Every year, the FoodTech 500 lists who stayed relevant and who just arrived. The 7th edition welcomed 140+ first-time finalists into a cohort of 500, and they tell you something about where food innovation is heading: upstream, science-first, and increasingly global.
From a New Zealand startup extracting the world’s most abundant protein from grass clippings, to a Kenyan platform turning urban organic waste into fertiliser in 24 hours, the newcomers span 35+ countries and nearly every domain in the food and agriculture system. Here’s a look at some of the themes defining this year’s ranking
The Protein Frontier Is Moving Upstream
The most interesting protein stories among this year’s newcomers aren’t consumer brands. They’re B2B ingredient plays, fermentation platforms, and entirely new protein sources that most consumers have never heard of.
Leaft Foods (New Zealand) has done what researchers have attempted for over a century: extract Rubisco, the most abundant protein on Earth, from green leaves at a commercial scale. Their Canterbury facility is operational, their LCA shows 97% lower carbon emissions than whey protein, and their B2B customers are already live. Kyomei (UK) is working on a similar angle, using plant biotechnology to co-extract Rubisco from agricultural waste leaves. Vivici (Denmark), on the other hand, produces whey protein identical to bovine-derived whey via precision fermentation. Meanwhile, Farmless (Netherlands) goes further still, producing protein from CO₂ and hydrogen, with no agricultural land at all.
Cocoa’s Supply Crisis Is Driving a New Innovation Cluster
Cocoa hit record prices in 2024–2025 due to crop disease and climate stress. The response from the innovation ecosystem has been tangible: multiple newcomers are building directly around cocoa alternatives, cocoa cell cultivation, or chocolate reformulation.
Kokomodo (Israel) grows real cacao from cells using plant cell culture, working with a variety of cell lines and partnering with farmers to preserve endangered cacao genotypes. Food Brewer (Switzerland) offers both cell-cultivated real cocoa and cocoa-free alternatives made from upcycled local crops, backed by Lindt & Sprüngli and Puratos.
AgTech’s Global Reach
The most geographically diverse newcomers are in AgTech, and some of the most compelling impact stories come from markets outside the usual FoodTech hubs.
Verdant built India’s first indigenous bovine genetics marketplace, using AI and genomics to breed climate-resilient native cattle. 15,000 farmers reached, ₹120 crore in additional income generated, 40-75% increase in milk yields. In Kenya, women-led company Pollen Patrollers is using IoT smart hive devices and AI-powered precision pollination to help smallholder farmers track hive health and boost yields. Meanwhile, Ecorich Solutions (Kenya) converts urban organic waste into organic fertiliser in 24 hours, reaching 4,000+ farmers, creating 120+ jobs, and benefiting 3,000+ women. On the other hand, UfarmX (US/Africa) turns farm data into credit scores for smallholder farmers, unlocking collateral-free finance across Nigeria, Senegal, and Liberia.
Waste as Raw Material
Several newcomers have built their entire business model around materials that others discard. The economics are often compelling: someone else’s waste stream is your free, or near-free, raw material.
Caffe Inc. (Netherlands) upcycles spent coffee grounds into certified food-grade ingredients, oils, and biomaterials. Greentech Innovators (Norway) converts food system waste into nutrient-rich growth media for microalgae, bacteria, and fungi, reducing emissions by 98% compared to composting. Climate Candy (US) rescues imperfect produce and turns it into FAVES fruit candies. Maltivor (France) upcycles cereal co-products from brewing and distilling into food-grade functional ingredients.
Food Rescue Gets a Software Layer
Food waste technology moves beyond diverting surplus, into building the data infrastructure that makes diversion scalable and measurable.
Knead Technologies (Canada) is building logistics infrastructure for food rescue organisations. EatCloud (Spain) connects surplus food to social organisations digitally at scale. Meanwhile, some companies are leveraging AI: Metafoodx (USA) helps kitchens reduce waste by detecting food at risk of spoilage, and Kikleo (France) helps foodservice firms track food waste.
