Introduction

2016 DSM PARTNERING INNOVATION CONFERENCE
DSM Food Specialties, DSM Innovation Center and the DSM Biotechnology Center invite entrepreneurs to connect with key executives of DSM and DSM Venturing to explore business collaborations and investment opportunities. Entrepreneurs and technology developers in food ingredients, nutrition, biotechnology and other innovations are invited to apply to be selected to present to DSM from applications submitted through September 16, 2016.

DSM's Partnering Innovation Conference is focused on inviting collaborations with DSM and  innovative companies providing products and technologies that address human health issues. The event will be held at DSM’s North American headquarters in Parsippany, NJ on November 1-3, 2016. Finalists will be announced by September 26, 2016 and invited to the conference.

DSM's 2016 Partnering Innovation Conference is the fourth in a series of innovation events focued on human health. Previous events in New Jersey, Switzerland and Japan have led to at least seven ongoing partnerships with DSM divisions and at least two equity investments by DSM Venturing.

DSM is seeking entries for innovative technologies and products with both near term (<3 years to commercialization) and longer term (>3 years to commercialization) applications in the following areas of interest:
Sugar reduction and natural alternative sweeteners
Bio-preservation technologies for food and beverages
Salt reduction and natural taste modulation technologies in the context of a good taste experience
Fermentation and enzymatic technologies for new ingredients
Human nutrition applications containing alternate protein sources

DSM's Partnering Innovation Conference will include presentations from senior DSM executives on how DSM collaborates with entrepreneurs at all stages of the supply chain, works to co-develop products and invests in startups with innovative human health and nutrition solutions. 

Each invited presenting company that completes the application and screening process will present a 15 minute overview followed by 30 minutes of discussion with senior DSM personnel, including DSM executives from R&D, Innovation, Sales & Marketing, Regulatory and DSM Venturing.

Presenting companies will be assigned mentors from Nutrition Capital Network (NCN) and DSM to help develop their presentation prior to the conference.  Post-event mentoring from a DSM executive will be available on a case by case basis and all selected candidates will be considered for an investment by DSM Venturing or for another type of collaboration with DSM.

A selection committee of DSM and NCN executives will evaluate and interact with applicants to select and prepare the 12-20 invited companies.

The application process and participation is free.
Applications are due by September 16, 2016.
All travel arrangements will be the responsibility of the conference attendees. 

NCN is partnering with DSM to support the selection process and production of this meeting. For questions or assistance on the application process and potential outcomes, please contact mdovbish@nutritioncapital.com

T