The impact start-up SPRK.global GmbH (SPRK) aims to redistribute food oversupply and eliminate food waste along the global supply chain in the long term. By reducing food waste, SPRK also saves unnecessary CO2 emissions and natural resources like water and energy. To achieve this goal, SPRK is developing an innovative distribution platform, using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The SPRK technology connects supply chain participants to ensure that food oversupply is redistributed quickly and in line with demand, with systematic consideration of non-profit organisations as demand partners. Worldwide, 2.5 billion tons of food are wasted every year, 12-20 million tons of which are wasted in Germany alone.
SPRK’s mission is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). In July 2020, SPRK was selected out of 2.400 international applicants as a finalist in the Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC)—the largest "Tech For Good" competition for sustainable start-ups. With its impact-driven, innovative technology platform, SPRK took first place in XTC’s “Smart Cities” category.