The Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator, co-funded by Ecolab and Cargill
in partnership with Techstars, launched today. This first-of-its-kind
program to be based in the Twin Cities will identify entrepreneurs and
start-up companies from around the world who have innovative ideas
focused on agriculture, food-related digital technology, food processing
and food safety. These companies will be invited to participate in a
three-month mentorship-driven accelerator program managed by Ecolab,
Cargill and Techstars.
“We want to attract the best and brightest entrepreneurs and start-ups
from around the world,” said Ecolab Chairman and CEO 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.”
As the farm-to-fork movement gains traction around the world, consumers
are seeking more local, fresh and organic foods, and expecting increased
transparency around the food supply chain and food safety. At the same
time, the global demand for food is rising. By 2030, the world will need
35 percent more food than what we produce today. The Farm to Fork
Accelerator will enable participating companies to advance technologies
that meet the growing farm-to-fork trend.
“There couldn't be a better time for this program,” said Brett Brohl,
Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator managing director. “Food trends
affect everyone. 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.”
Over the next three years, the Farm to Fork Accelerator expects to
attract hundreds of potential applicants, and will choose 30
high-potential companies for the program. These companies will receive a
monetary investment, as well as mentoring from Ecolab and Cargill
experts and access to Techstars’ global network.
The application process opens in January 2018, and the program kicks off
in July 2018. To learn more, visit https://www.techstars.com/farm-to-fork-program/.
About Ecolab
A trusted partner at more than one million customer locations, Ecolab
(ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and
services that protect people and vital resources. With 2016 sales of $13
billion and 48,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions
and on-site service to promote safe food, maintain clean environments,
optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies for
customers in the food, healthcare, energy, hospitality and industrial
markets in more than 170 countries around the world. For more Ecolab
news and information, visit www.ecolab.com.
Follow us on Twitter @ecolab
or Facebook at facebook.com/ecolab.
About Cargill
Cargill provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products
and services to the world. Together with farmers, customers, governments
and communities, we help people thrive by applying our insights and 150
years of experience. We have 155,000 employees in 70 countries who are
committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing
environmental impact and improving the communities where we live and
work. For more information, visit Cargill.com and
our News
Center.
About Techstars
Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed.
Techstars founders connect with other entrepreneurs, experts, mentors,
alumni, investors, community leaders and corporations to grow their
companies. Techstars operates four divisions: Techstars Startup
Programs, Techstars Mentorship-Driven Accelerator Programs, Techstars
Corporate Innovation Partnerships and the Techstars Venture Capital
Fund. Learn more at www.techstars.com.
(ECL-C)
Ecolab Inc.
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MediaRelations@Ecolab.com