The next generation of sustainable food innovators has been revealed as the seven student teams selected as finalists for the 13th edition of the Ecotrophelia UK competition are officially announced.
The Ecotrophelia Competition challenges students around Europe to develop a sustainable and innovative food product from concept to market. It promotes environmentally and socially sustainable design, with the aim of inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs to create innovative products. The seven nominees are entered into the UK final, where they will be judged by industry leaders, with the eventual UK winner being entered into the European competition. Each finalist team will have the opportunity to pitch their products to top names from the food and drink industry.
Participating students must design and develop an innovative, eco-friendly food or drink product from concept through to market-ready prototype. The competition nurtures creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in the food sector – with winners going on to represent the UK at the Ecotrophelia Europe final at Anuga in October 2025.
The 2025 UK finalists are:
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Favafu – University of Surrey
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GreenScoop – University of Reading
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NØM – University of Nottingham
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Oat 'n About – University of Leeds
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Peelzy – London Metropolitan University
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Rescue Nests – University of Nottingham
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SustainaBalls – University of Leeds
Each of these outstanding teams will now go head-to-head in a live pitch event at Mondelēz International in Bournville, Birmingham on 25 June 2025, where they will present their products to a panel of ‘Dragon’ judges made up of industry leaders and experts.
The winning team will receive:
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£2,000 cash prize
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One-year free membership to the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)
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Bespoke mentorship from the Dragons to support their journey to the European final
Ecotrophelia UK is more than just a competition – it is a springboard for emerging talent and a catalyst for innovation in the food sector. Past winners have gone on to secure investment, launch their products commercially, and take up influential roles in the industry.
Now in its 13th year, the competition was launched in the UK in 2013 to foster innovation in research and development and promote sustainability within the food sector. It continues to nurture the next generation of food industry leaders and serves as an incubator for commercially viable business ideas. Since its inception, Ecotrophelia UK has received over 130 entries, involving more than 550 students from 25 universities across the UK.
Follow the journey of this year’s finalists and find out more about Ecotrophelia UK at https://www.ifst.org/ecotrophelia.