CHICAGO — Mondelez International has opened applications for the second year of its CoLab Tech program.
The baking company’s global R&D team, which leads the accelerator program, is seeking up-and-coming companies with innovative nutrition, ingredients, packaging and sustainability technologies. The program plays an essential role in Mondelez’ growth strategy to drive innovation in its core categories, including biscuits and baked snacks.
This year’s cohort will grant the global R&D team early access to new capabilities that will aid in the development of breakthrough products and platforms.
“Our R&D team is at the forefront of Mondelez’ commitment to empowering people around the world to snack right,” said Ian Noble, VP of R&D at Mondelez International. “As consumers increasingly prioritize personal well-being, planet-positive choices, and more interesting eating experiences, we need to look to groundbreaking entrepreneurs who have developed new tools and technologies that enable us to continue leading the future of snacking.”
“As consumers increasingly prioritize personal well-being, planet-positive choices, and more interesting eating experiences, we need to look to groundbreaking entrepreneurs who have developed new tools and technologies that enable us to continue leading the future of snacking.” — Ian Noble | VP of R&D | Mondelez International
This year, the CoLab Tech program’s highest priority areas include:
- Packaging: Materials that are recyclable, high performing, and flexible; can enable a low environmental impact and support premium products
- Ingredients: Enable innovation in core categories of chocolate, biscuits and baked snacks with clean, “free from” ingredients; sugar and calorie reduction; plant-based positive nutrition; functional actives; and elevated sensorial experiences
- Sustainability: Can reduce environmental impact through water- and energy-optimized ingredient mixing and product forming solutions; more efficient and sustainable heating processes; efficient selective concentration and recovery of compounds; and novel bio-gas generation and supply solutions.
“Last year’s cohort really opened our eyes to what’s possible in snack innovation,” said Paula Hemerly, manager of the CoLab Tech program. “We are already collaborating with some of the participants to put their technologies into practice and are very excited about what this new class will bring.”
The eight-week curriculum includes virtual sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and the potential for proof-of-concept testing.
Applications are open to start-ups worldwide that have reached a minimum viable product in their development process and have at least five employees. Start-ups with diverse and minority board members will be considered a plus for selection.
