LONDON — Puratos has partnered with the organizers of the Future Food-Tech event series to launch an innovation challenge for early- to mid-stage startups developing technology-enabled solutions to enhance gut health. Solutions may include prebiotics, postbiotics, non-spore forming food stable probiotics, new plant fibers, upcycled ingredients, fermented ingredients and technologies or services that may improve the gut microbiome or measure its impact on consumer health.

“Imagine if we could turn the daily bread into the everyday source of nourishment our gut needs,” said Paul Baisier, group chief research and development officer at Puratos, a global supplier of bakery and patisserie ingredients. “This would be food innovation for good. Through this Innovation Challenge, Puratos pursues its commitment to strongly invest in the discovery of solutions that improve human health and nutrition.”

Finalists will participate in a live pitch at the Future Food-Tech summit in London Sept. 22-23. The winner will gain access to Puratos’ research and development capabilities, including its innovation center at its headquarters in Belgium, and global bakery, patisserie and chocolate application resources. Additionally, the winner will have an opportunity to pitch for Puratos’ venture fund Sparkalis and will receive senior leadership coaching during a minimum two-day internship at Puratos.