Voting opens for PPTI’s 26 Food-Techs to Watch in 2026 with record engagement and new Wildcard entries

Voting is now open for Protein Production Technology International’s 26 Food-Techs to Watch in 2026, and the response has already been extraordinary. More than 2,000 votes have been cast in the first few days as readers and industry professionals rally to support their favorite innovators shaping the future of food and protein production.

The new annual feature, published in the Q4 issue of PPTI on 10 December 2025, highlights the most promising and impactful startups, scale-ups, and research ventures transforming the global food-tech landscape. From precision fermentation to biomass protein, cultivated meat to advanced ingredient engineering, the Food-Techs to Watch list has become a barometer for where the next wave of innovation is heading.

This launch edition also has a  twist: Wildcard entries, allowing readers to nominate standout companies that were not initially shortlisted but have made a significant mark in the sector. The addition has already prompted a surge in participation, with dozens of new nominations flooding in since the announcement.

Nick Bradley, Editor of Protein Production Technology International, said the response so far had surpassed all expectations. “The level of engagement has been remarkable,” he said. “We’ve had more than 2,000 votes come in within the first few days, which shows just how invested this community is in recognizing and celebrating genuine innovation. The new Wildcard entries have been a huge hit too, giving people the chance to champion emerging names they believe deserve a spot alongside the established frontrunners.”

Bradley added that the enthusiasm reflects the pace of change across the food-tech industry. “From cell-cultivated proteins to next-generation fermentation, plant-based and mycoproteins, the ingenuity we’re seeing is extraordinary,” he said. “What’s even more encouraging is how readers from across the supply chain – from startups and investors to scientists and corporates – are coming together to celebrate it.”

Voting will remain open until 12 November 2025 before the final results are revealed in the Q4 2025 edition of Protein Production Technology International. The top 26 will be profiled in detail, with insights into their technologies, growth strategies, and contributions to a more sustainable and resilient food system. Those unlucky not to make the final list will nevertheless be profiled on the PPTI website.

Readers can cast their votes or submit Wildcard nominations via the voting form here. The publication is encouraging all professionals working in food, biotech, sustainability, and manufacturing to take part and help spotlight the most inspiring food-tech innovators of the year.

“The Food-Techs to Watch feature has become one of our readers’ favorites because it’s democratic, data-driven, and genuinely celebrates progress,” said Bradley. “Every vote counts – and every company on the list is proof that the food system of the future is already being built today.”