A Few Standouts Worth Naming
Some newcomers have achieved incredible feats in recent months:
- Savor (US) already has its products in Michelin-starred kitchens
- Spore.Bio (France) secured a $23M Series A round
- MycoTechnology (US) achieved GRAS status for its innovation
- Finally Foods (Israel) brought its total raised funding to $2.6M after closing a pre-seed round
- Lembas (Israel) closed a $3.6M pre-seed investment
All 148 Newcomers of the 2025 FoodTech 500
Ag Biotech (13 companies)
Elicit Plant (#15 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Plant biostimulants that activate natural drought tolerance in crops without genetic modification.
BioLumic (#45 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | UV light seed treatments that activate plant genes to improve germination, yield, and stress resilience.
Bionema (#166 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops biodegradable biocontrol solutions and biopesticides as sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemical crop protection.
X-Centric Sciences (#209 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Portable X-ray fluorescence soil analysis giving farmers a comprehensive soil health snapshot in the field, in real time.
Phytoform (#253 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses AI and CRISPR gene editing to accelerate crop development, creating Nature Identical™ traits without introducing foreign DNA.
Living Roots (#272 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses beneficial microbes and plant biochemistry to create biological inputs that raise smallholder yields 30–50% while reducing chemical use.
Darwin (#315 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Microbial bioprospecting company discovering and characterising novel bacteria for food, drink, and dietary supplement applications.
Kyomei (#399 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses biotechnology to transform wasted agricultural biomass into Rubisco protein and other high-value food ingredients.
Heritable Agriculture (#405 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Applies AI and genomics to accelerate plant breeding and crop improvement for climate resilience.
Abrinca Genomics (#406 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Democratises bioinformatics for microbial genomics, enabling faster discovery and innovation across food research.
BugBiome (#425 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Discovers and develops microbial insecticides as sustainable, resistance-safe alternatives to chemical crop protection.
Finally Foods (#469 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses molecular farming to grow real casein protein inside potato plants, turning crops into animal protein bioreactors.
Kiana (#489 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Produces enzyme and microbial-based biofertilisers, biopesticides, and biostimulants for regenerative and climate-smart agriculture.
Ag Marketplace (3 companies)
Silo (#57 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | B2B digital platform modernising the wholesale food market with real-time pricing, payments, and inventory management.
Verdant (#64 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | India’s first indigenous bovine genetics marketplace using AI and genomics to breed climate-resilient native cattle with lower carbon footprints.
ODOS (#162 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-powered sensor technology enabling real-time gas and chemical detection for food safety and quality monitoring.
Animal health & Nutrition (3 companies)
Drone-Hand (#273 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Drone-based precision applications for animal health and nutrition management in livestock farming.
Nectar (#335 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops functional products and ingredients derived from honey bees and bee-related biology for health and nutrition applications.
Agteria (#431 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops biotech solutions to inhibit methane emissions from cattle, addressing one of agriculture’s largest climate contributions.
Appliances (1 company)
Stor (#443 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Smart refrigeration and food preservation technology extending the freshness of perishables across the food supply chain.
B2B Marketplaces (2 companies)
Tawi Fresh (#422 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | E-commerce and logistics platform connecting institutional buyers directly to verified smallholder farmers in Kenya with full traceability.
Loads (#479 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops high-protein, nutrient-dense snacks and functional food products for health-conscious consumers.
Biotech/Synthetisation (16 companies)
Checkerspot (#19 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses microalgae as a biological platform to produce high-performance, precisely tailored oils and materials.
Savor (#34 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Creates real fats — butter, dairy fat, cocoa butter — using a thermochemical process that needs no animals, farmland, or fertiliser.
Food Brewer (#60 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Produces both cocoa-free chocolate alternatives and cell-cultivated real cocoa, offering two sustainable routes into the chocolate supply chain.
Biovit (#153 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Produces sustainable, nutritious food ingredients through precision fermentation.
Leaft Foods (#169 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Extracts Rubisco — the most abundant protein on Earth — from green leaves at commercial scale, with 97% lower carbon emissions than whey.
