The foodward Foundation launched its Pioneer grant program just four months ago. Today, 20 food startups are already part of the program. Pioneer offers start-ups at different stages the support they need and networks with experts and industry partners – including fenaco and Emmi, for example.
The foodward Foundation has been networking industry and science in the field of food since it was founded twelve years ago and, among other things, offers continuing education modules together with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW and the Bern University of Applied Sciences. In the past few years, the partners in the network have increasingly established contacts with startups and innovative projects. This has shown that there is a need for startup-specific support. In a one-year conception phase, foodward, together with its partners, specifically set up a support program for food startups. "Our goal is to work with research, startups and industry to develop, test and establish sustainable innovations," says foodward CEO Alban Muret.
The support program Pioneer was launched in January 2023. Whether in the idea phase, in connection with the proof of concept or with regard to scaling steps: The program aims to offer a hand in the development and establishment of innovations and thus addresses food startups at different stages of development. Muret elaborates, "We look with the startup to see where it currently stands and what it needs for the next steps in its development."
Startups in the grant program do not attend ready-to-pour coaching modules. You will receive an individual support package based on your assessed needs and will be accompanied by foodward's network of experts. These include representatives from science & research and experts in the fields of law, strategy and financing. The grant program also counts on industry partners. At the same time, they provide part of the funding budget. Among the partners are the large dairy Emmi, the fenaco cooperative, the raw materials trader Kündig, Migros Zurich and other industrial partners. With their respective subsidiaries, points of contact and synergies can be offered along the entire value chain. In addition, the collaboration with the Department of Life Sciences and Facility Management at the ZHAW as a program partner provides access to know-how and infrastructure.
This individual approach seems to be well received by the young companies: Since its launch in January 2023, around 20 startups have already joined the program without a call for proposals or an active application. Among them about fabas, Gaiatech or Noriware. "Thanks to our many years of work in food, we are well connected and our partners recommend us to startups in their field," explains Muret. Other interested research project teams and startups can apply on an ongoing basis via a Apply online form .
(press release / FR)
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