Mondelēz on the hunt for ‘disruptively delicious’ startups

23-Sep-2022 - Last updated on 23-Sep-2022 at 08:37 GMT

Are you the next snacking superhero? Pic: GettyImages/drante

SnackFutures – the innovation and venture hub of the Oreo maker – has opened applications for CoLab 2023, a start-up engagement programme created to unearth trailblazers that are ‘pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in making a snack delicious’.

The snack giant is looking for visionaries that are opening new horizons in everything from flavours to consumer experience, sustainability and packaging, while grabbing the attention of retailers and getting consumers to come back for more.

Participants must fit within the SnackFutures ethos of being “good for people, kind to the planet and deliciously fun.”

They must also be based in the US, already generating at least $1m in revenue with high growth potential, while aligning with Mondelēz’s innovation priorities.

Future-forward leader in snacking

The group’s priorities support incremental growth against three key strategic areas, namely, invent new brands and businesses; invest in early stage entrepreneurs; and amplify the SnackFutures impact with the CoLab start-up engagement programme.

Successful applicants will receive a $20,000 grant, along with a coveted spot on the 12-week growth-centric programme starting in April 2023. The curriculum includes workshops, one-on-one mentorship and hands-on experiences, along with access to company leadership and industry expertise and potential investment opportunities.

“To be launching a third class of CoLab demonstrates Mondelez International’s commitment to thinking and behaving as a consumer-centric, future forward leader in snacking,” said Brigette Wolf, VP and global head of SnackFutures.

“The startups that participate in this programme tell us they are blown away by the access and attention they get from our experts and ecosystem; and our leaders and employees are inspired by the drive and discipline of these entrepreneurs.”

Join the third cohort of disruptors

Previous CoLab alumini include Bunny James Boxes, Every Body Eat, GoNanas, Moonshot, Nunbelievable, Oat Haus, Pan’s, Popcorn for the People, Wonder Monday, Yolélé, Better Bites Bakery, Chasin’ Dreams Farm, Elite Sweets, Numa, NuSkool, Snacklins, Sourse, 12 Tides and Love, Corn.

Applications for the CoLab 2023 programme are open until December 2022. To find out more, Wolf and other SnackFutures executives will be speaking at the Food Entrepreneur Experience free virtual event on 26 October.