The next generation of sustainable food innovators has been unveiled, with seven student teams selected as finalists for the 13th edition of Ecotrophelia UK.
The Ecotrophelia Competition challenges students around Europe to develop a sustainable and innovative food product from concept to market. It promotes environmentally and socially sustainable design, with the aim of inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs to create innovative products.
Participating students must design and develop an innovative, eco-friendly food or drink product from concept through to market-ready prototype.
The finalists will be judged by industry leaders, with each team given the opportunity to pitch their products to top names from the food and drink sector. Past winners have gone on to secure investment, launch their products commercially, and take up influential roles in the industry.
The 2025 UK finalists are:
- Favafu – University of Surrey
- GreenScoop – University of Reading
- NØM – University of Nottingham
- Oat ‘n About – University of Leeds
- Peelzy – London Metropolitan University
- Rescue Nests – University of Nottingham
- SustainaBalls – University of Leeds
Each of these teams will now go head-to-head in a live pitch event at Mondelēz International in Bournville, Birmingham on 25 June 2025, where they will present their products to a panel of ‘Dragon’ judges made up of industry leaders and experts.
The winning team will receive:
- £2,000 cash prize
- One-year free membership to the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST)
- Bespoke mentorship from the Dragons to support their journey to the European final
The winner of the UK heat will then be entered into the European competition held during Anuga this October, where they will represent Britain.
Last year, team of two, Hannah Al-Memar and Tom Goble from the University of Surrey, won the UK round for their BoozyBalls creation. They presented their ideas at an event held at at Nestlé Confectionery Product Technology Centre in York, winning top prize against seven other teams.
The duo went onto the European finals held at SIAL in Paris. They had a strong pitch, which had been refined and improved upon since the UK competition, but did not manage to secure a top three position. The Gold Award was given to team LegumiNutty from Greece.
Since its inception in 2013, Ecotrophelia UK has received over 130 entries, involving more than 550 students from 25 universities across the UK.
