This year, Foodtech Forum introduces Open Table Discussions – a new interactive format designed to bring together foodtech lovers and experts in curated roundtable conversations. 

The discussions will explore some of the most pressing questions facing the future food system, from circular economy and regenerative business models to AI, deeptech and foodtech investment. 

A seat at the table 

Each session brings together a small group of participants around a table led by an experienced moderator. The goal is not only to exchange ideas, but to challenge perspectives, identify opportunities and create new connections across the food system. 

Whether you’re building a startup, investing in innovation, conducting research or driving change within an established organisation, this is your opportunity to contribute to the conversation. 
 
Every session lasts 45 minutes and begins with a short introduction from the moderator before opening up to participants.  

Meet the moderators and themes 

Elena Walden, Good Food Institute Europe 

Mimicry, Blends or Back to Beans: What’s Next for Plant-Based in the Nordics? 

What role will plant-based and hybrid foods play in the future food system?

Sara Maxence & Erika Hombert, Regenerator 

Regenerative Business Models in a Regenerative Food System 

What does it mean for my role, and where does it lead me?

Emma Dalväg, Unwasted 

Circular Economy – How Do We Secure Resources in Uncertain Times? 

How can circular solutions contribute to more resilient food systems in a time of uncertainty? 

Marilyn Rayner, the Green Dairy  

Start-up to Scale-up – Discussing challenges and opportunities in scaling innovative food products and processes 

The practical realities of scaling next-generation food innovations. How to take promising prototypes from concept to scalable, competitive products? 

Måns Ullerstam, Kale United 

Harvesting Intelligence: Boosting Agrifood Performance with AI 

How can AI drive efficiency, innovation and sustainability across agriculture and food production? 

Louise Rørbæk Heiberg, Nordic FoodTech VC 

Can Europe Build the Next Food Giants? 

Europe has the talent and innovation capacity to lead the transformation of the global food system. But what will it take to build the next generation of market leaders? 

Secure your place at Foodtech Forum 

Participation in Open Table Discussions is exclusive to registered Foodtech Forum attendees. 

Seats at each table are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis when registration for the discussions opens in August. Subject to availability, a limited number of drop-in seats may also be offered on the day. 

Want a seat at the table? 

Register for Foodtech Forum today and be first in line when Open Table Discussions open for booking.

On June 11, as part of Sustainable Gastronomy Week, Foodtech Innovation Network, Malmö Food Council, and ALMI hosted From Seed to System in Malmö. The event brought together food innovators, primary producers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and ecosystem actors for an evening of dialogue about the future of sustainable food systems. 

Connecting the Entire Food Chain 

The purpose of the event was to create a meeting place where stakeholders from across the food value chain could connect, exchange perspectives, and explore how innovation can contribute to more resilient and sustainable food systems. 

The evening began with a screening of Kriget om fröerna (The War on Seeds), a documentary highlighting the importance of seeds, biodiversity, and food sovereignty. The film provided a common starting point for discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing the food system today. 

From Innovation to System Transformation 

Following the screening, participants gathered around discussions focused on sustainability, seed technology, and food innovation. The conversations quickly expanded beyond individual topics and evolved into broader exchanges about the connections between primary production, technology, entrepreneurship, and consumer needs. 

What stood out throughout the evening was the high level of engagement. Participants were eager to continue the conversations, and a planned structur naturally transitioned into an extended networking session where ideas, experiences, and perspectives were shared across sectors. 

The event created a rare opportunity to have representatives from almost the entire food chain in one room from seed and primary production to food innovation and market applications. 

Key Takeaways 

• Stronger connections are needed between innovators and primary producers 

• Food system challenges require collaboration across sectors and disciplines 

• Innovation must be viewed within the context of the entire value chain 

• Dialogue creates new opportunities for partnerships and knowledge exchange 

• There is a growing interest in building more resilient and sustainable food systems 

A Platform for Collaboration 

As Foodtech Innovation Network highlights, creating a sustainable food future requires action across the entire system. By bringing together actors from across the value chain, the event helped strengthen the relationships and conversations needed to drive that transformation forward. 

Together, we create the food system of the future, today. If you would like to take part in this and other events, you can read more about membership here: https://foodtechinnovationnetwork.com/join-us/   

We’re excited to announce that Alessio D’Antino, Founder and CEO of Forward Fooding, will join Foodtech Forum 2026 as keynote speaker. 

As one of the leading voices in the global FoodTech ecosystem, Alessio works with startups, investors, food companies and innovation organisations around the world to identify emerging trends and opportunities shaping the future of food. 

