Cargill teams up with Techstars and Ecolab to accelerate food industry innovation

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Because new technologies can lead the way to a safer, more secure and sustainable food supply, Cargill is partnering with Techstars and Ecolab to create the Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator launching in Minneapolis in 2018.

"We are thrilled to welcome some of the brightest minds in food and ag tech into Cargill and Ecolab's backyards," said Justin Kershaw, Cargill CIO. "This Accelerator allows us to invest our time and resources in technology shaping the future of agriculture, and to address some of the greatest challenges facing the food system. At the same time, we see the partnership with Techstars as a way to inject startup energy inside Cargill, where we are committed to creating a culture that fosters technology innovation through internal expertise and external partnerships."

The first class, featuring 10 of the world's most promising startups, is set to arrive in Minneapolis in the summer of 2018 for a 13-week engagement, where they will build their business and receive input on developing technology to positively impact the food industry, securing capital and expanding their industry reach.

"Minnesota was literally built by food entrepreneurs more than 150 years ago, and entrepreneurs continue to thrive in the state's quickly expanding, yet supportive ecosystem," said Brett Brohl, Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator managing director. "The Farm to Fork Accelerator will build on this rich history, leveraging Cargill's reach and leadership in food and agriculture as well as Ecolab's expertise in safe food, clean water and healthy environments. Combined with Techstars' proven accelerator model, we can truly help entrepreneurs take their companies to the next level while making a positive social impact."  

The accelerator is scheduled to continue for three years, engaging both early stage entrepreneurs and late stage startups with a vision for affecting positive change across the food system. Applications for the first class open in January 2018, with a focus on startups that can advance key aspects of the food system including food security and safety, ag tech, consumer goods and supply chain management.

Startups accepted into the program will be offered mentor support from Cargill and Ecolab executives and access to the companies' market expertise, global connections and investment capital. Techstars' network of successful entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and other partners also work hand-in-hand with the selected startups throughout the accelerator.

For more information on the Farm to Fork Accelerator, visit https://www.techstars.com/farm-to-fork-program/.

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 more than 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. www.techstars.com

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.

SOURCE Cargill