Designed to connect with ingredient and technology innovators to assist in product development and commercialization, PLT Health Solutions, Inc., Morristown, NJ, has launched the PLTNext Global Search for Innovation. As part of the program, PLT is putting its track record of developing and launching successful branded ingredients into supplement, food & beverage markets to work for companies that meet the program’s criteria and are selected for further collaboration.
 
The Global Search for Innovation allows selected companies and organizations to work with PLT’s scientific, regulatory, intellectual property, product development and sales experts to help advance the market-readiness of their concepts and create commercialization strategies that deliver market penetration and profitability. The Global Search for Innovation is open to university research programs, early-stage or regional companies and other ingredient/technology developers.  The initial round of PLTNEXT is open from April 11 to July 15 of this year. Interested parties can apply at PLT’s website for this program, at www.PLTNEXT.com.
 
According to Devin Stagg, vice president of strategy and business development at PLT Health Solutions, PLTNEXT is the company’s on-going business-wide commitment to innovation in the health and wellness space. As part of this commitment, the Global Search for Innovation looks to provide innovative organizations the support and resources they need to successfully commercialize their ingredient and technology concepts. “For more than six decades, PLT Health Solutions has been working with companies all over the world to help successfully commercialize their ingredients. Toward that end, PLT has recently made substantial investments in personnel and systems to accelerate the commercialization of partner innovations—turning superior quality and science into compelling brands. The PLTNEXT Global Search for Innovation is all about putting this infrastructure and expertise to work for the introduction of promising new ingredients and technologies,” Mr. Stagg said.
 
Broad-Ranging Search for Innovation
PLT offers ingredient solutions to a broad range of health and wellness sectors, including weight management, bone and joint health, sports nutrition, cognitive health, heart health, immune health and more. The company is encouraging applications based on any ingredient or technology that supports healthier or natural solutions that displace conventional technologies. According to Seth Flowerman, the company’s executive vice president, PLT is engaged in dialogue with a number of major consumer products companies searching for innovative solutions.
 
“PLT is often asked by our customers to develop ingredient or technology solutions for pressing industry needs. These range, for example, from ingredients to support digestive health or improve exercise performance to natural preservative systems. We are looking for partners with innovative approaches to emerging consumer product challenges,” he said.        
 
Application Available Online
The application period for the current round of the PLTNext Global Search for Innovation opens on April 11 and closes on July 15. Pre-commercial concepts, as well as ingredients and technology that have previously been launched on a limited or regional basis are eligible for consideration. Criteria for selection will include the novelty of the concept, safety testing, the quality systems of the organization, intellectual property protection and clinical science completed. Applicants can find more information and application details by visiting www.PLTNEXT.com.
 
Connect with Success
Mr. Flowerman went on to describe the evolving nature of the health and wellness sector today and the challenging requirements set by customers. “Consumer products companies are putting more emphasis on the market-readiness of their ingredients and technologies than ever before. Proof of ingredient identity, quality control, sustainability and scientifically-substantiated efficacy are no longer just nice to have—they are requirements. Developing market-ready ingredients requires expertise and often a substantial investment. PLT has the expertise and infrastructure in place to facilitate the commercialization process of new ingredients and technologies, and we look forward to bringing these to bear to support our innovation partners,” he said. “This is an exciting time for innovators in the health and wellness space. We’re looking forward to meeting with new people and encountering new ideas—helping to usher in the next generation of best-in-class ingredients,” he added.