Cargill partners with Techstars and Ecolab to address food security challenges

Global food company Cargill has partnered with US-based technology startups Techstars and Ecolab to address challenges such as food security and safety.

As part of the new initiative, the three companies intend to launch Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator in Minneapolis by next year.

Cargill CIO Justin Kershaw said: “We are thrilled to welcome some of the brightest minds in food and agriculture technology into Cargill and Ecolab’s backyards.

“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 accelerator programme will initially feature ten startup companies. It will provide input on developing technology to positively impact the food industry, securing capital and expanding industry reach.

Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator managing director Brett Brohl said: “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.

“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 programme is scheduled to continue for three years and will engage both early-stage entrepreneurs and late-stage startups.