Following the success of the first Open Innovation Forum pitching event, where ideas such as traceable packaging technology, software for industrial inkjet printing systems and a salt reduction ingredient were pitched to some of the giants of the Food and FMCG sector, a new pitching event has been announced for Monday 14 October at Colworth Science Park in Bedfordshire.

The Open Innovation Forum is a group of over 15 companies who are actively looking to work with smaller companies and start-ups to get new ideas off the ground. The Forum is run by IfM Education and Consultancy Services (IfM ECS), the knowledge transfer arm of the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Manufacturing.

Potential pitchers can register online now to have a chance of presenting their innovative ideas or business to an audience of senior professionals from companies such as Bacardi, Britvic and General Mills, Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline, Mars and Tate & Lyle. The event is open to researchers, innovators and technology developers from small commercial or university-based organisations, spin-offs and start-ups with an idea or business which meets the Forum members’ innovation needs.

Areas the companies are particularly interested in include: enhanced consumer experience; improved health & nutrition; more sustainable packaging processing; and extended shelf life & freshness life & freshness.

Up to 18 innovators will be selected and invited to pitch to the OI Forum members, all of whom   are key decision-makers and ‘innovation scouts’ from global brand owners, and companies involved in different aspects of the Food and FMCG sector, including suppliers of packaging and processing equipment.  

Applicants must complete an online entry form describing their company background, innovative solution, which of the identified needs they are addressing and their technology readiness. Deadline for applications is 30 August 2013.

More information

• OI Forum Pitching Event
• OI Forum Membership