UPTEC supports sustainable food innovation at ECOTROPHELIA Portugal 2025

UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto is again partnering with the ECOTROPHELIA Portugal Prize. Now in its ninth edition, the competition, promoted by PortugalFoods, seeks projects developed by university students that propose eco-innovative and sustainable food products capable of transforming the future of food.

Applications are open until May 21, inviting higher education students — from undergraduate to master’s and postgraduate levels — to develop innovative food products, from concept to market proposal.
The aim is to encourage creative solutions that meet today’s consumer demands and market trends, with a strong focus on sustainability throughout the product’s life cycle: formulation, production, packaging, and communication.

UPTEC’s involvement in this edition is especially significant. In addition to sponsoring the event, UPTEC will support participants by providing expert mentoring, access to incubation programmes, and connections to investment and acceleration networks.

Throughout the competition, students will have access to entrepreneurship training, direct contact with companies, investors and mentors, and the opportunity to join incubation and acceleration initiatives. The products submitted must stand out for their innovation and sustainability in concept, formulation, packaging, production and commercial strategy.

The national final will take place on July 9, where the selected teams will earn the opportunity to represent Portugal at ECOTROPHELIA EUROPE 2025, to be held at ANUGA, one of the world’s largest food trade fairs, in Cologne, Germany, between October 4 and 8.

Applications are open until May 21 and can be submitted here.