Nestlé’s Nutrition and Health business and the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, through its Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute, are proud to announce applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Innovate Forward Women’s Health Challenge.
Since 2023, the Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute and Nestlé have collaborated on the annual Innovate Forward Challenge, bringing together academic, scientific and industry expertise to advance promising health innovations. Now in its fourth year, the challenge helps connect emerging innovators with mentorship, expertise and a broader innovation ecosystem.
This year’s challenge focuses on science-driven solutions supporting women during perimenopause and menopause. By 2030, an estimated 1.2 billion women worldwide will experience menopause, yet innovation and investment focused on this life stage remain limited. With particular interest in urogenital and metabolic health, the Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute and Nestlé aim to spotlight promising startups and translational researchers working to improve women’s health and quality of life in midlife and beyond.
“Women’s health continues to present important opportunities for science and innovation, particularly during life stages like perimenopause and menopause where significant needs remain,” said Jelena Buncic-Markovic, Global Head of R&D and Innovation, Women Health & Health Longevity at Nestlé. “Through Innovate Forward, we want to connect with entrepreneurs and researchers bringing fresh, science-driven thinking to these challenges and pair their ideas with expertise that can help move promising solutions forward.”
“For too long, women’s health in midlife has been overlooked in research, innovation, and investment,” said Katie Stebbins, Executive Director of the Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute at the Friedman School at Tufts University. “Through Innovate Forward, we have an opportunity to change that by bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to accelerate science-driven solutions. Our goal is not only to identify promising innovations, but to help scale and reach the women who need them most.”
Applications are open through February 10, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Explore the Apply and FAQ sections for eligibility, submission requirements, key dates and application details.
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