Background

Carbohydrates, in addition to enhancing the flavor of food products, also impact the texture and mouthfeel. The wrong carbohydrate, or a carbohydrate in the wrong format, can result in a product that is judged poorly by consumers for multiple experiential factors. As a consequence, the selection of carbohydrates is crucial to achieving an enjoyable experience.

Mondelez International, a global leader in beverages, snacks and confectionary products, is using this project to explore innovations in carbohydrate technologies. Specifically, Mondelez is seeking crystalline fiber forms of oligosaccharides.

All oligosaccharides that can meet the following performance will be considered:

• Trisaccharides or larger (DP3+)
• Crystalline format or the ability to crystallize
• Soluble in water

Mondelez is open to exploring all suitable technologies. Potential pathways of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Novel oligosaccharides such as:
• High purity oligosaccharide crystals
• Mixtures or blends of different crystalline oligosaccharides
• Crystals containing multiple relevant oligosaccharides
• Innovative processing techniques for existing oligosaccharides resulting in:
• Increased purity OR
• Reduced production costs OR
• Other production / performance enhancements
• Oligosaccharides adapted from other applications, including, but not limited to:
• Prebiotics (regardless of success or failure of prebiotic efficacy)
• Nutritional supplements

Mondelez welcomes responses from all individuals and organizations with technologies of interest, including academic researchers and corporate entities. Technologies of all maturities will be considered, provided that a viable pathway to commercialization and implementation can be determined.

Representatives from the Mondelez team will review and evaluate all proposed technologies. Highly rated respondents will be contacted by TechConnect Ventures and invited to pitch their technology to Mondelez.

The goal of this sprint is to facilitate contact and interactions between the Sprint sponsor and active researchers or technology developers in this space. Submissions and novel concepts from individuals and organizations in academia and research are of significant interest, but all viable technology providers are invited to respond for potential commercial opportunities with the client.

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Requirements

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

• Type of oligosaccharide(s)
• Formfactor:
• Format
• Size
• Anticipated solubility in water
• Anticipated end usage:
• Beverages
• Confectionary products
• Snacks
• Other food products
• Anticipated annual production volume
• Current regulatory status
• Technical maturity

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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.

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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.

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Download Challenge Brief

QUESTIONS? Contact Executive Director, Nick Kacsandi at info@techconnectventures.com