BioRaptor (#179 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-driven platform accelerating fermentation bioprocess development and optimisation for food and biotech companies.
Terra Bioindustries (#292 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops biological products for soil health and crop performance, supporting the transition to regenerative agriculture.
SMEY (#340 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Food and agriculture technology solutions focused on sustainable production and supply chain efficiency.
GENEXIS BIOTECH (#384 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops biotech-based food ingredients and functional proteins using proprietary fermentation and synthesis platforms.
Izote Biosciences (#392 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops bioactive ingredients from agave and other endemic Mexican plants for food, nutrition, and wellness applications.
Dapibuset (#410 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | On-site biomanufacturing technology transforming food production side streams into high-value protein ingredients via solid-state fermentation.
Kosmode Health (#411 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops food as medicine solutions using food waste upcycling — including high-protein, low-GI noodles from spent peanut meal.
Vexxel (#452 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops smart biodegradable protein nanocapsules with biosensors that deliver active compounds only when plants need them.
Biovit Technologies (#481 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Produces bioactive ingredients and functional food components through proprietary fermentation and biotechnology platforms.
Naplasol (#493 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops mycelium-based solutions for food applications, using fungal biotechnology to create sustainable ingredients.
Vital Technologies (#496 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Biotech company developing precision fermentation and synthetic biology solutions for sustainable food ingredient production.
Catering/Office services & Vending machines (1 company)
Freshtaste (#240 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Corporate food service and catering platform delivering fresh, healthy meals to workplaces in Germany.
Cellular Agriculture (9 companies)
Mosa Meat (#21 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Pioneer of cultivated beef, moving from landmark research toward commercial-scale production.
Kokomodo (#334 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Grows real cacao from cells using cellular agriculture, working with 14 distinct cacao strains for a deforestation-free supply.
Myowork (#346 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Cultivated meat company developing scalable cell culture platforms for alternative protein production in India.
Space F (#386 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Specializes in cultured meat research and development by utilizing sustainable, eco-friendly cell agriculture technology.
Novel Farms (#389 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Produces sterile cultivated chicken through cell culture for veterinary and human therapeutic nutrition applications.
MyriaMeat (#488 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops cultivated meat technology with a focus on scalable cell culture platforms for sustainable protein production.
Biokraft Foods (#490 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops cultivated meat and cellular agriculture products using proprietary cell culture technologies.
Fishway (#497 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Dedicated to developing cultivated fish as a sustainable, high-quality ingredient for food and nutrition markets.
Coffeesai (#499 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses cellular agriculture and biotech approaches to produce sustainable coffee and coffee-derived compounds.
Commercial Robotics & Hardware (1 company)
TechMagic (#82 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Japanese robotics company developing automated cooking and food preparation systems for commercial kitchens.
Farm Management & Precision Farming (17 companies)
eAgronom (#25 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Farm management and carbon farming platform helping farmers in Central and Eastern Europe track inputs and generate verified carbon credits.
Koidra (#81 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-powered autonomous control systems for controlled environment agriculture, optimising greenhouse operations in real time.
Meridia (#115 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Digital land rights and smallholder data platform improving land tenure security and financial access for farmers in emerging markets.
UfarmX (#140 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Turns everyday farm data into credit scores for African smallholder farmers, unlocking collateral-free finance.
TrapView (#164 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Smart insect monitoring traps using image recognition and data analytics to support precision pest management in agriculture.
Innogando (#183 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Smart livestock monitoring devices providing real-time health, reproductive, and behavioural data for cattle farmers.
SOWIT (#211 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Satellite and AI-powered crop monitoring platform helping farmers and agribusinesses make data-driven decisions on the ground.
Space Ag (#213 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Applies satellite data and Earth observation technology to agricultural intelligence and supply chain monitoring.
Elzian Agro (#228 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Climate-smart precision agriculture solutions helping smallholder farmers optimise limited resources in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Agmatix (#260 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Agronomic data platform that standardises and analyses farm trial data to accelerate agronomic decision-making.
