FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO — May 29, 2024 — 1871, non-profit global Innovation hub announces the launch of their second annual FoodTech Innovation Lab, running from August to November 2024. This Lab unites food tech startups with corporate partners, investors, and industry experts to scale innovation and explore how technology can be leveraged to create efficiency and sustainability in designing, producing, and delivering food. Applications are now open until June 24, 2024.
Nate Cooper, Founder and Managing Partner at Barrel Ventures, returns this year as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence. EX3 Labs, Levy, and World Business Chicago join as 2024 Lab partners.
“In my second year as the Expert in Residence for 1871’s FoodTech Lab, I’m excited to engage with innovative entrepreneurs shaping the future of food,” Cooper said. “The program brings together key players throughout the global ecosystem, and is a unique opportunity to directly support the future of food innovation. I’m thrilled to explore how this year’s founders are solving challenges in the verticals of AgTech, Ingredients, Manufacturing / Packaging, and other high-potential areas for innovation.”
“Tech integration is crucial for efficient and sustainable food systems that meet global demands,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. “Chicago, a hub for FoodTech innovation, is uniting leaders in Ingredients, Agtech, and Manufacturing and Packaging to develop transformative solutions. The time for healthier and more sustainable food systems is now, and together, we are shaping a future where food is efficient, sustainable, and accessible to all.”
FoodTech Innovation Lab 2024 highlights
The Lab is open to the following innovators:
- Food tech startups with a product launched in market and poised to grow
- Late-stage partners seeking to become an industry expert and influencing major industry outcomes
- Corporations sitting at the forefront of food tech innovation or seeking to accelerate food tech solutions
There will be a selection process for startups to ensure those admitted to the program have proven readiness and are fit for the 2024 FoodTech Lab.
An information session on the Lab will take place on 06.13.24 to provide attendees with information on the program structure, how to join the Lab, and the benefits of joining as a cohort member or partner.
This Lab is designed to connect FoodTech startups, partners, corporate innovators, VCs, and industry experts for four immersive weeks of programming, alternating in virtual and in-person experiences.
The cohort will meet for one week of programming in August, September, October,and November 2024, ending with a FoodTech Innovation Summit on 11.07.24.
Focus areas
This Lab focuses on several “focus areas” for cohort members to explore, identify, and collaborate to accelerate innovation within our food system. This year’s program will look at solutions in the food and beverage spaces.
High-level focus areas include:
- Innovative ingredients
- AgTech
- Manufacturing & Packaging Innovation
Why FoodTech
In today’s global systems, FoodTech innovation is crucial for addressing challenges like sustainability, efficiency, and scalability. By focusing on innovative ingredients, AgTech, and manufacturing & packaging innovation, the cohort will collaborate on developing transformative solutions that improve food production, reduce waste, and ensure a resilient supply chain for the growing population.
We invite the press and the public to join us in exploring the future of the FoodTech industry.
About 1871 Innovation Labs
The Innovation Labs serve as a dynamic hub for fostering cutting-edge solutions, collaboration, and technological advancement. These labs offer a platform for startups, industry leaders, investors, and venture capitalists to come together to pioneer the future of various industries, including artificial intelligence, cannabis, supply chain, and beyond.
Typically running for three or four months, the labs are at the forefront of innovation, connecting key players in the tech ecosystem to drive transformative change and accelerate the development of groundbreaking solutions for today’s challenges,
About 1871
1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.
For media inquiries, please contact:
J Blaszczykiewicz, Sr. Director of Marketing at 1871
Join as an 1871 Early Stage Member.
Attend info sessionSubscribe to our ICYMI newsletter.
Share this post: