​NGT3 – Next Generation Taste & Texture Technology

​Join us on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, for Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America's inaugural startup challenge, Next Generation Taste & Texture Technologies (NGT3).

​NGT3 seeks founders developing new functional proteins, new flavor compounds (umami, kokumi, sodium reduction), enzyme systems (protein modification) and next-generation sweeteners. Finalists will gain an audience with global food and beverage experts as they pitch their start up in person to a panel of industry experts.

​Winners will receive an equity-free grand prize ($15,000 for first place, $10,000 for second, and $5,000 for third), and the first-place winner will also receive exclusive access to experts from Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, a global pioneer of innovation, that includes collaboration on their go-to-market strategy.

​Doors open at 2:30 PM. We will be giving a tour of our facilities ahead of the pitch competition which begins at 3:40 PM. After selecting our winners, we will be hosting a networking happy hour.