Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley | STAGING

State of Play | Side stream valorisation
2025-03-18 13:30 - 17:30 (Europe/Zurich) | Welle 7, Schanzenstrasse 5, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
Our next State of Play event will explore where Switzerland stands today when it comes to side stream valorisation. Join us to meet the Swiss innovators who are developing innovative circular approaches and discover how companies can use their insights to create more sustainable business models.
What?
Side stream valorisation is all about finding new ways to transform by-products from food processing waste streams into new, high-value products.
Why now?

Policy momentum is growing: In line with the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, Switzerland has set an ambitious goal to halve food waste by 2030. Side stream valorisation has a key role to play in achieving these targets.
Technology is enabling new possibilities: Innovations in bioprocessing, fermentation, and precision drying are making it easier than ever to upcycle side streams into nutritious, functional ingredients.
Sustainability is shaping consumer choices: Consumer interest in sustainable food products is rising, with many brands incorporating upcycled ingredients into snacks, plant-based proteins, and functional foods.
Circular approaches are unlocking new business models: Side stream valorisation can cut CO₂ emissions while reducing costs and creating new revenue streams, making sustainability a win-win strategy.

Meet our speakers

Here's who will be sharing their insights:

Linda Grieder-Kern, Founder & CEO, Rethink Resource
Nicolas Dorsaz, Technology & Startup Scouting (Europe), Bühler Group
William Beiskjayer and Vincent Vida, Co-founder & COO, Upgrain
Flavio Hagenbuch, Co-founder, Luya
Tiffany Abitbol, Assistant Professor at EPFL in the Institute of Materials (IMX), EFPL
Tatjana Nebel, Project Lead, StreamUp, United Against Waste Schweiz
Aurèle Meyer, CEO, Brauerei Locher AG
Clemens Rüttimann, Mentor & Food Hub Wädenswil
Doris Erne, Founder & CEO, Wheycation
Karin Friedli, Deputy Managing Director, Circunis
Fabian Weinländer, Chief Transformation Officer, Blattmann Schweiz AG

Join us to dive deeper

Explore how technology is transforming food by-products into high-value ingredients
Uncover real-world success stories and new collaboration opportunities
Network with innovators from across the Swiss ecosystem
Taste their products for yourself

Programme schedule

13:30
Welcome & Arrivals

14:00
Welcome remarks, Sidestream valorisation
Christina Senn-Jakobsen, CEO, SFNV

14:10
Setting the Scene on sidestreams
Linda Grieder-Kern, Founder & CEO, RethinkResource

14:20
Exploring the solutions Technology as an enabler
Nicolas Dorsaz, Technology & Startup Scouting, Bühler Group

14:30
How Upgrain Transforms Brewers’ Spent Grain
William Beiskjayer, Co-founder & COO, Upgrain

14:40
Upcycling Beer Sidestreams: From Brewery to Brewbee
Aurèle Meyer, CEO, Brauerei Locher AG

14:50
Eat better, live better: Connecting taste, health and sustainability by upcycling side streams
Flavio Hagenbuch, Co-CEO & Co-founder, Luya Foods

15:00
Waste-to-Taste: Transforming Wet Byproducts of the Food Industry into New Nutritious Foods
Prof. Tiffany Abitbol, EPFL

15:10
QA with all

15:20
Networking Break

15:35
Panel Discussion "StreamUp – Grow your food, save impact"
Tatjana Nebel (moderator) - with Streamup!

16:05
Transforming glucose from potato sidestreams
Fabian Weinländer, Chief Transformation Officer, Blattmann Schweiz AG

16:15
Mini-break

16:20
Deep Dive tables

17:00
Closing
Christina Senn-Jakobsen, CEO, SFNV

17:05
"Taste the Waste" , 1-min Sidestream product pitches and networking

18:00
End of Event

Each Valley partner can benefit from two complimentary tickets. Other companies can join the event by buying a ticket via the link below.
With support from :

SFNV Valley After Hours hosted by House of Lab Science
2025-04-10 17:00 - 20:30 (Europe/Zurich) | House of Lab Science, The Valley, Kemptpark 2,, Kemptthall, 8310, Switzerland
Join this Valley After Hours for the Grand Opening of House of Lab Science in The Valley!
The wait is over! On April 10th from 5:00 PM, House of Lab Science officially opens its doors in The Valley Kemptthal—and you’re invited!
Experience your ideal R&D lab space, connect with incredible companies and discover exciting collaboration opportunities at this vibrant innovation hub.
REGISTER HERE
AGENDA

17:00 – 17:30 – Doors Open

17:30 – 17:40 – Welcome Note – Oana Monica Vrabie, Co-founder House of Lab Science
Introduction to the new location at The Valley Kemptthal. Vision and mission of House of Lab Science. Importance of innovation ecosystems in biotech and food tech.

