Sprint Challenge Brief:

Systems Integration Experts For The Food Industry

Submissions Closed

BACKGROUND

With the advent of complex modeling and simulation software, manufacturers across numerous industries are able to explore variations and improvements within a digital space before proceeding to physical products, saving money, resources, and time. Global leaders in the food and beverage space sometimes utilize modeling platforms to guide the development and quality control of their products. However, the individual platforms only provide a narrow window of understanding. For instance, food and beverage companies may use one system for modeling the mixing of ingredients to create a consumer-acceptable product while also using a different system for modeling the process control and production steps. Additionally, there may also be a need to build new technology-specific ingredient and formula models where gaps currently exist. The end-goal is to unify the disparate software platforms into a single cohesive system to model the complex interactions between ingredient mixing and process transformations and their impact on consumer acceptability.

To facilitate this, TechConnect's client, Mondelez, is interested in identifying systems integration experts with extensive knowledge of the food industry. Using their in-depth knowledge of software, processing, and food science, these experts will provide guidance and insight to Mondelez as they work to align and unite these platforms. Mondelez intends to begin engaging with selected experts early in Q1 2023, with an initial focus on their cookie brands. Plans are in place to expand this effort to other products in subsequent years.

Mondelez intends to engage with experts in a consultative capacity but may expand the relationship to encompass other forms of engagement, depending on the capabilities and interests of respondents.

Organizations with software platforms capable of integrating data from multiple simulation sources into a unified model are also of interest to Mondelez.

This is a rapid identification project. Interested experts are strongly encouraged to submit their responses promptly.

The goal of this sprint is to facilitate contact and interactions between the Sprint sponsor and commercial entities (including Start-ups) or technology developers or research organization/university in this space. Submissions from all viable subject matter experts are of interest including those from academia and commercial entities.


Submission requirements:

Solvers submitting an Entry are encouraged to highlight capabilities in their Submission that meet criteria including:

  • Previous systems integration work for the food industry
  • Specializations, if any:
    • Cookies
    • Chocolates
    • Baked snacks
  • Experience with AI/ML approaches for food science
  • Experience with modeling complex systems including:
    • Process transformations & ingredient interactions to provide a comprehensive overview of the product and its development
    • Predictive performance:
      • Impact on consumer acceptability resulting from changes to ingredients and/or processing
      • Recommendations for modifications (ingredient and/or processing) needed to create product within pre-set consumer acceptability standards

Business Opportunity for Solvers

All complete and eligible Entries will be included in an exclusive Innovation Opportunity Report that will be presented to our client. Solvers with well-matched capabilities may be contacted directly by either TechConnect Ventures or the client to discuss potential partnership opportunities, including – but not limited to – demonstrations, consulting, contract research, licensing, and more. Top-rated Entries may also be invited to register or participate in an upcoming TechConnect Ventures event or pitch program.


Participation Rules & Guidelines

Solvers are encouraged to review the Rules and Guidelines provided on the Sprint page for details about participation, including submission criteria, eligibility information, and more.


Download Challenge Brief

QUESTIONS? Contact challenge@techconnectventures.com