Lualtek (#324 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | IoT and automation platform for controlled environment agriculture, providing smart monitoring and control for indoor farms.
AtmoCooling (#344 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Precision cooling and controlled atmosphere technology to extend the shelf life of fresh produce during storage and transit.
GeXLab (#369 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Delivers integrated environmental measurement technology, combining ISO-accredited MIR spectrometry with advanced mapping and data management software.
Vermi-Farm Initiative (#408 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-powered Village-Bank-in-a-Box combining digital payments, climate loans, micro-insurance, and circular bio-fertilisers for smallholder farmers in Kenya.
AgroVAR (#416 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Precision agriculture platform providing data-driven insights and field management tools for Bulgarian farmers.
Galapp (#460 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Farm management and precision agriculture platform supporting smallholder farmers in Latin America with data-driven tools.
Cordon (#461 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Precision agriculture systems for vineyards and fruit farms, reducing pesticide and fertiliser use through targeted application.
Farm Robotics & Machinery (2 companies)
Pollen Patrollers (#225 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Women-led AgTech company using IoT smart hive devices and AI-powered precision pollination to support smallholder farmers in Africa.
Tensorfield Agriculture (#423 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-powered robotics that automate crop care, using superheated vegetable oil as a chemical-free alternative to herbicides.
Food Safety & Quality (6 companies)
Spore.Bio (#6 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Rapid pathogen detection platform cutting food safety testing time from days to hours.
RegulateCPG (#86 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Regulatory intelligence platform helping food and beverage companies navigate compliance across global markets.
Eja-Ice (#424 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Food safety technology using ice glazing and coating solutions to extend shelf life and maintain quality in seafood and protein products.
LayerLogic (#455 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Software platform for the vertical farming industry, optimizing production planning, logistics, and resource efficiency.
Shelfion (#464 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-powered software predicting product shelf life from recipes in minutes using patent-pending test kits — replacing months of traditional testing.
Microfy Systems (#484 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Democratises AI-powered automated microscopy for food and agriculture, enabling quality control analysis without specialist lab staff.
Food Waste Tech & Food Sharing Platforms (6 companies)
Metafoodx (#137 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-powered platform that helps restaurants, cafeterias, and food service providers detect food at risk of spoilage before it becomes waste.
Kikleo (#238 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-powered food waste tracking and analytics platform for commercial kitchens and food service operators.
EatCloud (#300 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Digital platform connecting food surplus from retailers and producers to social organisations, reducing food waste and fighting hunger.
Agreenet (#363 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Italian platform connecting food surplus from producers and retailers to charities and social organisations to reduce food waste.
LightBlue (#468 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Sustainability consulting and data services helping food and agriculture companies measure and reduce their environmental footprint.
Knead Technologies (#482 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | All-in-one logistics platform for food rescue organisations, using AI-driven matching and real-time optimisation to recover more surplus food.
Functional Foods & Drinks (6 companies)
Fruggies (#262 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Creates healthy fruit and vegetable-based snacks for children, making nutritious eating more accessible and enjoyable.
Perfat (#309 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops precision fat ingredients using fermentation, targeting improved nutrition and texture in food products.
Cherico (#415 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Coffee alternative made from chicory root — a superfood-based drink for people reducing caffeine without giving up the ritual.
Lembas (#446 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops functional peptides for weight management, positioned as a natural GLP-1 compatible food ingredient.
Seven Summits Snacks (#448 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Science-backed functional chocolate snacks combining precision nutrition with premium ingredients for active lifestyles.
PulseON Foods (#467 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Patented clean-label ingredient from pulses that naturally stimulates GLP-1 responses, improving satiety and blood sugar control.
Insects Farming & Aquaculture (4 companies)
Oceanloop (#226 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops seaweed cultivation systems and ocean-based circular economy solutions for sustainable food and biomaterials.
Oceanfarmr (#269 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Farm management software and data platform purpose-built for seaweed and marine aquaculture operations.
AQUIT (#437 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-driven biotechnology that enhances animal immunity and replaces antibiotics in fish and livestock farming.
