Winners of Nestle Competition Announced

Nestlé Health Science, a global leader in nutrition health and wellness, and the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, through the Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute, are pleased to announce the winners of the Nestlé Health Science Innovate Forward Longevity Challenge, a joint initiative created to accelerate innovation in nutrition and support the acceleration of new ventures. Following an open call for applications and a rigorous evaluation process, Keto Kind and Superfrau emerged as the challenge winners. These exceptional ventures have demonstrated extraordinary potential in advancing science and generating new solutions in food and nutrition. Rania Abou Samra, Global Head of Technology and Product Development at Nestlé Health Science, said, "We are delighted to congratulate Keto Kind and Superfrau as the winners of our challenge. Their innovative approach and commitment to enhancing individuals' health and wellness align perfectly with our mission at Nestlé Health Science. We are excited to collaborate with them and explore groundbreaking nutrition solutions as they continue to grow and succeed." As challenge winners, Keto Kind and Superfrau will receive in-depth mentoring, strategic guidance, and technical support from experts at Nestlé Health Science and Tufts University. Both winners will also gain one year of membership on the Institute's Food and Nutrition Innovation Council and access to its network. Katie Stebbins, Executive Director of the Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute at the Friedman School, said, "We are excited to welcome Keto Kind and Superfrau to the Innovation Council for the coming year and to support their mission of developing groundbreaking nutrition innovations. This challenge was created to encourage new ventures with the potential to create a positive impact on global health, and we believe both of these winners embody the core spirit and values of this Innovation Challenge." The challenge jury panel consisted of respected scientists and nutrition experts who brought comprehensive expertise to the evaluation process. Tufts University was represented by two distinguished faculty members, including Dr. Simin Meydani and Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg, recognized for their pioneering research at the intersection of aging, immunity, and nutrition. Nestlé Health Science's jury included numerous senior research and development experts, including Rania Abou Samra, Global Head of Technology and Product Development, who brings more than 20 years of experience in nutrition, science, and food technology. The panelists' collective insights and knowledge played a crucial role in the selection of innovative solutions.

Keto Kind: Science-Backed, Plant-Based Nutritional Shake

Keto Kind is a nutrition beverage specifically formulated to support individuals managing carbohydrate intake with ketogenic diets, providing essential nutrients in alignment with ketosis principles. In developing Keto Kind, the aim was to deliver a science-backed, plant-based nutrition beverage that individuals with specific nutritional goals and those following a ketogenic diet could use. Mauricio Moel, co-founder of Keto Kind, shared his pleasure at being selected as a winner in the startup challenge. Moel stated, "With the invaluable support and mentoring from experts at Nestlé Health Science and Tufts University, we look forward to further developing and expanding Keto Kind. Our objective is to contribute to the advancement of ketogenic nutrition innovation and create a positive impact on the lives of individuals who want to support their health."

Superfrau: A Functional and Sustainable Beverage

Superfrau is a sparkling functional beverage that uses recycled whey to create a drink offering protein, B vitamins, and electrolytes. The recycled whey used in Superfrau is obtained from yogurt production, which would typically be discarded or used as raw material. Melissa Martinelli, visionary founder of Superfrau, expressed her excitement following the challenge victory. Martinelli stated, "This achievement represents a significant milestone for Superfrau. With the invaluable guidance and expertise of Nestlé Health Science and Tufts University, we are eager to expand our impact and deliver a pleasant and nutritious beverage to consumers while enabling them to make informed food choices about health and helping reduce waste." Source