At Foodtech Forum, he will share insights from the global FoodTech landscape, including startup activity, investment trends, breakthrough technologies and the collaborations driving innovation across the food system. 

The session will also explore the Nordic AgriFoodTech ecosystem and discuss how the region can build on its strengths to create a more sustainable and competitive food system. 

– We are thrilled to welcome Alessio to Foodtech Forum. His global perspective and deep understanding of the FoodTech ecosystem will bring valuable insights to everyone interested in the future of food, says Eva Jilkén, Project Manager at Foodtech Innovation Network. 

Foodtech Forum takes place on September 15 in Malmö and brings together startups, food companies, investors, researchers and public actors from across the food system.  
 
Participation in free but seats are limited. Secure your ticket today!  
https://foodtech-forum-2026.confetti.events/ 

At this year’s Foodtech Forum, Foodtech Innovation Network launches Reverse Pitch, a new matchmaking format where leading actors from grocery retail, foodservice and distribution present their needs directly to foodtech companies and entrepreneurs. 

Instead of startups competing for attention, market actors take the stage to share the challenges, priorities and innovation areas they are actively looking to solve. 

The ambition: create faster pathways between innovation and market implementation. 

– Reverse Pitch is designed to create more concrete business dialogues between established market actors and innovative foodtech companies. We want to shorten the distance between need and solution while creating a clear way to market for companies within the Foodtech Innovation Network, says Eva Jilkén, Project Manager at Foodtech Innovation Network. 

Among the confirmed participants are ICA Växa, Reitan Convenience Sweden (franchisor for Pressbyrån and 7-Eleven), Martin & Servera and Mylla. The participating organisations represent different parts of the food value chain, but share a common ambition: to identify new solutions and create pathways to market for promising foodtech innovations. 

ICA Växa is looking for solutions that combine nutrition, functionality and enjoyment, with a particular interest in concepts that can support healthier and more sustainable eating habits. Reitan Convenience Sweden sees Reverse Pitch as an opportunity to discover new products for its innovation platform Pressbyrån PBX, while Mylla is interested in solutions that can help innovative food companies and local producers reach consumers more efficiently. 

–  We participate in Reverse Pitch at Foodtech Forum to meet innovative companies that want to help shape the next generation of healthy snacks and meals. What we look forward to most are concrete collaborations where we can test, pilot and scale new ideas that make it easier for consumers to make smarter food choices in everyday life, says Sofia Steinwall, Head of ICA Växa – Future Food Systems at ICA Sweden. 

The format also gives participants insight into how large actors work with pilots, onboarding, partnerships and commercialisation. 

Following the presentations, selected companies from the Foodtech Innovation Network community will participate in structured matchmaking sessions focused on pilot opportunities, collaborations and commercial dialogue. Participation in Reverse Pitch is exclusive to companies exhibiting at Foodtech Forum. 

A platform connecting innovation and market 

Reverse Pitch is part of Foodtech Forum 2026, one of the Nordic region’s meeting places for foodtech, sustainable food systems and food innovation. 

Foodtech Forum brings together entrepreneurs, food companies, investors, public actors and innovation environments to explore how collaboration and innovation can accelerate the future food system. 

Alongside the exhibition, visitors can expect keynote sessions, networking, tastings, roundtable discussions and business-focused matchmaking throughout the day. 

Foodtech Forum takes place on 15 September 2026 at Slagthuset in Malmö. 

Seats are limited, secure your place today.

About Foodtech Innovation Network 

Foodtech Innovation Network is a Nordic innovation network bringing together more than 140 foodtech and food innovation companies working to shape the future food system. 

The network connects entrepreneurs, industry, academia and public actors to accelerate innovation, collaboration and commercialization within foodtech. 

Foodtech Innovation Network is also the organiser behind Foodtech Forum, one of the Nordic region’s meeting places for foodtech, sustainable food systems and food innovation.

The first ten exhibiting companies for Foodtech Forum are now released, bringing together a new generation of innovators shaping the future of food through technology, sustainability and scalable business models. 

The selected companies represent a broad spectrum of foodtech innovation, from regenerative agriculture and circular systems to precision fermentation, functional beverages and next-generation plant-based foods. Together, they highlight the growing diversity and ambition within the Scandinavian foodtech ecosystem. 

The first exhibitors announced for Foodtech Forum 2026

Must Energy 

Must Energy is introducing a new beverage category, Energimust, combining cold-pressed Swedish apple must with functional energy and clean-label production. Their approach reimagines energy drinks through natural ingredients, local sourcing and a more balanced energy experience. 

