GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE FOOD VERTICAL 2023

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

MassChallenge announces the creation of our Sustainable Food vertical. Feeding the planet’s population sustainably is one of society’s biggest challenges. MassChallenge has partnered with some of the biggest corporations in Food production (Nestlé, Bühler, Givaudan, DSM, Louis Dreyfus Company, and more), to find, accelerate, and collaborate with startups, so that the startup’s business grows and they make massive impact to society.    

The vertical works with early-stage and later-stage startups in different ways:  

EARLY-STAGE STARTUPS

Early-stage startups can apply to the Global Sustainable Food track.  This accelerator track is operated by MassChallenge Switzerland, and run as part of the Swiss early-stage accelerator program.

Startups are accepted from any location in the world and will benefit from unrivalled access to the world’s leading food companies, access to 400+ experts, a tailored food specific curriculum, and the opportunity to compete for up to CHF 1M in non-dilutive cash prizes. 

The accelerator runs from July to October.  We only accept startups whose solution will add value to society, and all startups in the accelerator will be advised about how to make their business climate responsible and must intend to offset their emissions or actively reduce GHG to be considered.  

STARTUPS' BENEFITS

• Unrivaled access to global corporate partners, including Nestlé, Bühler, Givaudan, DSM, Louis Dreyfus Company, General Mills, and Südzucker;
• World-class mentoring from 400+ experts and tailored programming provided with no equity taken in return;
• The opportunity to compete for up to CHF 1M in non-dilutive cash prizes and other in-kind awards;
• For Food and Climate focused startups an additional cash prize of CHF 100k no-strings-attached for the  Louis Dreyfus Company Climate Resilience Prize
• A proven model that has helped more than 65% of finalists raise funds during or immediately after the program. 

PREPARE THE PROGRAM

Startups, from all locations, will be required to travel to Switzerland to attend our Half-Time activities (see the timeline below). These events generate connections and facilitate collaboration with our partners, mentors, and investors. They maximize startups' benefits from the program.  The remainder of the program operates online.  

Startups based in the US have the option of being residents in MassChallenge’s offices in Boston or Texas. US Startups will be expected to travel to Switzerland for physical events. On top, they will be able to attend MassChallenge’s local activities in the US.

The Track will also include startups who have attended MassChallenge Israel and Mexico Food Tracks.

HOW TO APPLY

• Startups, from any location, should apply here and select Sustainable Food Track as their choice. Applications are open until March 1st.
  
• Startups based in the US, and who want to be resident in MC’s US offices and also benefit from US programming can apply here , tick the “US Early Stage Accelerator Program”, and select “Sustainable Food Track”.
  

TIMELINE

LATER-STAGE STARTUPS

Later stage startups can participate in the Sustainable Food Solutions Challenge. Applications will open in November 2023. This challenge is operated by MassChallenge Switzerland. Here, startups are matched with MassChallenge partners to accelerate innovation in the food sector. Since 2020 over 1,200 startups have applied to the challenge, 175 being connected to our partners. Of these, over half were involved in follow-up with our partners.  

Apply before March 1^st

Any questions? 

switzerland@masschallenge.org

SUCCESS STORIES

Floré & DSM partner and innovate in gut health

Plant Jammer & Südzucker Produce Customer Engagement and Fight Food Waste

Givaudan Innovation Team collaborates with Sustainable Food startups from MassCHallenge

Bloom & Barry Callebaut lead the biomass revolution