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FOOD

SYSTEMS

PITCHING

COMPETITION

Viikki Food Design Factory

Germinator Programme

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Food Systems Pitching Competition @ Y Science 2023

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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

  • Food & agri networks

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

 

The startup teams participating in the 2023-2024 season of the Germinator programme were selected through an entry pitching event on June 6, 2023.

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At Y science, the Germinator teams get to pitch to the prestigious audience, 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 EUR to take their exciting idea further!

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

​April: Applications open
May 15: Applications close
June 6: Pitching for programme admission 
August: Germinator programme and coaching starts 

November 24, 12:00 - 13:00: Final meeting regarding the pitching competition
November 29, 15:30 - 18:30: Dress rehearsal of the competition
November 30: Food Systems pitching competition at Y Science 
December 2023 – February 2024: Further concept development and prototyping

Jury for the selection of the 2023 finalists

  • Antti Isokangas, Team lead, Leipurin Oyj (sponsor-mentor representative)  

  • Jari Karlsson, Chief Marketing Officer, Foodiq (sponsor-mentor representative)

  • Harri Latva-Mäenpää, CEO, Foodwest (sponsor-mentor representative)

  • Minja Miettinen, Director, Growth & Innovation, Verman (sponsor-mentor representative)

  • Saara Pöyry, SVP Technology and Product Development, Valio (sponsor-mentor representative)

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

  • Jouni Lounasmaa, Foundation & Startup Executive 

  • Keith Bonnici, Investment Director, Tesi 

  • Elena Inguglia, Business Developer Manager, Helsinki Innovation Services

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

  • 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

  • Reetta Andolin (previously Kivelä), Chief Innovation Officer, Raisio Group

  • Laura Forsman, Manager, Viikki Food Design Factory

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