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FOOD

SYSTEMS

PITCHING

COMPETITION

Viikki Food Design Factory

Germinator Programme

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Food Systems Pitching Competition @ Y Science 2022

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Viikki Food Design Factory’s Germinator programme is for innovators with Food System transforming solutions. 

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Check here for more information on the Viikki Food Design Factory Germinator programme

The program participants have access to:

  • Coaching by dedicated food innovation professionals with expansive experience of the industry

  • Laboratory experimentation and testing facilities at the Viikki campus

  • The chance to pitch their idea during the Food Systems Pitching Competition at Y Science

The seven startup teams participating in the 2022-2023 season of the Germinator programme were selected through an entry pitching event on June 13, 2022.

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The four finalists to pitch their Food System solution on stage at Y Science were selected among the seven teams. All teams will meet possible investors, network with potential partners and experts in the fields of their solution, and also get a Slush ticket. The winner of the pitching competition will be granted 5,000 euros to take their exciting idea further!

Finalists 2022

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Oliver Rotko
Arctic Farming

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Gaëlle Thomas
Binkiapp

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Jere Vento
Five Letter Foods

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Ossi Paloneva
MOLT

Timeline of the Germinator programme and Food Systems Pitching Competition @ Y Science

  • May: Applications opened

  • June 1: Applications closed

  • June 13: Pitching for programme admission

  • August: Germinator programme and coaching starts

  • November 8: Selection of the four finalists

  • November 16: Final rehearsal of the pitching competition

  • November 17: Food Systems pitching competition during Y Science

  • December – March: Further concept development and prototyping

Jury for the selection of the 2022 finalists

  • Nina Tuomikangas, Project Manager Innovation, Lantmännen (sponsor-mentor representative)

  • Antti Isokangas, Leipurin (sponsor-mentor representative)

  • Heli Töykkälä, New Business Manager, Raisio (sponsor-mentor representative)

  • Harri Kallionen, Senior Vice President, Research and development, Valio (sponsor-mentor representative)

  • Juha Heinola, Ecosystem Lead, Business Finland

  • Jouni Lounasmaa, startup and ecosystem leader with over 15 years of experience with startups as a co-founder, board member, CFO, and coach.

  • Silvia Gaiani, Senior Researcher in Innovation and Entrepreneurship towards Sustainable Food Systems, Ruralia Institute, University of Helsinki

  • Maija Tenkanen, professor, Bioproduction chemistry, University of Helsinki

  • Marko Berg, Deputy Chief Investment Officer, University of Helsinki

  • Amanda Paananen, Business Development Officer, University of Helsinki

  • Reetta Kivelä, Professor of Practice, Viikki Food Design Factory, University of Helsinki & CIO, Nordic Umami Company

  • Laura Forsman, Manager, Viikki Food Design Factory

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