Zurich's Food Founders Studio Fuels Next-Gen Plant-Based Innovation
September 9, 2025, 3:39 pm
FOOD FOUNDERS Studio, a new Swiss venture builder, recently secured CHF 1.2 million in seed funding. This capital fuels Europe's first dedicated studio focused on commercializing deep food tech emerging from university research. Its inaugural venture directly tackles a critical barrier: improving the taste of plant-based proteins by eliminating off-flavors. The studio actively bridges the gap between academic innovation and market readiness. It aims to transform breakthrough science into scalable, impactful solutions for a healthier, more sustainable global food system.
A new force emerges in the European food technology landscape. FOOD FOUNDERS Studio, based in Zurich, Switzerland, officially launched. It secured CHF 1.2 million in its initial funding round. This capital underpins its ambitious mission. The studio aims to revolutionize how food innovations move from lab to market.
This venture studio is unique. It stands as Europe's first solely dedicated to commercializing deep food tech research. Specifically, it targets groundbreaking discoveries from European universities. Many promising innovations often languish in academic settings. They fail to achieve market adoption. FOOD FOUNDERS Studio exists to bridge this critical gap.
The problem is significant. Europe generates incredible food research. Yet, most of it remains trapped. Traditional technology transfer mechanisms often prove ineffective. Only a tiny fraction of commercialized academic research involves food. Experts point to challenges in funding and support for food technology ventures. This studio directly addresses these systemic issues.
The FOOD FOUNDERS Studio model is hands-on. It focuses on de-risking early-stage food tech innovation. The team deeply engages with researchers and founders. They validate market needs before product development. This careful approach minimizes failure rates. It ensures viable solutions reach consumers.
The studio operates with a focused strategy. It does not play a numbers game. Instead, it builds one startup per year. This dedication ensures each venture receives full attention. Resources are precisely allocated. This intensive model fosters success. It drives impactful market entry.
Its first venture tackles a major industry hurdle. Plant-based foods face challenges. "Off-flavors" in legumes are a primary concern. Peas, fava beans, and chickpeas often carry undesirable tastes. This barrier hinders mass adoption of plant-based products. Improving taste is paramount for consumer acceptance.
The proprietary technology deployed by this venture offers a solution. It significantly enhances taste profiles. Simultaneously, it reduces recipe costs. The technology is highly scalable. It presents no regulatory barriers. This makes it a powerful tool for the plant-based sector. It transforms ingredients for broader appeal.
The studio’s founding team brings extensive experience. Giacomo Cattaneo serves as a founder. Alexandre Morel is a co-founder. Both possess strong backgrounds in sustainable food production. They have launched successful startups and spin-offs. Investment Director Robert Boer previously worked for Food-VC Blue Horizon. This collective expertise drives the studio’s strategic direction.
An experienced CEO will soon lead the first venture. Additional advisory board members are also pending announcement. This seasoned leadership team will guide the startup. They will navigate the complex journey from concept to market. Strong leadership is vital for rapid growth.
FOOD FOUNDERS Studio aims to build an ecosystem. It connects scientists with novel food technologies. It attracts exceptional founders. It partners with strategic industry players. This collaborative network fosters shared innovation. It shapes the future of the food industry.
The studio's vision extends globally. The innovations developed are not limited to Europe. They are designed for worldwide impact. A healthier, more sustainable food system is the ultimate goal. This ambitious vision fuels every venture. It drives the studio's operational strategy.
Further funding rounds are planned. This additional capital will support future ventures. It will allow the studio to expand its impact. It seeks to solidify its position as a leader in food tech investment. Continuous growth is key to achieving its long-term objectives.
Ultimately, FOOD FOUNDERS Studio seeks transformative change. It empowers scientific breakthroughs. It delivers them to a hungry market. It addresses environmental and health imperatives. This studio represents a vital step forward. It builds a more resilient and sustainable global food system.
A new force emerges in the European food technology landscape. FOOD FOUNDERS Studio, based in Zurich, Switzerland, officially launched. It secured CHF 1.2 million in its initial funding round. This capital underpins its ambitious mission. The studio aims to revolutionize how food innovations move from lab to market.
This venture studio is unique. It stands as Europe's first solely dedicated to commercializing deep food tech research. Specifically, it targets groundbreaking discoveries from European universities. Many promising innovations often languish in academic settings. They fail to achieve market adoption. FOOD FOUNDERS Studio exists to bridge this critical gap.
The problem is significant. Europe generates incredible food research. Yet, most of it remains trapped. Traditional technology transfer mechanisms often prove ineffective. Only a tiny fraction of commercialized academic research involves food. Experts point to challenges in funding and support for food technology ventures. This studio directly addresses these systemic issues.
The FOOD FOUNDERS Studio model is hands-on. It focuses on de-risking early-stage food tech innovation. The team deeply engages with researchers and founders. They validate market needs before product development. This careful approach minimizes failure rates. It ensures viable solutions reach consumers.
The studio operates with a focused strategy. It does not play a numbers game. Instead, it builds one startup per year. This dedication ensures each venture receives full attention. Resources are precisely allocated. This intensive model fosters success. It drives impactful market entry.
Its first venture tackles a major industry hurdle. Plant-based foods face challenges. "Off-flavors" in legumes are a primary concern. Peas, fava beans, and chickpeas often carry undesirable tastes. This barrier hinders mass adoption of plant-based products. Improving taste is paramount for consumer acceptance.
The proprietary technology deployed by this venture offers a solution. It significantly enhances taste profiles. Simultaneously, it reduces recipe costs. The technology is highly scalable. It presents no regulatory barriers. This makes it a powerful tool for the plant-based sector. It transforms ingredients for broader appeal.
The studio’s founding team brings extensive experience. Giacomo Cattaneo serves as a founder. Alexandre Morel is a co-founder. Both possess strong backgrounds in sustainable food production. They have launched successful startups and spin-offs. Investment Director Robert Boer previously worked for Food-VC Blue Horizon. This collective expertise drives the studio’s strategic direction.
An experienced CEO will soon lead the first venture. Additional advisory board members are also pending announcement. This seasoned leadership team will guide the startup. They will navigate the complex journey from concept to market. Strong leadership is vital for rapid growth.
FOOD FOUNDERS Studio aims to build an ecosystem. It connects scientists with novel food technologies. It attracts exceptional founders. It partners with strategic industry players. This collaborative network fosters shared innovation. It shapes the future of the food industry.
The studio's vision extends globally. The innovations developed are not limited to Europe. They are designed for worldwide impact. A healthier, more sustainable food system is the ultimate goal. This ambitious vision fuels every venture. It drives the studio's operational strategy.
Further funding rounds are planned. This additional capital will support future ventures. It will allow the studio to expand its impact. It seeks to solidify its position as a leader in food tech investment. Continuous growth is key to achieving its long-term objectives.
Ultimately, FOOD FOUNDERS Studio seeks transformative change. It empowers scientific breakthroughs. It delivers them to a hungry market. It addresses environmental and health imperatives. This studio represents a vital step forward. It builds a more resilient and sustainable global food system.