PhenoNex

PhenoNex addresses the growing demand for natural ingredients in the cosmetic and food industries by producing high-value antioxidants from waste materials. Targeting the €16B European natural cosmeceutical market, their solution is waste-derived, scalable, and ethically sourced. Initial traction includes winning a competition, securing 3 pilots, and establishing a supplier base.

The cosmetics and food industries rely on synthetic antioxidants, which can be inconsistent, unethically sourced, and are facing increased regulatory bans.

PhenoNex extracts natural antioxidants from waste materials to provide a sustainable and scalable ingredient for use in cosmetics, functional foods, and pet foods.

The company is targeting the European natural cosmeceutical market, a €16B market with an 8% CAGR, which is part of the broader €81B total addressable market for cosmeceuticals.

The target customers are businesses in the cosmetics, functional food, and pet food industries that are looking for natural, sustainable, and ethically sourced ingredients.

PhenoNex has a competitive edge by utilizing waste-derived, local, and scalable raw materials. Their process results in a caffeine-free product and allows for multi-stream economics, which competitors do not fully match.

PhenoNex was the main prize winner at IdeaRace in April 2026. The company has established contact with over 130 potential partners, receiving over 50 responses, leading to 3 pilot projects and agreements with 5 peel suppliers.