The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) is soliciting proposals for its second annual Innovation Exchange event. Proposals will be accepted through May 14 via CRN’s platform: www.crnusa.org/innovationexchange.

Innovation Exchange is part of CRN’s annual CONVERGENCE ‘25 signature events taking place at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, Oct. 8-10 (crnusa.org/2025events). Created to spotlight innovative research, technologies, and ingredients within the interactive setting of CRN’s annual industry gathering, Innovation Exchange will convene supplement industry leaders among finished product manufacturers with ingredient suppliers, service providers and other stakeholders for this unique event.

Innovation Exchange is presented as a complimentary program the afternoon of Oct. 8 for attendees of CRN’s Science in Session or WellComms, taking place that morning, and attendees of the main CONVERGENCE on Oct. 9–10. The Innovation Exchange program will include six 25-minute presentations selected by a steering committee of experts from Jamieson Wellness, Nestlé Health Science, Pharmavite, Plexus Worldwide, and USANA. 

“CRN’s inaugural Innovation Exchange last year highlighted the creativity and scientific curiosity driving our industry forward — from novel bioactives to new approaches for supporting specific wellness needs,” said Pharmavite Chief Science Officer Susan Hazels Mitmesser, PhD, returning as a steering committee member. “This year, we look forward to presenting a fresh lineup of innovations to build on the momentum of science-backed solutions addressing what matters most to today’s health-conscious consumers.”

Proposals will be evaluated in two tracks: one for ingredient suppliers and one for service providers. The final six selections may include any combination of these categories, depending on the submission pool.

Criteria by which ingredient supplier proposals will be evaluated include but are not limited to: maturity of scientific evidence; regulatory status of ingredient, process, or technology; scalability; operational or efficiency impact; lead time to market; intellectual property position; and degree of innovation or unique selling proposition.