One of the most anticipated moments of SIAL Canada 2025, the sixth edition of the Start-Up Pitch Competition brought fresh energy and forward-thinking ideas to the Expert Hub stage. Sixteen entrepreneurs from the Start-Up Village had three minutes each to pitch their concepts to a jury of of six investors and industry leaders, chaired by Dr. Ana Cristina Vega Lugo of Niagara College, across two categories: Startup CPG and FoodTech.
In the CPG category, NanaShake took home Gold for its plant-based, vegan frozen dessert bars. Goldy’s earned Silver for its superseed cereals and oat flours made from 100% natural ingredients, while Bonbon Collections (vegan, allergen-free cakes) and Chien Gourmand (meal boosters for dogs) shared the Bronze.
In the FoodTech category, New School Foods won Gold for its ultra-realistic plant-based salmon fillet, developed using a novel manufacturing technology, and Terra Bioindustries claimed Silver with a biotech solution that upcycles food waste into functional ingredients.
This year’s winners clearly highlighted the industry’s biggest trends: sustainability, health-conscious innovation, and circular technologies. With many projects focused on plant-based and allergen-free solutions, this new generation of entrepreneurs is shaping the future of food.
Photo: © Josée Lecompte