The Sustainable Food Challenge 2026, organized by MassChallenge Switzerland, is calling on innovative startups and scaleups with ideas that can transform the global food and agriculture system. The Challenge connects agritech innovators with world-leading corporations to scale impactful, sustainable solutions for feeding the planet’s growing population.
About the Challenge
The global food value chain faces increasing pressure from climate change, land degradation, and inefficient production systems. The Sustainable Food Challenge seeks disruptive, circular, and low-emission solutions that help make food systems more resilient, sustainable, and resource-efficient.
This initiative connects startups with eight major corporate partners — Bühler Group, Givaudan, Mars, Omya, dsm-firmenich, Louis Dreyfus Company, Tate & Lyle, and SIG — to co-create pilot projects, explore investment opportunities, and accelerate innovation in the agri-food industry.
Focus Areas
MassChallenge is seeking startups with solutions in the following key agricultural and food innovation areas:
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Sustainable Food & Feed Solutions: disruptive proteins, animal feed innovations, human and pet nutrition.
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AgTech: regenerative agriculture, precision farming, and soil health innovations.
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Sustainable Supply Chain & Manufacturing: decarbonisation, traceability, circular economy models.
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Sustainable Packaging & Materials: bio-based chemicals, biodegradable packaging, and new eco-materials.
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Side-stream Valorisation: transforming agricultural by-products (e.g., wheat, corn, soy, potato) into valuable new products for food, packaging, or personal care industries.
Benefits for Selected Startups
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Direct access to top food corporations through one-on-one meetings and Demo Day exposure.
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Opportunity for pilot projects, partnerships, or investment to scale solutions globally.
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Visibility and media exposure at the Sustainable Food Challenge Day in Switzerland, June 2026.
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1,000 CHF travel support for selected startups invited to pitch at the event.
Eligibility Criteria
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Must be a startup or scaleup in the agri-food, environmental, or sustainability space.
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Have a prototype or proof of concept backed by data (Technology Readiness Level 5+).
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Demonstrate impactful, viable, and scalable ideas that reduce emissions or waste in food systems.
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Open to startups worldwide, including Ghana — collaborations will primarily take place in Europe.
Deadline
Applications close on November 17, 2025 (23:59 Swiss Time).
Info Webinar: November 6, 2025 (16:00 CET)
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Agri-web. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official websites and portals of this opportunity for complete program details and verified application instructions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.
To apply for this job please visit apply.masschallenge.org.