Program will develop talented food scientists and fuel innovation in India

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DuPont Nutrition & Health announces the first edition of its pan-India food science program titled ‘DuPont NutriScholars Awards’ (DNA). The program aims to reach out to food science and technology students across leading institutions to pioneer ideation of ethnic Indian foods and beverages.

As one of the world’s leading specialty food ingredients suppliers, DuPont Nutrition & Health is committed and actively working towards driving food science research and developing actionable food strategies. DuPont regularly conducts market research relating to concept development, consumer acceptance, economic feasibility, and product marketing. This is particularly critical in a diverse market like India, to cope with rapidly changing demographics and to discover new initiatives in the processed food industry.

Collaboration to drive local innovation

Parth Patel, business director, DuPont Nutrition & Health, South Asia, said: “We are thrilled to have the leading food science and research institutes joining our growing network of problem solvers for the traditional Indian food and beverage industry. To solve food-related challenges such as under-nutrition, diet-related diseases and developing authentic taste and texture, we must drive innovation, build knowledge and share expertise. We need concrete solutions that benefit both food manufacturers as well as consumers. With this joint vision, shared values and complementary approaches with the academicians of the country, we believe we can co-create solutions for healthier, tastier, affordable and convenient food for the Indian palette.”

“The DuPont NutriScholars Awards strengthens our objective of bringing innovative food ideas in local and ethnic food industry using DuPont™ Danisco® range of ingredients,” he adds.

Speaking on collaboration with the academia, Sanjay Iqbal, application lead, DuPont Nutrition & Health, South Asia said, “India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. There is a need to create a platform so that academia in the field of food science and technology can work closely with industry to understand the current food challenges. This will help drive creative ideas using functional and health-promoting food ingredients to fuel the growth in this segment.”

More about the program

The DuPont NutriScholars Awards 2017 edition features three distinctive award categories:
Best Innovation in Local Foods
Most Nutritious Food Idea
Ultimate Health & Wellness Food Creation
DuPont Nutrition & Health has partnered with F1rst, a specialist business research & consultancy organization to launch the program to more than 150 universities and institutions in the country. The DuPont NutriScholars Award will run in two phases ending September 15 and November 30 this year respectively. Nine winners across three award categories will be announced in December 2017.

The jury panel will include renowned industry experts from leading food companies, academicians and DuPont representatives. Product innovativeness, potential to be successful in commercial market and technical skills used in product development using one or more DuPontTM Danisco® ingredients will lay the foundation for selection of best food designs across all three categories.

For more information on the program visit www.dupontnutrischolars.com

DuPont Nutrition & Health combines in-depth knowledge of food and nutrition with current research and expert science to deliver unmatched value to the food, beverage and dietary supplement industries. We are innovative solvers, drawing on deep consumer insights and a broad product portfolio to help our customers turn challenges into high-value business opportunities. More information is available at www.food.dupont.com.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.