Frontier Award 2027: Submission Phase Underway

Application deadline: 15 January 2027 – Finalists to pitch live at the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Convention on 21 and 22 April 2027 in Hamburg, Germany – Prize money of 10,000 euros per category DLG Frontier Food Systems Award

How does an innovative idea become a future-shaping solution for agrifood systems? The new DLG Frontier Food Systems Award offers start-ups and scale-ups the opportunity to showcase their technologies, products and business models on an international stage.

The DLG (German Agricultural Society), the organizer of the new award, is inviting innovative companies from the fields of FoodTech and Biotech, ingredients, food processing and manufacturing, packaging, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), alternative protein sources and novel foods, as well as related areas of innovation. The award recognizes solutions that open up new markets while making a measurable contribution to a sustainable, resilient and resource-efficient food supply.

Applications will be accepted until 15 January 2027.

Applications can be submitted at: DLG Frontier Food Systems Award - Inhouse Farming

www.inhouse-farming.com/de/feed-food-convention/award

Categories: Early Stage and Scale-ups

The DLG Frontier Food Systems Award will be presented in two categories: Early Stage and Scale-ups. The Early Stage category is aimed at startups that have been operating for less than five years and are still in the early stages of development. The Scale-up category is aimed at companies that have been established for five to ten years, offer market-ready solutions and have the potential for international growth.

Each category winner will receive a cash prize of 10,000 euros.

The online application requires company information, an elevator pitch, a description of the unique value proposition, and at least one sustainability metric.

“The way we produce food is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Around the world, new technologies, production systems and business models are emerging, often in garages, laboratories and small teams that are redefining the boundaries of what is possible. Those working on the food systems of the future today are solving the food challenges of tomorrow. The DLG Frontier Food Systems Award is our contribution to connecting these pioneers with industry, investors and DLG’s global network, while actively helping shape the next stage of their growth,” says Christopher Armstrong, Manager for Start-ups and Open Innovation at DLG.

International Expert Jury to Evaluate Innovation and Impact

 An independent international panel of experts will assess submissions based on four criteria:

• Innovation
• Competitive advantage
• Market and scaling potential
• Sustainability and impact

The evaluation will focus on factors such as the degree of novelty, technological quality, business model, market size, international growth opportunities, and the contribution to reducing resource use and emissions.

Live Pitches Before Industry Leaders and Investors

Nominated companies will be presenting their solutions in live pitches before an international professional audience.

rThe final round will take place on 21 and 22 April 2027 as part of the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Convention at the Inhouse Farming Convention in Hamburg.

In addition to prize money, the award offers international visibility, expert feedback and access to the DLG network. Finalists will have the opportunity to establish valuable contacts with partners and investors and gain momentum for cooperation projects and international market expansion.

Timeline of the DLG Frontier Food Systems Award

15 January 2027: Application deadline

March 2027: Announcement of nominated companies

21-22 April 2027: Live pitches and final at the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Convention in Hamburg

Further information and applications: DLG Frontier Food Systems Award - Inhouse Farming

Voices from the last Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Convention 2025

“MicroHarvest was delighted to be part of the first edition of the Inhouse Farming Convention, a format that plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue on sustainable food production and the future of proteins. We look forward to returning in 2027 as the industry continues its transition towards innovative, climate-resilient solutions.

We are excited to be building our first large-scale production facility in Leuna, backed by an investment in the mid-double-digit million-euro range. This investment enables us to scale our fermentation technology and contribute to a more resilient European protein supply. Thought leadership platforms such as the Inhouse Farming Convention are essential for maintaining momentum, encouraging collaboration and driving the changes needed for the health of both people and the planet. That is why we are pleased to continue being part of this journey.”

Jonathan Roberz, Co-Founder, COO & Managing Director, MicroHarvest GmbH, Hamburg

Accelerating Progress

“It was great to participate in the Inhouse Farming Convention 2025 and reconnect with so many familiar faces, from entrepreneurs and investors to leading industry representatives.

At Oyster Bay, we are strongly focused on technologies that help reshape the future of agriculture and food production. Controlled environment agriculture plays a particularly important role in this transformation. Rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns are making controlled environment agriculture (CEA) more attractive every year. Together with demographic change and widespread labour shortages, these trends formed the basis for our recent investment in eternal.ag.

The Cologne-based team is developing fully autonomous greenhouse systems that learn from biological environments and enable around-the-clock harvesting. Commercial proof points in this field are still relatively early, but the ambition and technical excellence we see reflect the speed at which this sector is evolving.

That is why I am already looking forward to the Inhouse Farming Convention 2027. Formats like this accelerate progress and support the companies building the next generation of sustainable food production.”

Flynn Seeger, Associate, Oyster Bay Venture Capital 

Media contact

Malene Conlong
+49 69 24788-237
m.conlong@dlg.org

DLG. Progress and sustainability in the agriculture and food industry

The DLG (German Agricultural Society), founded in 1885 by Max Eyth, stands for productivity and sustainability in innovation-driven improvements in agriculture and the food chain. The aim of the DLG is to promote progress through the transfer of knowledge - especially with regard to technology and quality control. Non-profit, politically independent and with an international network, the DLG has more than 30,000 members worldwide.

As one of the leading organizations in its sector, the DLG not only organizes trade fairs and events in the fields of agriculture and food technology but also tests food, agricultural technology and equipment. With its competence centers for agriculture and food, its demonstration farm where practical trials take place along with its numerous publications, the DLG continually promotes independent knowledge transfer. In addition, the DLG works on numerous national and international committees of experts to develop solutions for the challenges facing agriculture and the food industry.

www.dlg.org