CHICAGO — The Kraft Heinz Co. is seeking help from startups to develop new applications or ingredients featuring beans and pulses. The company has partnered with the organizers of the Future Food-Tech series to launch a new Innovation Challenge.

Previously, Kellogg Co., Unilever, Roquette and Quorn Foods have launched similar initiatives with Rethink Events to highlight emerging talent and solve industry challenges. Startups may apply for the latest installment at futurefoodtechlondon.com/innovation-challenge through Aug. 20, and selected finalists will pitch ideas to Kraft Heinz executives and a global audience during the live-streamed virtual Future Food-Tech Summit Sept. 30 through Oct. 1.

“We’re delighted to be working with Kraft Heinz to launch this Innovation Challenge and look forward to hearing from innovators who have new and exciting solutions to tackle this challenge,” said Oliver Katz, conference producer for the Future Food-Tech series. “Our Innovation Challenge enables opportunities for startups to partner with corporate leaders to scale their technologies as we have previously seen with Unilever, Kellogg Co., Quorn Foods and Roquette. This time we are excited to scout for innovations in the beans and legumes category with Kraft Heinz.”

Kraft Heinz is interested in solutions that deliver on five key areas: sustainability, health, affordability, taste and convenience. Possibilities may include processing, bioconversion, boosting nutrients, preventing anti-nutritional factors, improving protein quality, improve gut health and achieving satiety.

“Kraft Heinz has a strong foundation in agriculture,” said Erik-Jan Ransdorp, international director of research and development for Better Meals & EMEA at Kraft Heinz. “This foundation acts as fertile soil for innovations that address key consumer needs by offering affordable, tasty and nutritious products, which are convenient and environmentally friendly at the same time. We invite you to unleash all your entrepreneurial creativity and technological affinity to develop these revolutionary innovations.”