About 39 million tons of brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is produced annually worldwide. Spent grain is a residual waste stream that is left over from the brewing of beer. BSG is very high in protein and energy and healthy! Unfortunately, BSG spoils within a day due to the very high water, sugar, and protein content. This makes it difficult to transport and further process into food within a short period of time. Therefore it is now mainly used in the feed sector instead for human consumption.
With new methods available, upcycling BSG into food is possible. That’s good news; now we can deliver a sustainable product with a higher value and/or profit, which also contributes to a circular agrifood economy. Foodvalley NL is supporting this young development. We do this by building a new ecosystem with game changers around BSG and help these game changers to accelerate in all kinds of ways.
That's why we're looking for solutions that can upcycle BSG and upscale the use of this valuable source of fibers and protein.
About us
Foodvalley wants to achieve robust and healthy food production that creates balance in our living environment and respects both the climate and the environment. To succeed, Foodvalley NL connects the right players within circular agrifood.
Since 2004, Foodvalley NL is the independent international platform for groundbreaking innovations that enable the transition to a sustainable food system. The organization, with more than 250 members, sets the agenda, keeps the pace and guides parties in the ecosystem through this transition. By connecting organizations and companies with international partners, unique facilities and knowledge, top talent, global markets and capital, it accelerates innovations.
Our role is essential to provide 10 billion people with affordable, tasty and healthy food by 2050, produced with respect for animals and our planet. From start-ups, scale-ups to multinationals and investors, everyone is welcome. Because only together we can shape the future of food. Join us!
What we are looking for
We are looking for solutions that:
- use BSG in food products for human consumption (upcycling)
- get BSG tonnages use up for human consumption (upscaling)
- open up a market for upscaled products from BSG (upscaling)
- make the valorization of BSG more efficient
- could circular replace the BSG side stream for the feed sector, since BSG has been used as animal feed for centuries and our animals need the protein and fibers that BSG offers.
What we offer
- A vibrant network of other engaged circular agrifood members like start-ups, corporate and potential partners and investors. Foodvalley’s vast global network will help you find the right connections to let your innovations thrive.
- Guidance and help in development, upscaling and marketing. Foodvalley has a large network of experts and offers various programs to help you grow.
- Explore the ecosystem for support like where to find shared facilities, resources and expertise.
Conditions for participation
- Participation is open for startups, scale-ups, SMEs, grown-ups, innovators and scientists with an innovative product and/or technology.
This challenge is part of the Open Call for Sustainable Food Solutions which consists of 5 Industry Challenges, 11 Company Challenges and 1 Funding Call. Gain exposure for your venture by pitching in as many challenges as you see fit. Our 35+ diverse partners, including leading food corporates, retailers, distributors and impact investors, will review all submissions and invite a selected group to join our Matchmaking Event for one-on-one introduction meetings. Pitch your sustainable food solution for your chance to access new markets, networks, expertise or funding opportunities!
Your pitch (max. A4 / 18 slides)
- Description of your solution
- Description your company
- Description of the team
The pitch may be submitted in free form (presentation / slide deck, letter form), but must be uploaded as a PDF file (landscape or portrait A4 - max. 30MB). Videos, example websites, etc. can be included as a link.
Only English pitches are allowed.
Background information
Join Foodvalley’s global online event about BSG on 8 February 2022: https://events.conversationstarter.net/e/foodvalley Beer brewers, researchers, flour manufacturers, bakers or food processors, everyone is welcome to attend Foodvalley's free online brewer’s spent grain event on February 8, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 pm (CET).
Missed the event? Sign up for our Upcycling newsletter and receive the full recording our event, exclusive news, insights and more.
Timeline
- March 22 at 17.00 CET: Deadline
- March 23 – April 8: Selection period
- April 8: Announcement & invites for matchmaking event
- April 21: (Online) matchmaking event
- Q2/Q3 2022 onwards: discuss and start collaboration
Terms & conditions
- Participation is open for startups, scale-ups, SMEs, grown-ups, innovators and scientists with an innovative product and/or technology.
- You will remain the owner of your intellectual rights, concept or solution in your pitch, until you agree otherwise.
- We strongly advise you to document everything you share with others and mention that information provided is confidential and intellectual property rights remain with you/ your company until agreed otherwise.
- Be aware of the fact that your pitch (and concepts and ideas in it) will be viewed and be shared with (internal) stakeholders. Keep IP sensitive unique (technical) details out of your pitch, keep it a secret that you can share later.
- Download Terms & Conditions
Questions?
For any questions about our Open Call for Sustainable Food Solutions, reach out to our startup scout Sandra at sandra.einvall@bravenewfood.com.