17:45 – 18:15 – Panel Discussion: How to build the Next Global Biotech/Foodtech Champion
Discussion on Topics: Scaling innovations from lab to global markets. Securing funding and investment for growth. Building strategic partnerships and collaborations

Christina Senn-Jakobsen,CEO @ SFNV
Alexandre Bastos, Head of Ventures @ Givaudan
Pascal Bieri, Co-founder @ Planted

18:15 – 18:30 – Ending Remarks, Christian Hugo Hoffmann, CEO @ HLS

18:30 – 20:30 Lab Tours & Apero Riche

The House of Lab Science is expanding, bringing the innovative Lab as a Service concept to Kemptthal. The state-of-the-art bio lab spaces are designed for Startups seeking flexibility, efficiency, and innovation, not only reduces operational costs but also accelerating time-to-market for groundbreaking technologies.
Be part of this milestone event! Connect with industry leaders, explore the new space, and discover how House of Lab Science can support your growth.
REGISTER HERE

Valley After Hours is curated by SFNV partners for SFNV partners to amplify networking and collaboration opportunities in an informal setting. Expect to meet a mix of SFNV partners, investors, industry experts, and a room full of curious minds from the Swiss food tech ecosystem. Do you want to host the next Valley After Hours? Reach out to events@sfnv.ch

SFNV Valley After Hours hosted by COSAIC (formerly Cultivated Biosciences)
2025-05-13 17:00 - 20:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Horgen Labs Innovation Campus, Bachtobelstrasse 5, Horgen, Zurich, 8810, Switzerland
Join this Valley After Hours at the Horgen Innovation Labs hosted by COSAIC (formerly Cultivated Biosciences) as part of the official Side Event for Hack Summit.
Get ready to dive into the future of food at Cultivated's brand-new laboratory space. Hosted by the scientific team, this event is your chance to explore the innovative world of Cultivated Biosciences.
🚀 - Interactive Discussion Sessions – Exchange ideas with fellow innovators and Valley Partners
🔬 - Lab Tour(s)– Get an insider’s look at our latest prototyping and experience our emulsion
🥂 - Lively Networking – Connect with industry peers over drinks & bitesBe part of this exciting event where you can discover Cultivated's innovations connect with with industry leaders, explore the new space, and discover how House of Lab Science can support your growth.
REGISTER HERE to confirm your attendance

Valley After Hours is curated by SFNV partners for SFNV partners to amplify networking and collaboration opportunities in an informal setting. Expect to meet a mix of SFNV partners, investors, industry experts, and a room full of curious minds from the Swiss food tech ecosystem. Do you want to host the next Valley After Hours? Reach out to events@sfnv.ch

Igeho 2025: A leading Swiss platform for hospitality innovation
2025-11-15 09:00 - 2025-11-19 18:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Fribourg
Igeho is Switzerland's premier international trade show for the hotel, catering, food service, and hospitality industries. Serving as a dynamic live marketing platform, Igeho provides delegates with a comprehensive overview of market trends, valuable networking opportunities to foster new business connections, and insights into the latest innovations shaping the future of hospitality.
Calling all Startups! Become an Igeho Rising Star 🌟
SFNV has teamed up with Igeho, Switzerland"s largest and premier international trade show for the hotel, catering, food service, and hospitality industries to host a Food Innovation Tech area and support the Igeho Rising Star Award.
The Igeho Rising Star competition gives fifteen (15) Startups a free exhibit both to showcase their products and solutions over 5 days at the largest industry platform (tradeshow) in Switzerland. Making contacts with investors, sponsors and some of the biggest players in the Swiss retail market.
Successful Startups will:

Receive a free booth and exhibition space in the Food Innovation Tech area
Pitch to compete in the public vote and be considered for the finals of the Rising Star Award

A public vote will then determine which five startups can go on to pitch their businesses to a jury of industry leaders.
The 5 finalists will present their startups in an exciting elevator pitch. A professional jury of industry leaders will award the winner, who will not only receive a cash prize money but also enjoy heightened media exposure and exclusive additional benefits.
Who can apply?
We’re looking for startups with innovative ideas in foodtech that can help shape the future of the hospitality and food service sectors. Partner with us and our network to showcase your groundbreaking solutions and drive a more future-focused food system!
Why you we’d love you to join us

Connect with colleagues from across the entire Swiss supply chain and a global audience of industry professionals and decision-makers.
Showcase your innovation, gather valuable feedback, and develop partnerships to accelerate your growth.
Gain insight into emerging trends and stay ahead in a competitive market.
Get featured in the Igeho’s media coverage and share your story with our media partners

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION & IMPORTANT DEADLINES

About Igeho
Igeho is considered the most important international industry platform for hotels, catering, take-away and care in Switzerland. As a live marketing platform, Igeho offers the hospitality industry a comprehensive overview of the market, interesting networking opportunities and new inspiration on all aspects of hospitality. The first edition of Igeho took place in November 1965 in Basel – at that time still under the name “Internationale Fachmesse für Gemeinschaftsverpflegung”. Since its inception, the trade fair has been held biennially in Basel, with the exception of 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. Communal catering continues to play an important role, but the hotel, restaurant and take-away sectors were also added over the years. Today, Igeho is the largest meeting place for the hospitality industry in Switzerland.

