NutraIngredients has opened entries for Start-Up Stars, an initiative that gives early-stage sports and active nutrition companies the chance to put their businesses in front of industry leaders, investors and potential partners.
The selected applications will join the Sports & Active Nutrition Summit USA 2027, taking place from Feb. 23 to 25, 2027 in Dallas, Texas.
Entries are open through Nov. 13, 2026.
A platform for the next generation
Start-Up Stars gives young companies working across sports and active nutrition an opportunity to share their ideas with the wider industry.
The three businesses chosen by the NutraIngredients editorial team will receive a full delegate pass to the summit, including access to the conference program and networking opportunities.
Each company will also take to the stage to pitch its business to attendees and join a panel dedicated to start-ups.
For early-stage businesses, getting an idea in front of the right people can be just as important as developing the product itself. Start-Up Stars puts founders in the same room as brands, ingredient suppliers, researchers, investors and others working across the sports nutrition industry.
Selected companies will also have branding in the Start-Up Hub in the networking area, giving them a dedicated space to meet other attendees.
They will feature in the Start-Up Hub on the NutraIngredients Event App, where delegates can connect with the companies and arrange one-to-one meetings.
What’s on the agenda for 2027?
Start-Up Stars forms part of the wider Sports & Active Nutrition Summit USA program, which will bring the industry together to discuss the science, consumer trends and innovations influencing the market.
The key themes for 2027 will set the agenda for three days of presentations, discussions and networking.
The three selected start-ups will also receive exposure through NutraIngredients preview coverage ahead of the event and have the opportunity to take part in multimedia coverage at the summit.
Those interested in attending the event can register their interest in the 2027 summit.
Who can enter?
Start-Up Stars is open to companies founded in North or South America with fewer than 20 employees that were established within the past 10 years.
Companies must be independently owned, meaning they are substantially owned by their founders and/or independent investors and are not publicly listed, subsidiaries or associated companies of another business.
Applicants must also be at Series A funding stage or earlier.
The three companies selected will need to attend the summit in Dallas from Feb. 23 to 25, 2027.
Companies that meet the criteria can submit an entry for Start-Up Stars before the deadline.
