Nexture opens 2026 startup call across five food-ingredient domains

At a Glance

Nexture, an Italian holding company specializing in food ingredients, has launched its 2026 Generate Open Call for Startups, accepting applications from March 16 through May 4, 2026. The program targets food-tech and ingredient-tech companies working in five strategic domains: bakery evolution, oils and texturization, alternative carbohydrates and proteins, nutrition solutions, and future-proofing ingredients. Selected startups will receive 12–18 months of support, including access to R&D facilities, commercial guidance, and industrial scale-up through Nexture's network of subsidiary brands.

Key Details

• The five focus areas include advanced bakery enzymes and gluten technologies, palm oil replacement and lipid structuring, fiber enrichment and sugar reduction, metabolic health and microbiome-targeted ingredients, and cocoa replacements and natural preservative systems.
• Scouting and evaluation will again be conducted with URIKA Partners, a firm specializing in agri-food and climate strategy, venture building, and technology collaboration.
• Nexture's ecosystem encompasses CSM Ingredients, HIFOOD, Frulact, Vitalfood by Italcanditi, Comprital, and Prodotti Rubicone, operating across more than 120 countries with 24 production plants and 20 innovation centers.
• Previous Generate cohorts have included startups such as Green-On, Kokomodo, YEAP, PoLoPo, Ingrediome, and ImaginDairy.
• Nexture is headquartered in Milan and is indirectly held by an investment company affiliated with Investindustrial.

Top Quote

"The 2026 Open Call reflects the strategic areas where we see the strongest need for transformation – from healthier formulations and advanced functionality to resilient supply chains and sustainable fat solutions. We are looking for bold, science-driven startups ready to scale their impact together with us." — Emanuele Pizzigalli, Chief Innovation Officer at Nexture