Now in its third year, CoLab’s startup engagement program is seeking startups with a strong ethos of doing good for people and the planet. This year, there is an added emphasis on finding startups that are also ”disruptively delicious,” said the company.
“The team is looking for brands that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in making a snack delicious – from flavors, to experience, to sustainability to packaging – as well as grabbing the attention of retailers and getting consumers coming back for more,” said Mondelēz.
Brigette Wolf, VP and global head of SnackFutures, commented that CoLab is building on its successful track record of providing emerging brands with the tools, resources, and technologies they may not otherwise have access to, while introducing Mondelēz, a global snacking giant to new insights, capabilities, and prospective investments.
“To be launching a third class of CoLab demonstrates Mondelēz International’s commitment to thinking and behaving as a consumer-centric, future-forward leader in snacking,” said Wolf.
To qualify for the 12-week program which includes in-person workshops, hands-on experiences, virtual curriculum sessions, and 1:1 mentorship, applicants must be generating at least $1m in annual revenue and exhibit high growth potential, said the company.
Companies selected for the program will also receive a $20,000 grant.
Applications for the CoLab 2023 program are open now through December 2022 with the program beginning in April 2023.