Cargill, Ecolab and Techstars to launch food innovation scheme

Cargill has partnered with Ecolab and Techstars to establish the Farm To Fork Accelerator programme, which aims to support innovation in the agriculture, food safety, food-related digital technology and food processing sectors.

Beginning in July 2018, the programme will identify 30 companies who have innovative ideas which can lead to a safer, more secure and more sustainable food supply system.

Selected companies will then receive investment from the partnership, and then participate in a three-month training and mentoring programme, which is managed by Cargill, Ecolab and Techstars.

“We want to attract the best and brightest entrepreneurs and start-ups from around the world,” said Ecolab chairman and chief executive officer Douglas M. Baker, Jr.

“Both Ecolab and Cargill are well positioned to help farm-to-fork entrepreneurs understand and address changing food trends. Participants in our accelerator program will benefit from Ecolab’s expertise in sustainable food processing and food safety, as well as Cargill’s knowledge of agriculture and food production.”

Brett Brohl, Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator managing director added: “There couldn’t be a better time for this program. Food trends affect everyone, and entrepreneurs, consumers, investors and companies all over the world are increasingly aware of the growing challenges in the food value chain.

“The corporate leadership provided by Ecolab and Cargill, and the Techstars worldwide network, will help entrepreneurs succeed in this changing environment.”