Impact Sips – Shaping the Future of Beverages with Positive Impact
If your startup meets the criteria, seize this opportunity to growth and make an impact
Corporacion Hijos de Rivera, in collaboration with EIT Food, launches Impact Sips, an innovation programme designed to revolutionise the beverage industry through functional ingredients that deliver real, measurable impact on health and well-being.Our company was founded in 1906 as a modest brewery and ice factory in A Coruña, Spain. Over five generations, we have evolved into an independent, family-owned international beverage group with brands as Estrella Galicia, Cabreiroa mineral water between others.
In January 2024, Corporacion Hijos de Rivera achieved B Corp certification, reflecting our real dedication to social and environmental responsibility.
Impact Sips 2025 Challenge
At Corporacion Hijos de Rivera, we believe that growth and disruption must be aligned with positive impact. This conviction drives us to seek science-backed functional ingredients innovations that enhance:
- Active Lifestyles: Ingredients that support energy, endurance, and recovery.
- Brain Health & Well-being: Enhancing focus, stress management, and cognitive function.
- Gut Health: Improving digestion and microbiome balance.
- Disease Prevention: Supporting immune health and metabolic function.
Through Impact Sips, we are committed to collaborating with startups that share our vision of integrating functional ingredients into non-alcoholic beverages, creating products that not only delight consumers but also contribute to their health and well-being. If your startup is developing groundbreaking functional ingredients, this is your opportunity to work with one of Spain’s most innovative beverage companies, scale your technology, and gain real market exposure.
Who Can Apply?
We are looking for high-potential startups that meet the following criteria:
✔ Functional ingredient with scientific validation – Ingredients must have strong scientific evidence proving their health benefits.
✔ Minimum Viable Product (MVP) – Startups with a validated functional ingredient applicable to beverages.
✔ Seed to Series A stage – Companies that are ready to scale.
✔ Market-Tested – Startups that have undergone initial consumer validation, pilot experience, or market testing.
Why Join? A Serious Commitment to Startups
Unlike other corporate challenges, Impact Sips is a program designed for real collaboration, ensuring that selected startups receive tangible benefits beyond visibility.
For All Finalists coming to the Demo Day
- Demo Day at Corporación Hijos de Rivera’s headquarters in A Coruña, engaging directly with 20+ top company decision-makers
- €5,000 cash prize (equity-free) to support your startup.
- Opportunity for a Pilot Project with Hijos de Rivera, bringing your solution to the market.
- Evaluation for potential investment by VOI, HDR’s Corporate Venture Capital.
- HDR Drink Set – A curated selection of Hijos de Rivera’s premium beverages.
For Up To Two Demo Day 2 Winners
- €25,000 equity-free grant (total) to accelerate your growth.
- 1 full day of Deep Dive at Hijos de Rivera, including evaluation, mentorship, and hands-on collaboration with HDR’s team.
- Cultural & Gastronomic Experience in Galicia, immersing in HDR’s heritage and business culture.
- Travel packages for up to three people.
Key Dates
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March 17th
Call for Applications Opens
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April 23th
Application Deadline
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May 21st
Short list Announcement
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June 27th
Short list Online Session
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1st July
Final Selection Announcement
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Demo Day Briefing
15th September
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TBC (IIQ October 2025)
In person Demo Day at HDR Headquarters
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November 2025 (Q4 2025)
Final Winner Selection & Deep Dive Week
This is Your Chance to Shape the Future of Beverages
Apply now to join a challenge that goes beyond PR—Impact Sips is about real commitment, collaboration, and innovation.
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