![University of Nottingham](https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/publications/food-beverage-nutrition/foodmanufacture.co.uk/trending/start-ups/students-from-the-university-of-nottingham-win-ecotrophelia-uk-2023/16481771-1-eng-GB/Students-from-the-University-of-Nottingham-win-Ecotrophelia-UK-2023.jpg)
# University of Nottingham Students Win Ecotrophelia UK 2023 with Innovative Insect-Based Snack Bites
A team of talented students from the **University of Nottingham** has emerged as the winners of Ecotrophelia UK 2023 for their groundbreaking insect-based snack bites. This prestigious achievement comes as the competition celebrates its 11th anniversary, challenging UK students to develop innovative and eco-friendly food or drink products.
## Bringing Innovative Ideas to Life
The competition offers participating teams a hands-on experience that takes them from idea generation to the final packaged product, simulating the journey of bringing a product to the market. After overcoming fierce competition, the seven teams presented their prototypes and concepts to a panel of industry judges.
## PlanEat: Gold Award Winners
PlanEat, the gold-award-winning team, took home a £2,000 cash prize and various perks, including a year’s free membership to the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST). They were also invited to become IFST ambassadors and awarded a mentorship day with the esteemed competition judges, known as the “dragons.”
## Recognizing Excellence
Hey Pesto from Nottingham University and Eco-Co from Nottingham Trent University were awarded the silver and bronze medals respectively, along with £1,000 and £500 prizes, and a year’s free IFST membership for each team.
## Advancing to the European Final
PlanEat will now represent the UK at the European final in October 2023, where they will compete against 20 other national winners. The ultimate prize at stake is a grand sum of €6,000. Collaborating with IFST, Food Manufacture will document PlanEat’s journey to the final, creating a captivating piece entitled “Road to Europe” to inspire future Ecotrophelia participants.
## Recognizing Innovation and Inspiring Future Leaders
Bertrand Emond, Membership Ambassador and Professional Development and Culture Excellence Lead at Campden BRI, expressed his enthusiasm for Ecotrophelia, highlighting that it provides an outstanding platform for innovation and inspiration in the food industry. He commended the creativity and energy displayed by the brightest and most entrepreneurial food students, supported by top academic institutions.
IFST Chief Executive, Tim McLachlan, shared his excitement as this year’s Ecotrophelia entries showcased the exceptional talent of young food scientists and technologists in UK universities. He expressed his pleasure at hosting seven excellent finalists and praised their dedication to creating unique and innovative products.
—
*All content in quotes remains unaltered*