Listen to this article

A plant-based, Keto-friendly shake and a sparkling beverage brand made from upcycled whey are the winners of a Nestlé Health Science startup challenge aimed at accelerating innovation.

Superfrau and Keto Kind emerged as winners of “Innovate Forward: The Longevity Challenge” for demonstrating “outstanding potential in advancing science and driving new solutions in the food and nutrition space.”

The Feb. 7 announcement follows a July 2023 call for applications and rigorous evaluation process by a panel of science and nutrition experts.

The program is a collaboration between Nestlé Health Science and the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University’s Food & Nutrition Innovation Institute. For winning, Superfrau and Keto Kind will receive in-depth mentorship, strategy guidance and technical support from Nestlé and Tufts.

Both will also receive a one-year virtual residency on the Institute’s Food & Nutritional Innovation Council, connecting them with industry leaders.

Superfrau

Superfrau is a six-year-old Springfield, Mass.-based sparkling functional beverage that offers protein, B vitamins and electrolytes. It is made using upcycled whey sourced from yogurt production that would typically be discarded or used as feedstock.

Founder Melissa Martinelli expressed her excitement upon winning the challenge, describing the achievement as a “remarkable milestone.”

“With the invaluable guidance and expertise of Nestlé Health Science and Tufts University, we are eager to broaden our impact and offer consumers a delightful and nourishing beverage that empowers them to make health-conscious food choices while also helping reduce waste,” she said.

Keto Kind

Keto Kind is a Cambridge, Mass.-headquartered nutritional drink brand. It is specifically formulated to support individuals managing their carbohydrate intake on a ketogenic diet. Keto Kind provides essential nutrients while aligning with the principles of ketosis.

Founded in 2019, the brand seeks to offer a science-backed, plant-based nutritional shake for those with specific nutritional goals and follow a ketogenic diet.

Keto Kind co-founder Mauricio Moel shared his gratitude for being selected as a winner.

“With the invaluable support and mentorship of experts from Nestlé Health Science and Tufts University, we look forward to further developing and expanding Keto Kind,” he said. “Our aim is to contribute to the advancement of ketogenic nutrition innovation and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals seeking to support their health.”

Fostering a pipeline

Nestlé Health Science is a subsidiary of Swiss food and beverage giant, Nestlé. It has its global research and development hub in Bridgewater. There, it focuses on developing advanced, science-based nutritional solutions for consumers, patients and health care professionals.

Nestlé Health Science boasts a wide range of brands supporting every life stage from pediatrics to healthy aging. Its portfolio includes: Boost, Carnation Breakfast Essentials, Vital Proteins, Garden of Life and Nature’s Bounty. Additionally, it features pharmaceutical therapies to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases.

Rania Abou Samra, Nestlé Health Science’s global head of technology and product development – and a member of the judges panel – congratulated the winners.

“Their innovative approaches and dedication to improving the health and wellness of individuals align perfectly with our mission at Nestlé Health Science. As we support their continued growth and success, we are excited to collaborate and explore groundbreaking nutritional solutions,” Samra said.

Shared Katie Stebbins, executive director of the Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute, “We’re thrilled to welcome Keto Kind and Superfrau to the Innovation Council for the next year, and excited to support their missions in developing groundbreaking nutrition innovations.”

“This competition was created to foster a pipeline of new ventures that have the potential to make a positive impact on global health, and we believe both these winners embody the foundational spirit and values of this Innovation Challenge,” she said.