Highlights from the IPA World Congress + Probiota 2025 in Copenhagen

The IPA World Congress + Probiota 2025 recently took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, welcoming an array of attendees from academia, business, and regulatory sectors. Organised by NutraIngredients and the International Probiotics Association (IPA), the event unfolded over three days, fostering innovation in probiotics and prebiotics within a larger venue, The Bella Center, following the congress's previous edition held in 2022.

The congress opened with a welcoming address from Stephen Daniells, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of NutraIngredients, alongside George Paraskevakos, Executive Director of the IPA. Both leaders expressed enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the importance of knowledge exchange in the rapidly evolving field of probiotics. Daniells noted, “Together, we hope to create a rich environment for learning, networking, and impactful discussions.”

A prominent feature of the event was the panel discussion on "Postbiotics: Knowledge Gaps and Opportunities," which examined the current understanding of postbiotics. Experts discussed promising applications and health endpoints, highlighting the necessity for further enumeration and quality considerations in this emerging area of research.

Networking was a significant aspect of the congress, with extensive breaks and speed networking sessions designed to encourage meaningful dialogue and connections among delegates. Participants actively engaged in discussions, notably during the panel on the microbiota–gut–brain axis, where researchers exchanged insights on its influence on cognition, mood, mental health, stress, and sleep quality.

Among the highlights of the congress was the introduction of the ‘Probiota Pioneer’ award, which recognises innovative start-ups in the sector. This year, three companies were presented on stage, showcasing their advancements in addressing gut health. Alba Health, founded in 2022 by Eleonora Cavani and Prof. Willem M. de Vos, focuses on improving children’s gut health. Migalis, known for its dietary supplement solutions, aims to enhance both gut health and mitochondrial function. Perseus Biomics introduced its DynaMAP technology, which leverages Optical DNA Mapping for expedited microbiome analysis.

Ewa Hudson, Director of Insights at Lumina Intelligence, provided insights on how microbiome science and health technology are shaping consumer behaviour and market opportunities. She presented recent survey data illuminating the impact of health goals and medication usage on purchasing patterns, especially regarding microbiome health.

Beyond panels and discussions, the congress hosted an energising morning 5k run, sponsored by Novonesis, designed to start the day with wellness and camaraderie. Participants also engaged in roundtable lunches, which featured live discussions hosted by industry experts, covering the most pressing topics within the microbiome field.

Scientific recognition was another focal point, as NutraIngredients showcased outstanding research during its Scientific Frontiers segment. Selected researchers, including Dr. Julia Rode from Örebro University and Connor Parker from Nottingham Trent University, presented their significant findings on probiotics and gastrointestinal health.

Social activities complemented the formal agenda, with a lively Probiota Social Evening where attendees enjoyed traditional Danish cuisine, live music, and opportunities for informal networking. This setting fostered a robust environment for building connections, characterised by a supportive atmosphere for both dance and dialogue.

The congress concluded with a panel discussion titled “Looking to the Future,” where panellists reflected on key takeaways and emerging trends within the microbiome research landscape. The event not only underscored the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration but also affirmed the growing importance of probiotics and prebiotics in health and wellness.

Copenhagen once again proved to be a vibrant backdrop for this gathering of industry leaders, as the IPA World Congress + Probiota 2025 positioned itself at the forefront of innovation in the probiotics sector, shaping the future of research and consumer health solutions.