Bühler and Icos support food and biotech startups

(CONNECT) The Bühler Group and the Amsterdam-based climate-tech venture capital fund Icos Capital together hosted the Collaborative Summit at Bühler’s CUBIC Innovation Campus in Uzwil in the canton of St.Gallen on 1 and 2 April. According to a statement, 35 scale-ups and 40 industry partners, venture capital firms and governmental institutions participated. “We are proud to contribute to strengthening this collaborative venture approach that accelerates meaningful innovation at scale,” said Ian Roberts, Chief Technology Officer at Bühler.

The focus was on the challenge of scaling up for startups. These include access to capital, long development cycles in biotechnology and adapting to market needs. “Biotech takes time to ramp up, especially compared to other industries. That is why it is important to move quickly where possible, have a plan B and C,” explained Jeroen van Rotterdam, co-founder and CEO of the Dutch foam manufacturer Foamlab in Delft.

Participants also discussed structural shifts shaping the food system. Specifically mentioned was the growing influence of GLP-1-type treatments on consumption patterns, the nutritional needs of an aging population and the growing attention on ultra-processed foods. “These shifts are redefining how we think about food,” said Roberts.

The importance of collaborations between startups and established companies was also highlighted. These partnerships provide access to infrastructure and markets and can accelerate the implementation of new solutions. The use of artificial intelligence can also optimize processes and support decision-making. However, it was noted that realizing this potential requires access to high-quality data and targeted investments.

The summit took place for the 17th time and was held at CUBIC for the fourth time. ce/as