Givaudan, a global leader in flavors, taste, functional, and nutritional solutions, has announced a new collaboration with Moonshot Pirates for the alternative protein. The ‘Shape the Future Challenge’ is designed to inspire Gen Z consumers to imagine the alternative protein experience of the future and propose new solutions that do not mimic meat, fish, or dairy but answer their needs such as affordability, nutrition, and convenience.
To date, The Moonshot Pirates have received applications from around 1,000 young innovators, aged 15 to 24, from across the globe. Participants are encouraged to develop groundbreaking alternative protein concepts that are sustainable, nutritious, affordable, and delicious.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with young leaders globally to drive alternative protein innovations that challenge conventional norms and deliver unforgettable, multi-sensory food experiences. We eagerly anticipate igniting fresh and creative ideas, ultimately inspiring and co-creating the next generation of delicious consumer products centred around alternative proteins with our customers.”
Flavio Garofalo, Growth Platform Director Culinary & Plant Attitude, Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing
Finalists in the ‘Shape the Future Challenge’ will present their ideas in a virtual, live-streamed pitch to a jury of experts on 9 January 2025. The winners will enjoy an exclusive visit to MISTA, an innovation platform for the food industry based in San Francisco, which Givaudan has established along with other industry partners. More encompassing than an incubator or accelerator, MISTA is an optimizer, enabling start-ups and established corporations to optimize ideas, products, people, and investments.
There, the Challenge winners will gain valuable insights into alternative protein development, and how to optimize ideas, products, people, and investments.
“Over the years, we’ve witnessed how collaborating with the next generation of innovators brings in fresh ideas and unique perspectives that can truly drive change. These young, digital natives are passionate about sustainability and the future, so it’s exciting to see companies like Givaudan appreciate the value of these partnerships. We’re thrilled to partner with Givaudan to explore the future of alternative proteins and develop solutions that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable food system.”
Aneta Londa, Co-Founder, Moonshot Pirates
Givaudan will support this project by providing nine expert mentors and exploring opportunities to scale up promising product innovations that emerge from the challenge. The collaboration between Givaudan and Moonshot Pirates will also harness Givaudan’s global innovation ecosystem, bringing in the Company’s experts, technologies, and integrated portfolio of solutions to address the taste, sense, and nutritional challenges of alternative protein applications.