Frutarom opens innovation lab for food technology start-ups

Frutarom Ltd. Israel is opening FoodNxt, an innovation lab for food technology start-ups, in the north of Israel. The innovation lab will focus on developing all-natural ingredients for the global food and beverage industry.

Frutarom was selected, following a tender procedure, by the Israel Innovation Authority to operate the innovation lab for a period of three years. Start-ups chosen to join FoodNxt by Frutarom will be granted up to 85% of their approved R&D expenses (up to about $300,000) for the purpose of reaching a proof of concept. The innovation lab will be led by Gali Artzi, Frutarom innovation director. Artzi, with extensive experience as an R&D professional, has held commercial positions in the industry since 2010. She previously held key roles at VAYA Pharma and Enzymotec, and has a BS in biology and a PhD in cell research and immunology, both from Tel Aviv University.

The FoodNxt professional team will help selected start-ups formulate their products to meet all international regulations, develop patent strategy, build business plans, and test the market. FoodNxt offers access to Frutarom’s portfolio for developing and testing on modular platforms.

“Israel being a ‘start-up nation’ is not just a cliché,” said Yoni Glickman, president of Frutarom Natural Solutions. “Start-ups have become the growth engine of the food industry, and Frutarom, through FoodNxt, is working to accelerate this innovation—by providing know-how, processes, technologies, and expertise to help overcome challenges, nurture development, and launch new products into the global market.”

Frutarom is seeking food, nutraceutical, and functional ingredient start-ups with a strong passion for health and innovation and a clear mission to improve food and wellness. Applications from external entrepreneurs, start-ups, and early stage growth businesses to participate in the FoodNxt program should be submitted to [email protected].

Press release