may even stimulate the GLP-1 hormone for weight loss. Fermentation and sugar-reduction technologies are advancing, and AI-powered tools are helping cut waste and boost efficiency.
Of course, like in any sector truly pushing the envelope, headwinds remain. But Europe’s talent is well-positioned to overcome them and continue breaking new ground.
So which food tech innovations are poised to make the biggest impact? Which teams have what it takes to lead the charge?
That’s the question we’ll be answering at the Global Food-Tech Awards 2025 - EMEA Heat.
Applicants have just 10 days to throw their hat in the ring, with submissions closing July 18.
Who decides on the 'big thing' in food tech?
The winner of the EMEA heat winner will be voted by four judges:
- Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro, director, Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein & Microbial Food Hub, Imperial College London
- Bodil Sidén, general partner, Kost Capital
- Eric Weisser, head of ventures, Open Innovation and Customer Innovation, Ingredion
- Flora Southey, editor, FoodNavigator
What will the judges be looking for? We’ll be on the hunt for scalability. Does the innovation demonstrate the potential to expand efficiently and sustainably across markets or industries, without compromising quality? Is it cost effective?
Sustainability is another key metric. Does the innovation help people or planet in a tangible way? We’ll be in search of ways the innovation minimises environmental impact for long-term planetary gains.
Of course, the novelty of the innovation will also be taken into account. Is it groundbreaking? Does it address unmet meets or introduce transformative ideas?
And we know by now that a new technology succeeds when there is a need – either known or unknown – on the market. We’ll be seeking signs of commercial interest, success, and applications, to test for market opportunity.
Finally, we couldn’t leave out star quality. That ‘X factor’ feeling. Does the innovation have the potential to be truly ‘game changing’?
This is a defining moment for food tech – where bold ideas meet real-world impact. With just 10 days left to apply, we’re calling on the region’s brightest minds to step forward.
The future of food is being written now, and the Global Food-Tech Awards 2025 – EMEA Heat will be where the next chapter begins.
Are you the future winner of the Global Food Tech Awards 2025?
Do you have a food-tech innovation that you are proud about? There’s still time to enter the European heats of Global Food Tech Awards 2025.
The closing date is July 18, and judges are looking for outstanding ideas that are shaping the future of food. Your innovation can impact any part of the food and beverage supply chain, from alt proteins and sustainable ingredients to AI-driven solutions, personalised nutrition and gut health, upcycled products, and cutting-edge smart packaging.
Winners will be invited to pitch live to investors and industry leaders on stage at the Future Food-Tech summit in London on September 24 where they’ll also receive a trophy.