Are you a start-up in the sports and active nutrition industry looking to connect with key players, investors, and thought leaders?

Our exclusive Start-Up Package offers the perfect platform to showcase your innovation and accelerate growth at the industry’s leading event. Over three days in San Diego, you’ll gain access to expert presentations, engaging panel discussions, and valuable networking designed to help your business thrive.

As part of the Start-Up Hub , you’ll receive a dedicated branded space in the networking area, an ideal opportunity to connect with investors and industry leaders. A full delegate pass is also included, giving you access to all summit sessions and presentations.

Join us February 18–20 in San Diego to position your company among the innovators shaping the future of active nutrition.

DOWNLOAD THE 2026 START-UP PACKAGE INFOGRAPHIC

D on’t miss this chance to put your start-up in front of the people who matter most in the sports and active nutrition space. Whether you’re seeking investment, partnerships, or the latest market insights, this package is designed for you. For details on pricing and how to secure your place, please email Sergiu Savu.

Do you have what it takes to
be a 2026 Start-Up Star?

RECORD BREAKING NUMBER OF ENTRIES!

NutraIngredients was on the hunt for the next Start-Up Stars,  trailblazers in sports & active nutrition ready to showcase their groundbreaking ideas on a global stage.
We sought entrepreneurial, science-driven, and tech-focused start-ups that were pushing boundaries with new ingredients, formats, and benefits. Those with the vision and confidence to stand out in this competitive space had the opportunity to shine by joining our community and presenting their company at the Sports & Active Nutrition Summit USA 2026 , where the future of active nutrition took center stage. It was their moment to make a mark.

Our 2026 NutraIngredients Start-up Star Winners are:




3 Waves Wellness helps people transform their lives by aligning their biochemistry, brain, and emotions, because real change starts from the inside out. 3 Waves integrates innovation (science-backed nutraceuticals), education (Certified Mental Wellness Coach program), and incubation (sustainable ingredient partnerships) to advance the mental-fitness movement. Through the lens of the gut-heart-brain axis, 3 Waves bridges cutting-edge research with practical tools for resilience, mood, and everyday excellence.

Natáur is a biotechnology company advancing sports and active nutrition with clean-label ingredients. Its mission is to transform how essential nutrients are made using fermentation to deliver compounds with superior purity and safety. The lead product is taurine from renewable sugars, with higher purity than the current petrochemical supply, avoiding heavy metals and toxic byproducts. Taurine supports energy metabolism, endurance, muscle recovery, and thermoregulation. Natáur's process enables scalable deployment, improving supply resilience and meeting athletes' demand for sustainable performance nutrition.

Theorem develops clinically formulated 2oz wellness shots that streamline supplementation and improve adherence to daily routines. Each formula incorporates a range of scientifically studied functional ingredients at optimal doses, offering a convenient alternative to traditional pills or powders. In collaboration with experienced formulators and R&D partners, Theorem applies evidence-based formulation principles to create clean, effective products that align with each user's specific health goals and lifestyle habits, ultimately bridging the gap between scientific research and everyday application.

Previous Start-Up Stars Winners