Barcelona, May 5, 2026 – EVANIUM’s OPTISOLV Berberine has been awarded the prestigious title of “Most Innovative Nutraceutical Ingredient” at the Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge 2026. The award recognises OPTISOLV Berberine, developed for modern metabolic health applications, which leverages the company’s proprietary dual-coating technology to transform one of the most promising but challenging natural compounds into a high-performance nutraceutical solution.
The Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge, held annually in Barcelona, highlights the most impactful innovations in the nutraceutical sector. After pitching before an expert industry jury, EVANIUM stood out among 14 international finalists. The judges praised OPTISOLV for its ability to significantly enhance the water solubility and taste profile of plant-based ingredients, thereby broadening the range of possible applications and dosage forms for manufacturers.
Unlocking the Potential of Berberine
Berberine is widely recognised for its benefits in supporting blood sugar levels and metabolic health. However, its traditional form suffers from poor bioavailability, limiting its effectiveness and consumer appeal. OPTISOLV Berberine addresses these hurdles through EVANIUM’s IP-protected dual-coating system. By combining an inner cyclodextrin-based core with an outer phospholipid shell, the technology stabilises the active ingredient in a crystal-free state. This results in enhanced absorption and, therefore, improved bioavailability compared to native Berberine. The technology supports a controlled release with optimised delivery for sustained metabolic support. “Winning this award at Vitafoods Europe is a tremendous validation of our mission to expand what is possible with plant-based bioactives and help partners bring high-performance ingredients to market,” said Felix Rolka, Co-Founder and CEO of EVANIUM. “OPTISOLV Berberine is a prime example of how smart formulation can turn a difficult bioactive into a truly effective, market-ready ingredient. This recognition from the industry’s leading experts accelerates our journey to becoming the go-to technology partner for next-generation supplements,” added David Ofner, Co-Founder and CTO of EVANIUM.
From Innovation to Industrial Impact
The award comes at a time of rapid growth for EVANIUM. Following a successful €2.2 million seed round earlier this year, the company has scaled its production capabilities, delivering over two tons of material in 2026 alone. With OPTISOLV Berberine, the company has grown its portfolio to four ingredients: Berberine, Curcumin, Boswellia, and Passiflora. The recognition at Vitafoods Europe further solidifies EVANIUM’s position as a leader in bioavailability-enhanced ingredients. As part of the award, EVANIUM will receive strategic support and visibility within the Vitafoods ecosystem.
Find out who won at the Vitafoods Europe Startup Challenge 2026