5 problem-solving entrepreneurs who want to revolutionise the way we grow, cook and eat
Few global issues touch people as universally and as intimately as food. Whether it’s fighting to ensure “zero hunger” (Global Goal #2) in developing economies or tackling food waste in major economies, the challenge of creating a safe, just and sustainable food system is tough, multi-layered and complex — and full of commercial opportunity.
Purpose recently sat in on a “Dragon’s Den” pitch session hosted by The Good Kitchen, an innovation accelerator that aims to create a food system that works for people and planet [read our interview with The Good Kitchen here].
It was exciting to hear from five mission-led startups who are all trying to reshape our broken food system through innovative and scaleable commercial solutions. Here’s a peek at some of the most exciting innovation frontiers in food — for more, keep an eye on good.kitchen.
Entocycle (UK)
Entocycle is automating the production of insect protein to disrupt current unsustainable fish and livestock farming practices. For example, 4 million hectares of forest are destroyed each year in South America, primarily for the cultivation of soy for animals and fish. By providing an alternative feed for animals and fish, Entocycle will put thousands of hectares of land back into use for crops for human consumption and protect fish stocks.
www.entocycle.com / @entocycle
Mimica Lab (UK)
Mimica has produced a biologically accurate food-spoilage indicator: a game-changer in the fight against food waste. The indicator is a gelatin label that breaks down at the same speed as the food inside the package. When the label is smooth, the product is safe to eat, when you feel bumps, throw it away! Mimica has just received its first patent for its technology.
FazlaGida / Whole Surplus (Turkey)
Whole Surplus, known as FazlaGida in its native Turkey, has developed the technology to easily and profitably distribute supermarket food surplus to food banks and humanitarian organisations. Each year, Turkey throws away $2 billion of edible food. Through redirecting this food to people in need, it can make an impact on food poverty, food waste and the refugee crisis.
www.fazlagida.com / @fazlagida
Make Kit Food (UK)
Make Kit distributes low-cost, nutritious recipe kits through community outlets to tackle childhood obesity and diet-related illness. Their intervention, which grew out of a National Health Service report, confronts the obstacles to healthy eating — time, money, access, education — head-on, and is set to transform how people shop, cook and eat.
Cultivando Futuro (Colombia)
Cultivando Futuro has built an online platform to connect smallholder farmers to wholesalers. This smart website tackles the challenges posed by food waste, increases efficiencies in distribution, demonstrates traceability of product and helps to pay farmers a fairer wage.
www.cultivandofuturo.com / @cultivandof
Inspired? To explore how your business can seize commercial advantage through purpose-led innovation, get in touch at steve@thehouse.co.uk or call us on 01225 780000.
