New DLG Frontier Food Systems Award for International Agrifood Innovations-livestock

International award recognizes start-ups and scale-ups shaping the agrifood systems of the future through innovative technologies and business models. Applications open on 1 October 2026. Finalists will present live pitches at the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Convention on 21 and 22 April 2027 in Hamburg, Germany – Prize money: 10,000 euros

The new DLG Frontier Food Systems Award shines a spotlight on companies developing the agrifood systems of tomorrow through innovative technologies, products, and business models. The award focuses on solutions in the fields of FoodTech and Biotech; Ingredients; Food Processing & Manufacturing; Packaging; Controlled Environment Agriculture; alternative proteins; Novel Food, and related areas of innovation. The award scheme seeks companies that are opening up new markets while making a measurable contribution to a sustainable, resilient, and resource-efficient food supply. Applications open on 1 October 2026 and close on 15 January 2027.

The award is open to companies in two categories. The Early Stage category is designed for startup companies that have been on the market for less than five years and are still in an early development or funding phase. Key evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation and clearly identifiable market potential. The Scale-up category is aimed at companies that have been active in the market for five to ten years and already offer market-ready or commercially deployed solutions. Applicants must also demonstrate clear potential for international scaling.

Prize money of €10,000 will be awarded in each category. Applications are submitted online and must include key company information, a short elevator pitch, a description of the unique selling proposition, and a specific sustainability metric.

Independent Expert Jury Evaluates Innovation and Impact

An independent jury of experts will assess all submissions based on four key criteria. In addition to the degree of innovation, including novelty, technological quality, technical feasibility, and scientific foundation, the jury will evaluate competitive advantages such as unique selling points, specialized know-how, intellectual property rights, and technological barriers to entry.

The jury will also assess market and scaling potential, taking into account the business model, commercial viability, market opportunities, and prospects for international growth. Sustainability and impact represent another important evaluation area. Among other aspects, the jury will consider the contribution a solution can make toward reducing energy, water, land use, and emissions, as well as its potential to support the sustainable advancement of agrifood systems.

Live Pitches at the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Convention

Nominated companies will have the opportunity to present their solutions in live pitch sessions before industry decision-makers, investors, and potential cooperation partners. The final of the DLG Frontier Food Systems Award will take place on 21 and 22 April 2027 during the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Convention at the CCH Hamburg.

In addition to the prize money, the award offers participants international visibility, expert feedback from the jury, and access to DLG's international network. The finalists will also have the opportunity to establish new contacts with potential partners and investors and gain momentum for future collaborations and international market expansion.

Application Period Opens on 1 October 2026

The international application period begins on 1 October 2026 and ends on 15 January 2027. From January to February 2027, applications will be reviewed and evaluated by DLG and the expert jury. The nominated companies are expected to be announced in March 2027.

The live pitches and final judging of the DLG Frontier Food Systems Award will take place on 21 and 22 April 2027 during the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Convention in Hamburg.

Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Convention 2027

The Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Convention will bring together companies, start-ups, researchers, investors, and industry decision-makers from across the agrifood sector at the CCH Hamburg on 21 and 22 April 2027.

The event will focus on innovative technologies, production concepts, and business models for the future of food production, ranging from Controlled Environment Agriculture and alternative proteins to FoodTech, Biotech, and new circular economy and production systems. Expert presentations, panel discussions, and networking formats will provide a compact overview of the latest developments and market opportunities while creating a platform for exchanging practical solutions for sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

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