Accelerate in the Netherlands: functional ingredients

Does your startup, scale-up or SME develop innovative functional ingredients and need the right partners to scale in Europe? The Netherlands’ food innovation ecosystem, home to global food giants and cutting-edge R&D facilities, is actively seeking solutions like yours.  

The program seeks scale-ups and SMEs developing innovative functional ingredients that help food manufacturers create healthier and more sustainable products, including:

• Sugar reduction technologies: natural sweetening solutions and sugar replacement systems
• Salt reduction technologies: flavor enhancement and sodium alternatives
• Fiber & prebiotic enhancers: digestive health and gut microbiome support ingredients
• Protein enhancement ingredients: plant-based proteins, protein optimization, and bioavailability enhancers
• Clean-label binders & emulsifiers: natural replacements for synthetic additives and E-numbers

How does it work? 

Your Application – by March 2, 2026 at 17:00 CET

Submit your pitch document by March 2, 2026 at 17:00 CET. Industry experts from Invest in Holland will review all applications after the deadline and extend invitations to companies that can benefit from our Dutch network connections.

Online Matchmaking Event – April 14, 2026

Selected companies join our exclusive online matchmaking day where you’ll have 1-on-1 strategy meetings with pre-selected partners. Based on your specific needs and goals, you’ll typically have 2-3 targeted conversations with relevant Dutch food companies, R&D facilities or universities who match your requirements.

(Optional) Live Follow-up – May 19-21, 2026

For companies where strong mutual interest emerges from the online matchmaking, we invite you to an exclusive in-person follow-up in the Netherlands. The program includes R&D and scale-up facility visits, a Meet the Investor session, face-to-face meetings with matched partners, a session on Dutch incentives and subsidies and discount for the F&A Next conference (May 20–21). It is designed to turn promising online conversations into concrete partnerships and growth opportunities.

For more info & contact click here.

Source: accelerate.investinholland.com