SnackFutures, the Mondelēz International, Inc. innovation and venture hub, opened applications for CoLab 2023. This is the third year of the start-up engagement program which was created to bring ‘big and small’ together to drive mutual growth.
While all participants must fit within the SnackFutures ethos of being good for people, kind to the planet and fun, the focus for the 2023 class is Disruptively Delicious. 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.
Brigette Wolf, vp and global head of SnackFutures, says CoLab is working just as it was intended – to provide emerging brands with the tools, resources and technologies they would otherwise not have access to, and introduce the global snacking leader to new insights, capability 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,” says Wolf. “The start-ups that participate in this program 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.”
The 12-week program includes in-person workshops, hands-on experiences and virtual curriculum sessions, along with 1:1 mentorship, access to Mondelēz International experts and its partners across the globe.
Applications for the CoLab 2023 program are open now through December 2022. The program begins in April of 2023. To apply, start-ups must be based in the US, generating at least $1M in revenue, have high growth potential, align with the Mondelēz International innovation priorities and can benefit from working with the company.
