Contest Challenges Students in China to Develop New Plant-Based Foods

The Plant-Based Food Innovation Contest recently launched in Shanghai, China to encourage university students to develop plant-based product ideas. Created by The Shanghai Society of Food Science in collaboration with food-awareness organization ProVeg International, the competition focuses on three categories: pre-packaged foods, main course recipes, and animal-free ingredients. Judges will select 10 student teams as finalists, who will be invited to submit their business proposals and receive coaching from successful brands in the plant-based sector, such as Danone, Oatly, and Beyond Meat. Teams will receive materials to develop their products, lab space, and a grant to carry out market research.

“We are excited to work with leading universities and food corporations in Shanghai,” Shirley Lu, ProVeg East Asia Executive Director, told media outlet FoodIngredientsFirst. “We are pleased to be collaborating with the Shanghai Society of Food Science to accelerate the development of plant-based foods and support the Healthy China 2030 campaign.”

Three winners will be announced later this year and will receive cash prizes ranging from $3,400 to $11,000.