APAC Heat for Global Food Tech Awards 2025

Powered by FoodNavigator, in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit, this exciting competition connects revolutionary start-ups with a worldwide audience of industry leaders, investors, and influencers.

Entries for the APAC heat are open until September 30, 2025.

How it works

There are three regional heats throughout 2025 – covering the Americas, EMEA and APAC – with a global final in December.

In each heat, ten finalists will be chosen. Their innovations will gain unparalleled exposure through the FoodNavigator websites, leading industry platforms covering the global food and beverage sectors.

From this shortlist, judges will choose two runners-up and an overall winner for the region.

Winners will receive a trophy, while runners-up will receive a certificate.

Winners will also have their pitches broadcast live on stage in front of key industry stakeholders and executives from the food and beverage industry at large scale industry events.

The Americas and EMEA heats are now closed.

The Americas finalists and winners have been announced at Future Food-Tech San Francisco, March 13–14.

The EMEA finalists and winners will be revealed at Future Food-Tech London, September 24–25.

All runners-up and winners will automatically qualify for a chance to win the coveted prize of the world’s most innovative food tech innovation in 2025 to be announced in an immersive digital article in December 2025, that will be shared with FoodNavigator’s global audience.

The top 10 finalists will receive a certificate and coverage on FoodNavigator websites.

What judges are looking for

Scalability: Does the innovation show potential to expand efficiently and sustainably across markets or industries without compromising quality or functionality? How cost effective is it?

Sustainability: Does the innovation help people or the planet in a tangible way? How does it minimise environmental impact, promote resource efficiency, or support long-term ecological balance?

Novelty: How groundbreaking and original is the innovation within the food tech space? Does it have the ability to address unmet needs or introduce transformative ideas?

Market opportunity: Is there evidence of commercial interest, success, and market applications – including commercial success in major markets in Europe and engagement from the core target market?

Star quality: Does the product/innovation have potential to be a ‘game changer’? Does it have the ‘X factor’?

Entry requirements

Your startup must have been founded no more than five years ago and employ no more than 20 people.

Your innovation can impact any part of the food and beverage supply chain, from alt proteins and sustainable ingredients to AI-driven solutions, personalised nutrition and gut health, upcycled products, and cutting-edge smart packaging.

You will need to provide basic information about your startup and your innovation – submit a three-page pitch deck and a three-minute video supporting your entry.

Why enter?

Increase brand awareness: As a finalist or winner, your company will be featured editorially on FoodNavigator.com, reaching a vast audience of potential clients, industry leaders, and influencers, putting your brand in front of new audiences and enhancing your marketing and PR efforts.

Attract investors: This is a chance as a finalists or winner to position your start-up in front of venture capitalists and major CPG players, opening doors to potential investment and partnerships.

Boost your credibility and trust: Winning or being shortlisted elevates your reputation within the sector. It signals to clients, customers, and peers that your work is of exceptional quality, endorsed by industry experts. This recognition can give you a competitive edge.

Inspire and motivate your team: Being recognised as an award finalist or winner acknowledges the hard work of your team, boosting morale, motivation, and pride.

Reflect, refine, and improve: The entry process is designed to be straightforward, but it also serves as an opportunity to reflect on your business practices. It allows you to assess your strengths, identify areas for improvement, and refine your strategies.