Key Takeaways
- FoodTech World Cup returns in 2026, hosted by Nestlé and FoodHack for the second year.
- Applications are open until February 27, 2026, for early-stage Food BioTech startups.
- The competition focuses on biotechnology-driven innovation across the food system.
- Fifteen startups will be shortlisted, with five finalists pitching live at HackSummit 2026.
- Winners of the FoodTech World Cup will be announced in Lausanne, Switzerland.
FoodTech World Cup 2026 Opens Global Call for Food BioTech Startups
The FoodTech World Cup is returning in 2026 as Nestlé and FoodHack announced the opening of applications for the second edition of the global startup competition. The initiative aims to spotlight emerging startups developing biotechnology-driven solutions across the food value chain.
Applications are now open and will close on February 27, 2026. The FoodTech World Cup targets Stealth- to Seed-stage startups operating at the intersection of food and biotechnology, with a focus on foundational technologies shaping future food systems.
“At Nestlé, we’re committed to advancing innovative products and services that unlock the power of food and enhance quality of life,” said Maria Eugenia Barcos, Startup Program Lead at Nestlé. “We strongly believe in collaboration as a catalyst for meaningful innovation—bringing together startups, science, and industry to address challenges that truly matter for consumers, society, and the planet.”
FoodTech World Cup Focuses on Biotechnology-Enabled Food Systems
The 2026 FoodTech World Cup will emphasize innovation engineered at the cellular, microbial, and molecular levels. According to the organizers, advances in biology are reshaping how food is produced, designed, and scaled, positioning Food BioTech as a critical pillar of resilient and efficient food value chains.
Startup Categories in the FoodTech World Cup
Startups applying are invited to present solutions across several focus areas, including:
- Next-generation proteins
- Food BioTech platforms
- Gut health and microbiome science
- Functional and bioactive ingredients
- Circular and climate-positive biotechnology
The competition is designed to connect founders with global investors, corporate partners, and industry leaders to support commercialization and scale.
Global Selection Process and HackSummit Finals
Virtual Demo Day and Shortlisting
The Qualifier will take place as a global virtual Demo Day, with startups represented across Asia, Europe, Latin America, MENA, North America, and Sub-Saharan Africa. From the applicant pool, 15 startups will be shortlisted to pitch to a panel of judges from Nestlé, FoodTech-focused venture capital firms, and corporate innovation teams.
Live Pitch Event in Lausanne
Following the virtual round, five finalists will be selected to pitch live at the HackSummit in Lausanne, Switzerland, on April 23, 2026. The FoodTech World Cup winners will be announced on stage during the event.
Collaboration Between Nestlé and FoodHack
Nestlé and FoodHack stated that the FoodTech World Cup reflects their shared commitment to supporting early-stage founders applying deep science to food and biotechnology challenges. Organizers noted that the competition is intended to provide startups with visibility, validation, and access to strategic partners across the global food ecosystem.
Further announcements regarding judges and programme details are expected in the lead-up to HackSummit 2026.
Startups can enter the World Cup here.
