Due: May 4, 2026
Mondelez, a global leader in fast-moving consumer goods, seeks long-term collaboration with U.S.-based research partners possessing expertise in the digestive tract and gut microbiome of child populations. The goal is to utilize models (in vitro or other) to understand metabolic processes in support of future research.
Email challenges@techconnect.org with questions about the project.
Background
Sugar replacement strategies for food products typically necessitate the use of bulking agents, such as fibers and/or polyols. Such ingredients hold the potential to help reduce the caloric density of foods and possibly confer health benefits for consumers. However, little is known about the digestive tolerance of sugar-replacing ingredients, or their influence on the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota, in children.
Researchers are expanding their knowledge of the human microbiome and how it contributes to metabolism. Little is known regarding the effect of non-digestible carbohydrates on kids’ microbiota and metabolism. Mondelez researchers intend to establish a multi-year research collaboration to translate that microbiome data into reliable models of microbiota and metabolism for children. The models they create will support research to validate the possible benefits and gastro-intestinal side effects of potential ingredients for child populations (aged 5 – 12 years old). The goal of this project is to have the ability to test the effects of promising ingredients, including fibers, on fecal samples collected from healthy children, using a validated in vitro model of digestion for children.
Through this sprint, Mondelez hopes to identify potential collaboration partners possessing:
- Available data on the digestive tract and gut microbiota of children
- An established functional model for the digestion and gut microbiota of children OR the ability to create one, preferably in vitro.
- Experience participating in and conducting research focused on children’s metabolism
- Directly or through a collaborative relationship with a third party
Desired parameters for data:
- Representative of a healthy child digestive tract and gut microbiome (age 5 – 12 years old)
- A targeted analysis of the gut (colonic) microbiota of children and its response to specific ingredients is of interest in this phase of research.
For this project, eligible respondents must be in the U.S. and affiliated with a U.S.-based entity. International respondents will not be considered for this effort.
While academic researchers are primarily of interest for this project, commercial and non-profit researchers are also potentially of interest to Mondelez.
Respondents with documented success preparing grant proposals, developing research projects with child populations, and having access to fecal samples from healthy children are highly sought.
The goal of this sprint is to facilitate contact and interactions between Mondelez and a university/research organization or, possibly, commercial entities including startups in this space.
Requirements
Respondents should highlight capabilities that meet criteria including:
- Expertise relating to the digestive tract and gut microbiota of child populations
- Availability of existing child microbiota data
- Modeling capabilities for children’s microbiota data
- Existing in vitro model(s) OR the ability to create new model(s)
- Ability to measure and analyze products of fermentation
- Having access to fecal samples of healthy children
- Validation of any existing model(s)
- Prior grant and project proposal experience
- Experience conducting research with child populations, including via external partners, to collect fecal samples from this population for in vitro analyses
- Previous collaboration with industry is desirable, but not essential
Business Opportunity for Solvers
TechConnect or Mondelez may contact respondents with well-matched capabilities directly to discuss potential partnership opportunities, including demonstrations, consulting, contract research, licensing, and more. TechConnect may also invite top-rated entries to register or participate in an upcoming TechConnect event.
RESPONSE PROCESS AND FORM
We encourage interested individuals and organizations to submit a brief, high-level, non-confidential response via the online form below. Respondents should highlight unique aspects of the research institution and technology or experience as they relate to this topic.