Cargill and Ecolab have announced the latest class of entrepreneurs to join the Techstars Farm-to-Fork Accelerator to help advance the critical role of digital innovation in agriculture and food safety
Due to the pandemic, the programme’s first ‘virtual’ class will see the 2020 participants engage with mentors through an entirely digital experience.
The pandemic has accelerated digitalisation across many sectors, including food and agriculture, said Techstars Farm-to-Fork Accelerator managing director Brett Brohl.
“The food system has changed more in the last six months than it has over the entire five years I have been investing in the space. The demands of the pandemic have shed light on the tremendous opportunity that exists in the food system for entrepreneurs, and we are excited about the opportunities in front of this year’s class,” said Brohl.
“Technology and digital innovation play a critical role in nourishing the world safely and responsibly,” said Justin Kershaw, Cargill CIO. “Through our partnership with Techstars and Ecolab, Cargill remains committed to helping foster breakthrough innovation to transform the food supply chain from farm to fork fundamentally.”
Now in its third year, Techstars Farm-to-Fork Accelerator is involving early-stage entrepreneurs seeking to make positive changes across the food system, including food security and safety, ag tech and supply chain management.
Participants receive mentoring support from Cargill and Ecolab executives and access to market expertise and global business connections. The Techstars network of successful entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and other partners also works with selected start-ups throughout the accelerator programme.