Igeho Rising Star Awards 2025
2025-11-18 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Messe Basel, Messeplatz 10, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
Finale: Igeho Rising Star Award 2025
At the grand finale of the Igeho Rising Star Award 2025, the five finalists will showcase their groundbreaking innovations to the audience before facing questions from the expert jury.
Launched in 2023, the Igeho Rising Star Award celebrates and supports founders and start-ups in the hospitality sector. Now in its second edition, five pioneering start-ups – Catchfree, Circunis, Foodflows, GoNina, and Yumame Foods — have reached the final round. One of them will be crowned the winner and receive the prestigious award along with prize money.
The jury includes industry leaders and experts such as Pascal Bieri (Planted Co-Founder), Prof. Dr. Claus-Heinrich Daub (FHNW), Marina Helm Romaneschi (Swiss Food Research), Christine Schäfer (Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute), Rebecca Clopath (Alpine Chef), and Christian Gerber (ZFV Group).
We look forward to seeing you there!
More information can be found on the Igeho website in German and French.

Navigating in the Food and Feed Regulatory Jungle
2025-11-24 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Helsinki) | Fribourg
This webinar organized by the Finnish Food ecosystem program Valio Food 2.0 in collaboration with Medfiles, BioSafe and Sweco Finland is your chance to learn how to effectively navigate in the EU food and feed regulatory landscape.
Numerous food and feed regulations impact food business operators in the area. When developing new sustainable food and feed ingredients, companies—from startups to international food and feed enterprises—must understand the regulatory landscape and its requirements. In this webinar, experienced experts from consulting firms will share their insights on various topics. Additionally, we will hear a practical case example of a novel food application process from the applicant.

Meet Innosuisse
2026-03-24 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Zurich) | https://staging.swissfoodnutritionvalley.com/event-listing/meet-innosuisse/
You are an entrepreneur, part of an SME or a research organisation and would like to better navigate the landscape of the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse? Join our introduction webinar on Innosuisse and the opportunities they provide in this compact, 1-hour webinar.
Who’s leading it? The sessions are co-hosted by Innosuisse and SFNV
Who should join? Valley Partners, either from startups, SME’s or research organisations curious about Innosuisse
Kind regards,
The Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley Team

Nutrition4MetabolicHealth Summit 2026
2026-11-03 - 2026-11-04 | Fribourg
How can we make the healthy choice the easy choice?
As rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases continue to rise, nutrition is becoming an increasingly important lever for prevention and long-term health. At the same time, addressing these challenges requires collaboration across the entire ecosystem — from food and health to science, insurance and policy.
The Nutrition4MetabolicHealth Summit will bring together leaders, innovators and decision-makers actively engaged in nutrition for health and prevention-driven innovation to explore how Switzerland can help shape the future of metabolic health.
Launched as part of the Nutrition4MetabolicHealth initiative by Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley and Swiss Re, the summit is designed as a collaborative platform for inspiration, discussion and action.
What to expect
Day 1 | Inspiration & ecosystem connections
The first day will feature keynote talks and discussions with leading figures from across nutrition, preventive health, science and innovation. Together, they will explore emerging opportunities, challenges and evidence-based approaches to improving long-term health outcomes through nutrition.
The day will conclude with a networking dinner designed to encourage meaningful cross-sector exchange and new collaboration opportunities.
Day 2 | From discussion to action
The second day will focus on collaborative workshops and working sessions aimed at identifying opportunities for real-life pilot projects and ecosystem collaboration. Participants will have the opportunity to help shape future initiatives connected to Nutrition4Metabolic Health.
A dedicated CEO dinner will also bring together senior decision-makers from across industry, healthcare, insurance, research and policy to present the results of the Summit’s discussions and consider next steps at a strategic level.
A full agenda and speaker line-up will be announced in the coming months.
Who should attend?
The summit is designed for stakeholders actively engaged in:

nutrition and health
preventive healthcare
metabolic health
food innovation
healthcare systems
insurance and policy
scientific research
behaviour change and consumer health

This includes food companies and startups, hospitals and clinicians, universities, insurers, NGOs, retailers, gastronomy partners, researchers and policymakers.
Get involved
Would you like to join the Nutrition4MetabolicHealth Summit? As places are limited, participation will be curated to ensure strong cross-sector representation and meaningful discussion. Please request an invitation via the form below and briefly let us know why you would like to attend. Our team will then follow up by email.
Would you like your company to be visible at the event and attract the attention of relevant players in the field? Reach out to Franziska Legoupil, SFNV Initiative Lead, to explore collaboration and sponsorship possibilities.