VivoProtect 

VivoProtect develops beneficial bacteria solutions designed to support regenerative, efficient and resilient food production. By harnessing biological processes, the company works to improve cultivation outcomes while reducing waste and strengthening long-term food security. 

Curve 

Curve develops modular production systems for precision fermentation and cell cultivation, helping bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial-scale biomanufacturing. Their technology enables scalable and cost-efficient production across food, health and sustainable materials. 

Clean Cravings Sweden 

Clean Cravings Sweden creates clean-label, plant-based foods made from sprouted and fermented ingredients without additives or preservatives. Their products combine convenience, nutrition and sustainability for the growing frozen plant-based market. 

Baked By Ammna AB 

Baked By Ammna is rethinking bakery production through a demand-driven model based on ready-to-bake frozen cookie dough. Their system helps cafés and retailers reduce waste while delivering fresher products and greater operational flexibility. 

Mossagården Eko AB 

Mossagården works with regenerative farming and circular food systems centred around organically grown hemp. By connecting soil health, biodiversity and product innovation, they demonstrate how food production can actively restore ecosystems while creating new sustainable products. 

Nothing F!SHY AB 

Nothing F!SHY develops plant-based seafood alternatives designed to replicate the taste, texture and culinary experience of traditional fish. Their products support the transition toward more sustainable protein systems without compromising on flavour or accessibility. 

Hummusson AB 

Hummusson is transforming food distribution by removing the need for refrigeration in hummus production. Through shelf-stable solutions and clean-label ingredients, the company reduces energy use, logistics costs and food waste while expanding access to nutritious food. 

Tempty Foods 

Tempty Foods develops flavour-driven food products based on mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Rather than imitating meat, the company focuses on creating nutritious and sustainable foods with strong taste, texture and scalability potential. 

Trinitek Group 

Trinitek Group is building circular infrastructure systems that redirect underutilised agricultural and food-system materials into new value streams before they become waste. Their platform strengthens both resource efficiency and circularity across the agrifood sector. 

Showcasing the future of food 

Foodtech Forum brings together startups, scaleups, industry leaders, buyers, investors, researchers and public-sector actors to explore the technologies and collaborations shaping the future food system. 

Additional exhibiting companies and programme updates will be announced continuously in the lead-up to the event. 

The exhibitors will showcase their innovations live during Foodtech Forum in Malmö on September 15. 

Want to exhibit? 

A few exhibiting opportunities are still available for Foodtech Forum 2026, but places are limited. Are you a member of the Foodtech Innovation Network and interested in exhibiting? Contact miriam.kiehn@skane.se. If you are not a member but would like to exhibit, apply for a free membership here via our website.

The Foodtech Company of the Year Award returns to Foodtech Forum 2026, celebrating innovative companies with the potential to shape the future of food through technology, sustainability and scalable business models. 

Presented annually by Foodtech Innovation Network, the award recognises exhibiting member companies that demonstrate strong entrepreneurial drive, technical innovation and the ability to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system. 

Previous winners include Dapibuset, awarded Company of the Year in 2025 for its modular biomanufacturing platform transforming agricultural side streams into scalable, low-emission protein production solutions, as well as Diapure, recognised for its innovative contribution to the future of sustainable food production. 

The award is open exclusively to member companies within Foodtech Innovation Network exhibiting at Foodtech Forum 2026. 

 
Recognising Innovation and Supporting What Comes Next 

In addition to the award itself, the winning company will receive strategic business support from award partners AFRY and KIND, including expertise within business development, branding and communication to support the company’s next stage of growth. 

Together, the partners contribute to the largest prize package in the history of the Foodtech Company of the Year Award, with strategic support and expertise corresponding to a combined value of 100,000 SEK. 

Evaluating the future of food 

This year’s jury brings together expertise from across foodtech, investment, branding and sustainability to evaluate exhibiting companies with the potential to shape the future of food. The assessment is based on criteria including innovation, sustainability impact, scalability, consumer value and transformational potential. 

AFRY continues its engagement as returning sponsor and jury partner of the award, while KIND joins this year as award partner and chair of the jury. 

The jury is led by Sanna von Gertten, Director at KIND, and includes Katrin Hedvall, Vice President and Head of Food Sweden at AFRY, Bodil Sidén, General Partner at Kost Capital, Daniel Skavén Ruben, Project Manager Invest Promotion AgriFood at Business Sweden and Fanny Sturén, project leader focused on sustainable food systems. 

The winner will be announced live during Foodtech Forum in Malmö on September 15.