DSM seeking entries for innovative products, technology

ENTERPRENEURS and innovators whose work is in line with enabling better food have an opportunity to present their product or technology to Royal DSM at the 2016 Partnering Innovation Conference. Their work can be chosen for financing and collaboration with the company.

DSM top executives are holding the conference specifically for this purpose on 1-3 November at DSM's North American headquarters in Parsippany, New Jersey. They are focusing on opportunities in developing products that will make food healthier, affordable, better tasting, produce less waste, and without compromising safety and quality.

The company is seeking entries for innovative technologies and products with both near term (<3 years to commercialization) and longer term (>3 years to commercialization) applications in the following areas of interest:

• Sugar reduction and natural alternative sweeteners
• Bio-preservation solutions for food and beverages
• Salt reduction and other natural taste modulation solutions 
• Fermentation and enzymatic technologies for new ingredients
• Human nutrition applications containing alternate protein sources

Given the anticipated high demand to attend and exclusive nature of the event, the conference shall be by invitation only. Invitation requests, together with supporting documentation, are due on or before 16 September 2016.  Finalists will be announced by 26 September 2016 and invited to the conference.

The conference will include engaging presentations from senior DSM executives  on how DSM collaborates with entrepreneurs at all stages of the supply chain, works to co-develop products and invests in startups with innovative human health and nutrition solutions. Each invitee will be asked to present a 15 minute overview followed by 30 minutes of discussion with senior DSM personnel, including DSM executives from R&D, Innovation, Sales & Marketing, Regulatory and Venturing.

Presenting companies will be assigned mentors from Nutrition Capital Network (NCN) and DSM to help develop their presentation prior to the conference.  Post-event mentoring from a DSM executive will be available on a case by case basis and all selected candidates will be considered for an investment by DSM Venturing or for another type of collaboration with DSM.

A selection committee of DSM and NCN executives will evaluate and interact with applicants to select the invited companies.

The application process is free and due by 16 September 2016.  All travel arrangements and related costs will be the sole responsibility of the conference attendees.