Cargill supports second class of start-ups in Techstars accelerator

Cargill and Ecolab have announced they are supporting the second class of start-ups through the Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator.

The programme engages start-ups that are focused on advancing key aspects of the food system, including food security and safety, ag tech, consumer goods and supply chain management.

Start-ups receive support from Cargill and Ecolab executives and access to the companies’ market expertise, global connections and investment capital.

The 11 companies selected to participate in the 2019 Farm to Fork class include: Contain, Conversight, EcoPlant, Food for All, Imago AI, Magic AI, Otrafy, Phood, PurPics, Trackter and Transparent Kitchen.

“Solving the greatest food and sustainability challenges the world faces today requires partnership and fresh, innovative ideas. These are the two key ingredients of the Techstars Farm to Fork programme,” said Justin Kershaw, Cargill CIO.

“Having the brightest minds in food and ag-tech in Cargill and Ecolab’s backyards provides an amazing opportunity to infuse start-up energy into our company, while also helping bring critical solutions to scale. It’s truly a win-win.”

Katie Peterson, Ecolab marketing vice president, said: “While we’re here to mentor these start-ups, we’re also learning from their approach to problem-solving and are excited to help bring their energy to the Twin Cities start-up community.

“Their passion and innovation, combined with the global scale and reach of Ecolab and Cargill, can help solve the challenges of safely feeding the world’s population.”

Techstars’ network of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and other partners will also work hand-in-hand with the selected start-ups throughout the accelerator.

“Together we are helping entrepreneurs build their business, secure capital, expand their reach and ultimately have a positive impact on the food industry and society,” said Brett Brohl, Techstars Farm to Fork accelerator managing director.

Each of the companies will present its projects at a demo day on 15 October, during Twin Cities Startup Week.