EpoA Nutrition Lands Major Funding to Fuel Sports Performance Revolution with Upcycled Cabbage
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – In a significant win for sustainable innovation and athletic performance, EpoA Nutrition has been selected for the 2026 Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ private investment-led Technology Startup Support Program (TIPS). This follows a successful run through the ‘2025 Sports Accelerating Program’ and positions the company for rapid growth in the global sports nutrition market. This is breaking news for the future of clean-label sports supplements.
From Cabbage By-Products to Cutting-Edge Performance Enhancer
EpoA Nutrition isn’t just creating another sports supplement; they’re reimagining ingredient sourcing. The company’s core innovation, ‘Vegenitro™’, is a high-nitrate functional food material derived from upcycled cabbage by-products – a smart solution that tackles food waste while delivering a powerful performance boost. Nitrates, increasingly recognized for their ability to enhance blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, are traditionally sourced from beets. Vegenitro™ offers a compelling alternative, boasting comparable nitrate content and superior economic efficiency.
Recent basic research has scientifically validated Vegenitro™’s potential to improve exercise performance, paving the way for commercialization. The TIPS program funding will be instrumental in scaling up production processes to meet anticipated demand. This isn’t just about a new ingredient; it’s about a new approach to sports nutrition – one that’s both effective and environmentally responsible.
The Power of the TIPS Program & Korea’s Innovation Ecosystem
The TIPS program is a highly competitive initiative designed to nurture South Korea’s most promising technology startups. It’s unique in its structure, combining private investment from angel investors and venture capitalists with government support. This collaborative model provides startups with not only funding but also crucial mentorship and access to networks. Selection for TIPS is a strong indicator of a company’s potential for global success.
“Through this year’s sports accelerating program, we were able to systematically verify technology and organize market feedback,” shared an official from EpoA Nutrition. “Through the TIPS project, we will secure mass production process technology and accelerate our entry into the global sports nutrition market in earnest.”
Beyond Sports: A Versatile Ingredient for a Healthier Future
The potential of Vegenitro™ extends far beyond the realm of athletic performance. Its plant-derived, synthetic-ingredient-free composition makes it ideal for vegan certification and ‘clean label’ products – a growing consumer trend. EpoA Nutrition envisions expanding its applications into senior health foods, natural food additives, and even pharmaceutical collaborations. The company is already partnering with Huons, a leading pharmaceutical company, to explore these possibilities.
EpoA Nutrition already offers a range of sports nutrition products, including ‘Aminoregen Original’, ‘Magnesium Water’, and ‘Energy Gel’, demonstrating their existing market presence and commitment to innovation. But Vegenitro™ represents a leap forward, positioning them as a leader in the next generation of functional foods.
The convergence of sustainability, scientific validation, and strategic partnerships makes EpoA Nutrition a company to watch. Their commitment to upcycling and clean-label ingredients aligns perfectly with the evolving demands of health-conscious consumers worldwide, and their success story is a testament to the power of innovation within South Korea’s dynamic startup ecosystem. This is a development that could reshape how we think about fueling our bodies and protecting our planet.
