Cargill and Ecolab accelerate food industry innovation in second year of Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator
2019 class of tech start-ups arrive in St. Paul, poised to positively impact the food and agriculture industry from farm to fork
(ST. PAUL, Minn.) July 15, 2019 – Recognizing the critical role that innovation plays in creating a safer and more sustainable food system, Cargill and Ecolab are supporting a second class of startups through the Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator.
“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 program,” 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 startup energy into our company, while also helping bring critical solutions to scale. It’s truly a win-win.”
“While we’re here to mentor these startups, we’re also learning from their approach to problem-solving and are excited to help bring their energy to the Twin Cities startup community,” said Katie Peterson, Ecolab marketing vice president and Techstars program lead. “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.”
The accelerator engages both early stage entrepreneurs and late stage startups that are focused on advancing key aspects of the food system, including food security and safety, ag tech, consumer goods and supply chain management. Startups receive mentor 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, Reno, Nev.
• Conversight, Indianapolis, Ind.
• EcoPlant, Tel Aviv, Israel
• Food for All, Boston, Mass. / New York City, N.Y.
• Imago AI, Gurgaon, India
• Magic AI, Seattle, Wash.
• Otrafy, Melbourne, Australia / Vancouver, Canada
• Phood, Boston, Mass.
• PurPics, Austin, Texas
• Trackter, Atlanta, Ga.
• Transparent Kitchen, Ottawa, Canada
Techstars’ network of successful entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and other partners also works hand-in-hand with the selected startups 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. “We’re excited to build on last year’s success, leveraging the expertise of Cargill and Ecolab, Techstars’ proven accelerator model, and the entrepreneurial energy of each of the startup companies’ founders."
Each of the companies will present their projects at Demo Day on October 15, during Twin Cities Startup Week.
For more information on the Farm-to-Fork Accelerator, visit https://www.techstars.com/farm-to-fork-program/.
Media Contact: [email protected]
About Cargill
Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.
Our approximately 160,000 employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.
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 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