Some of the UK's most promising student food innovators gathered at Colworth Science Park this month for the 2026 Ecotrophelia UK final, where seven university teams presented eco-innovative food concepts to a panel of industry judges.

Hosted at Gastronomica, a home for ambitious food-tech businesses advancing the future of food, set within Colworth Science Park, the competition challenged finalists to develop sustainable food products with real commercial potential as part of a long-running European initiative designed to support the next generation of food and drink innovators.

Ecotrophelia UK is organised jointly by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) and Campden BRI and has been running annually since 2013. The winning team from the UK heat goes on to represent the country at Ecotrophelia Europe, which will take place in Paris later this year.

Team IndulgeCo from the University of Reading was awarded the Gold Award for Favé, a product recognised for its innovation, sustainability and commercial potential. The team will now progress to the European final.

The University of Leeds received the Silver Award for CapyPancakes, while the University of Nottingham was awarded Bronze for ReHive. The Food Safety Award, sponsored by The Magnum Ice Cream Company, went to the University of Nottingham's Spent and Spicy.

As host sponsor, Pioneer Group, a specialist in life science infrastructure and venture building, worked alongside IFST and Campden BRI to help welcome students, judges and industry guests to Colworth Science Park. The site is home to a range of food and drink businesses, including The Magnum Ice Cream Company and Pepsi Lipton, and Unilever, and continues to position itself as a hub for food science, research and innovation.

Industry representatives from companies including Nestlé, Unilever, Tesco, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola attended the final, creating opportunities for students and academics to connect with potential future employers and collaborators.

Subjit Jassy, Director of Development & Asset Management at Pioneer, said: "It was a pleasure to support Ecotrophelia UK at Colworth Science Park and to see the level of creativity and technical skill on display from all of the student teams.

"What stood out was the quality of the conversations taking place throughout the day. Students had the chance to share their ideas with people who understand the challenges of bringing new products to market, and that's an experience you can't recreate in a lecture theatre.

"We're proud that Colworth Science Park could play a small part in making those conversations happen. Bringing together bright minds from across the food and drink sector is exactly what this community is about, and we'd love to welcome more events like this in the future."

Bertrand Emond, Culture Excellence Lead at Campden BRI, said: "One of the best things about Ecotrophelia UK is seeing students bring fresh thinking to some of the biggest challenges facing the food industry. The competition gives them the chance to put their ideas in front of people who understand what it takes to turn an exciting concept into a successful product.

"The quality of this year's finalists was outstanding, and we're grateful to Pioneer for supporting the event and welcoming us to Colworth Science Park for this year's final."

Dr Craig Leadley, Chief Executive of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), said: “Congratulations to Favé on a thoroughly deserved win. The standard of innovation on display at this year’s final was exceptional, with every team demonstrating real commitment to sustainability, consumer insight, and technical rigour. Ecotrophelia is a genuine launchpad for the next generation of food industry leaders, and days like today show exactly why. We look forward to supporting Favé as they take the UK to the European stage.”

The event reflects Pioneer's commitment to building a connected community at Colworth Science Park. By bringing new people onto the site and supporting partnerships across the food and drink sector, it aims to create opportunities that can lead to future collaboration. Pioneer is now inviting organisations to visit Colworth, learn more about its facilities and discuss how the site could support their next event or future growth.

For more information, visit: https://thepioneergroup.com/gastronomica/