TechConnect Ventures
Sprint Challenge Brief:
Natural Powdered Sweeteners
Submissions ClosedBackground
Mondelez, the global snack and beverage company, is interested in revolutionizing their powdered beverage brands by removing sugar and artificial sweeteners. The food company has explored numerous sweetener alternatives and flavor modifiers including carob extracts, miraculin, monk fruit and others. These options have presented issues with availability, handling, or performance. Consequently, Mondelez is seeking innovative new natural substances that can be powdered and function as sweetener.
Proposed ingredients should be:
Mondelez is interested in ingredient solutions which can deliver performance comparable to the sensorial profile of conventionally sweetened beverages.
Approaches should not be designated as sugar or sweeteners. Additionally, while sugar can also function as a bulking agent in some food products, it is not required that proposed ingredients possess such functionality.
Ingredients which are at or near commercial readiness are of greatest interest though less mature technologies will still be considered. Ideally, proposed solutions will be able to demonstrate proof of principle within 12 months. Longer development times may also be considered if the proposed ingredient offers other advantages such increased availability or ease of use.
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.
Requirements
Solvers submitting an Entry are encouraged to highlight capabilities in their Submission that meet criteria including:
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.
QUESTIONS? Contact challenge@techconnectventures.com