Aquanzo (#480 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Transforms nutrient-rich liquid by-products from food and dairy industries into sustainable marine protein for aquafeed and pet food.
Meal Planning & Nutrition (1 company)
Gaston Ai (#471 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-powered meal planning and nutrition platform personalising food recommendations for consumers.
Meal Replacements & Supplements (2 companies)
MAHTA (#308 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Biotech company developing microbial solutions for sustainable agriculture and food system applications.
Future Biome (#491 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Creates potent prebiotic fibre ingredients via precision fermentation of mushroom strains, helping food brands improve gut health nutrition.
Novel Processing Techniques & Equipment (4 companies)
Wonnda (#227 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | B2B platform connecting food and beverage brands with contract manufacturers across Europe for product development and private label.
Rare Earth (#242 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops biological soil amendments and regenerative agriculture inputs to restore soil health and improve crop productivity.
AKA Foods (#270 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops novel food processing techniques and equipment for the alternative protein and functional food sectors.
HypeSound (#447 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses sound technology to transform fermentation processes and food production, improving efficiency and product quality.
Plant-based (11 companies)
microTERRA (#127 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Harnesses science to craft sustainable ingredients from lemna (duckweed) that elevate flavour and texture in food products.
Omni Pet (#196 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops plant-based pet food with complete nutrition, bringing alternative protein innovation to the pet food category.
Bluana (#206 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Produces shelf-stable, plant-based sashimi alternatives using patented HMHNI technology — 12-month ambient shelf life, no cold chain required.
Those Vegan Cowboys (#287 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses precision fermentation to produce real casein proteins — the building blocks of dairy cheese — without cows.
Mikuna (#304 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Produces chocho (Andean lupin) protein, a complete plant protein with a strong amino acid profile and a regenerative agricultural footprint.
BORN MAVERICK (#368 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | UK plant-based food brand developing protein-forward meat alternatives for mainstream retail.
Rebl Eats (#400 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Food delivery and meal service focused on sustainable, nutritious eating accessible to everyday consumers.
Monkeys by the Sea (#456 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops plant-based seafood alternatives using seaweed and marine-derived ingredients.
New Protein Global (#463 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Produces alternative proteins from novel, sustainable sources for the food and feed industries.
Goodoo (#478 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Dutch plant-based food company developing sustainable meat alternatives for European retail and food service.
Koppie (#494 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops sustainable, circular food products using upcycled agricultural by-products and local raw materials.
Protein fermentation (7 companies)
MycoTechnology (#3 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses mushroom mycelium fermentation to improve the flavour, nutrition, and functionality of plant proteins for food manufacturers.
Vivici (#49 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Produces whey protein identical to bovine-derived whey via precision fermentation — without the cow.
NeoCarbons (#434 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Produces alternative proteins and bioactive chemicals from microalgae using a patented photobioreactor system.
Farmless (#436 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses gas fermentation — converting CO₂ and hydrogen — to produce protein with no agricultural land, crops, or sunlight required.
Xylome (#477 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses yeast fermentation of agricultural residues to produce sustainable oils, fats, and lipid ingredients.
Liven (#485 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Uses precision fermentation to create sustainable, bioactive collagen ingredients that transform everyday foods into health solutions.
MAASH (#495 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Plant-based food company developing innovative products using locally sourced sustainable ingredients.
Restaurant Operations Management & POS Systems (2 companies)
Blend (#118 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Restaurant operations platform streamlining order management, payments, and back-of-house workflows.
Gaia Software (#310 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI platform streamlining back-of-house operations for school cafeterias, helping deliver healthier meals and reduce food waste.
Retail Tech (2 companies)
Tuidi (#220 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-powered platform for agricultural data management and decision support across farm operations.
FoodFacts (#435 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-powered platform turning complex health and sustainability data into actionable insights for food companies and retailers.
Supply Chain Monitoring & Traceability (4 companies)
Starfish (#333 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Data-driven platform connecting food producers with buyers and enabling transparent, traceable supply chains.
