A stellar panel of expert judges

The panel of judges is made up of health and nutrition experts, including Aline de Santa Izabel, entrepreneur and biosciences specialist; Giancarlo Addario, principal at Five Seasons Ventures; Raphaelle O’Connor, director of nutrition consultancy inewtrition; and Michael Stott, patent attorney and partner at Mathys & Squire LLP.

Addario said: “[The] Vitafoods Startup Innovation Challenge is indeed a unique opportunity for startups to gain visibility, to build their network – meeting investors, customers, and suppliers – and to achieve valuable inputs and opportunities for their business.

“It is a great honour for me to be a jury at the Startup Innovation Challenge. I can’t wait to spend time with companies, discuss with them and – why not? – find hidden gems that could be a good target for our investments.”

Giancarlo Addario, principal at Five Seasons Ventures

O’Connor added: “Medical foods, nutritional therapy, and functional foods and beverages can support us throughout our lives. Beyond the new products emerging in these categories, we also have increasing access to medical devices, technologies, and services that can support our personal journeys through health and nutrition.

“It is refreshing to see such a dynamic startup ecosystem that is willing to challenge the status quo. Entrepreneurs are pushing innovation across our industry and its adjacent sectors, and across every product category. I feel proud and privileged and am genuinely excited to see what the next generation of innovators has created.”

Raphaelle O’Connor, director of nutrition consultancy inewtrition