dsm-firmenich partners with Nous to commercialize caffeine-free energy ingredient Koncentra

ITALY – dsm-firmenich has entered a strategic partnership with Italian start-up Nous to accelerate the global commercialization of Koncentra, a next-generation botanical ingredient developed to provide sustained energy, focus and mood support without relying on caffeine. 

The collaboration builds on dsm-firmenich’s recent investment in Nous through its ventures activities and is designed to advance Koncentra from clinical development to commercialization.  

The companies will work together on claims substantiation, regulatory compliance and market validation to position the ingredient as a science-backed solution for the rapidly growing functional food and beverage sector. 

Koncentra was developed following an extensive screening of selected botanicals and is produced using a proprietary extraction technology that preserves the integrity and efficacy of its natural bioactive compounds. 

According to the companies, the ingredient offers a new approach to energy formulation by delivering sustained performance without the jitters, anxiety or energy crashes commonly associated with traditional caffeine-based stimulants. 

The partnership comes as consumer demand for alternative energy solutions continues to grow. dsm-firmenich noted that around 68% of consumers worldwide are concerned about their daily energy levels, making energy one of the leading positioning platforms in functional beverages.  

Globally, 44% of functional beverage claims are linked to energy, while 14% focus on brain and nerve support. 

Unlike conventional stimulant-based products, Koncentra has been designed as a multifunctional botanical ingredient that supports energy, mental focus and mood while enabling manufacturers to develop more balanced functional products. 

The companies said the ingredient is manufactured through a sustainable natural extraction process that ensures consistency, scalability and preservation of key bioactive compounds.  

It also offers excellent solubility and requires a low inclusion rate, allowing seamless incorporation into a broad range of food and beverage formulations with minimal impact on taste, colour or turbidity. 

As part of the agreement, dsm-firmenich will support the design of clinical trials to validate claims related to energy, cognitive performance and physical performance. The company will also provide regulatory expertise, consumer insights and application support to strengthen Koncentra’s commercial readiness. 

Commenting on the collaboration, Ingrid Damen, Director of Global Business Development, Beverages at dsm-firmenich, said, “The demand for science-backed, balanced energy solutions is growing rapidly, and Koncentra is a highly promising innovation that aligns with the shift towards caffeine-free energy solutions. We believe that effective products must be rooted in strong science and supported by robust validation.” 

She added, “Through this partnership, we are combining Nous’s breakthrough ingredient innovation with our expertise in clinical research, regulatory frameworks and global market development.” 

Lorenzo Pessini, CEO and Founder of Nous, said, “Today’s energy solutions are still largely built around caffeine, which often comes with trade-offs that consumers are increasingly unwilling to accept. Koncentra represents a new generation of botanical ingredients, designed to deliver sustained energy alongside focus and mood support, without overstimulation.”  

He added that the partnership with dsm-firmenich is a significant step toward bringing the ingredient to global markets at scale. 

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