Nestlé Health Science, a global leader in nutritional health and wellness, and the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, through its Food & Nutrition Innovation Institute, are pleased to announce the recipients of the Nestlé Health Science Innovate Forward: The Longevity Challenge.
This collaborative initiative was established to expedite innovation in nutrition and provide support for startup advancement.
After an open call for submissions and a thorough evaluation process, Keto Kind and Superfrau emerged as the winners of the startup challenge. These exceptional startups have showcased remarkable potential in advancing scientific knowledge and offering novel solutions in the realm of food and nutrition.
“We are delighted to congratulate Keto Kind and Superfrau as our challenge winners,” said Rania Abou Samra, Global Head of Technology and Product Development for Nestlé Health Science. “Their innovative approaches and dedication to improving the health and wellness of individuals align perfectly with our mission at Nestlé Health Science. As we support their continued growth and success, we are excited to collaborate and explore groundbreaking nutritional solutions.”
As winners of the challenge, Keto Kind and Superfrau will receive in-depth mentorship, strategy guidance, and technical support from experts at Nestlé Health Science and Tufts University. Additionally, both winners will also be awarded a one-year membership on the Institute’s Food & Nutrition Innovation Council with access to its network.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Keto Kind and Superfrau to the Innovation Council for the next year, and excited to support their missions in developing groundbreaking nutrition innovations,” emphasized Katie Stebbins, Executive Director of the Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute at the Friedman School.
“This competition was created to foster a pipeline of new ventures that have the potential to make a positive impact on global health, and we believe both these winners embody the foundational spirit and values of this Innovation Challenge.”
The judging panel for the competition comprised esteemed experts in science and nutrition, who brought their extensive knowledge to the assessment process. Tufts University was represented by two distinguished faculty members, Dr. Simin Meydani and Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg, renowned for their groundbreaking research at the intersection of aging, immunity, and nutrition.
Nestlé Health Science’s panel included several top R&D experts, among them Rania Abou Samra, Global Head of Technology and Product Development, boasting over 20 years of experience in nutrition, science, and food technology. The collective insights and expertise of the panelists were instrumental in ensuring the selection of innovative solutions.
Keto Kind: A Scientifically Supported, Plant-Based Nutritional Beverage
Keto Kind is a nutritional beverage specifically designed to assist individuals in managing their carbohydrate intake on a ketogenic diet, providing essential nutrients while adhering to the principles of ketosis. The creation of Keto Kind was motivated by the goal of offering a scientifically validated, plant-based nutritional beverage suitable for individuals with specific dietary objectives who follow a ketogenic regimen.
Mauricio Moel, co-founder of Keto Kind, shared his gratitude for being selected as a winner in the startup challenge. He stated, “With the invaluable support and mentorship of experts from Nestlé Health Science and Tufts University, we look forward to further developing and expanding Keto Kind. Our aim is to contribute to the advancement of ketogenic nutrition innovation and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals seeking to support their health.”
Superfrau: A Functional and Sustainable Beverage
Superfrau is a sparkling functional beverage that utilizes upcycled whey to create a drink offering protein, B-Vitamins and electrolytes. The upcycled whey used in Superfrau is sourced from yogurt production, which would typically be discarded or used as feedstock.
Melissa Martinelli, the visionary founder of Superfrau, expressed her excitement upon winning the challenge. She emphasized, “This achievement represents a remarkable milestone for Superfrau. With the invaluable guidance and expertise of Nestlé Health Science and Tufts University, we are eager to broaden our impact and offer consumers a delightful and nourishing beverage that empowers them to make health-conscious food choices while also helping reduce waste.”
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