Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Sprint have announced that applications are now open for their 2019 accelerator programme, which aims to identify and nurture innovative food start-ups.
DFA sponsors the 90-day programme in both the ag tech and dairy food product segments, and the programme will look to recruit early-stage, dairy-focused food company’s which are looking to launch innovative food products, as well as pioneering ag tech companies.
This year will mark the second consecutive year that DFA will sponsor the programme, which provides participants with business development advice, potential sponsorships and the possibility to pilot products in order to grow their businesses.
As part of DFA’s sponsorship, finalists can also receive mentoring from senior DFA members and their networks, as well as from entrepreneurial communities.
Last year’s participants included brands such as MoPro Nutrition, a maker of whey protein isolate-infused Greek yogurts, and the brand received investment from DFA after the scheme had concluded.
Other particpants included SomaDetect, a precision dairy company that is creating an in-line system for measuring every compound of interest in raw milk; and Cheddies, which manufacturers cheese crackers that have added nutritional benefits.
Monica Massey, senior vice-president and chief of staff at DFA said: “At DFA, we’re constantly searching for new ways to elevate and grow the dairy industry.
“For this reason, we are committed to connecting, mentoring and guiding rising entrepreneurs in food and ag.”
Doug Dresslaer, managing director of the Sprint Accelerator added: “DFA has been a great sponsor and we look forward to continuing our work with them in 2019.”
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