Myneral Labs (#339 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Produces mineral-rich, bioavailable ingredients from natural sources for functional food and supplement applications.
Smart Food Safe (#390 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Digital food safety compliance and traceability platform for food businesses managing quality and regulatory requirements.
Index Biosystems (#433 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | High-throughput screening platform accelerating the discovery and development of biological solutions for agriculture.
Sustainable Packaging & Plastic Alternatives (3 companies)
Yangi (#107 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Dry-forming technology producing rigid fibre-based food packaging without process water, cutting CO₂ by 70%+ versus plastic.
Scindo (#236 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Cell-free enzymatic platform transforming renewable and upcycled feedstocks into high-value food and nutraceutical ingredients.
EcoBean (#372 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Polish company producing biodegradable packaging and materials from coffee grounds and other agricultural by-products.
Upcycled Ingredients, Food Surplus & Waste Efficiency (13 companies)
ChainCraft (#121 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Converts food and organic waste into bio-based medium-chain fatty acids through fermentation, replacing fossil-derived alternatives.
Nortian (#152 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops bioactive coatings that extend the shelf life of fresh produce without chemicals.
Climate Candy (#161 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Rescues imperfect fruits and vegetables destined for waste and transforms them into FAVES fruit chews.
Endless Food Co. (#170 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Copenhagen-based company producing sustainable food ingredients from underutilised local crop streams.
Ecorich Solutions (#245 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | AI-powered, solar-powered WasteBot converts urban organic waste into organic fertiliser in 24 hours, reaching 10,000+ Kenyan farmers.
Maltivor (#278 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Upcycles cereal co-products from brewing and distilling into functional, healthy food ingredients.
Global Cerah (#328 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Converts agricultural waste into alternative livestock feeds and fertilisers, supporting circular food production in Southeast Asia.
Upgrain (#354 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Upcycles cereal bran and by-products from milling into high-fibre, sustainable food ingredients for the food industry.
Greentech Innovators (#364 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Converts food system waste into nutrient-rich growth media for microalgae, bacteria, and fungi — enabling circular fermentation inputs.
Caffe Inc. (#366 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Upcycles spent coffee grounds into certified food-grade ingredients, oils, and biomaterials from their Amsterdam facility.
Livoo Foods (#370 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops fermentation-based plant-based food ingredients and consumer products.
Ehfaaz (#381 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | UAE-based platform connecting food surplus from hotels, restaurants, and retailers to beneficiaries, reducing food waste in the Gulf.
Gaia Tech (#409 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Converts agricultural waste into bio-based circular inputs, supporting regenerative food system transitions.
Vertical & Indoor Farming (9 companies)
Agroz (#35 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Vertical farming company growing fresh produce year-round in controlled indoor environments.
Square Mile Farms (#110 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Installs and manages modular vertical farms inside workplaces, growing fresh produce and herbs where people work.
Area 2 Farms (#111 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Designs, builds, and operates a national network of local, organic, soil-based vertical farms close to the communities they serve.
Agtira (#135 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Develops and operates high-tech, sustainable farming systems year-round in collaboration with food industry partners.
Voltiris (#219 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Spectral solar panels that filter specific light wavelengths to optimise plant growth in greenhouses while generating energy.
Raiz (#286 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Designs and builds intelligent modular indoor farms for restaurants, hotels, and real estate spaces.
4D Bios (#296 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Vertical farming company combining advanced growing systems with data intelligence to optimise indoor crop production.
Green City Farming (#438 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Provides hardware and software for next-generation indoor farmers, combining growing systems with data-driven crop management.
SpawnX (#500 in the 2025 FoodTech 500) | Builds turnkey, fully automated mushroom farm systems with proprietary substrate, climate control, and ERP software.
The full 2025 FoodTech 500 ranking is available at forwardfooding.com/foodtech500.
Forward Fooding is the world’s first collaborative platform for the Food & Beverage industry via FoodTech Data Intelligence and Corporate-Startup Collaboration – Learn more about our Consultancy and Scouting Services and our Startup Network.
