Mondelez highlights startups selected for CoLab Tech 2026

CHICAGO — Nine startups have been selected to join Mondelez International, Inc.’s CoLab Tech 2026 accelerator program.

Mondelez said its third cohort focuses on startups that are helping with environmental, supply chain and regulatory challenges, and those that also have the capability to accelerate innovation for consumer experience.

The nine startups in this year’s program include Akarso Bio, which creates a fermentation-derived prebiotic nanofiber platform to help companies manufacture foods designed to satisfy hunger, support gut health and metabolic wellness.

Alpine Bio, a startup producing soy protein ingredients that offer whey-like functionality.

Attribute Analytics, an intelligence platform connecting sensory, consumer and sales data tailored for food and beverage product insights.

Cal-San, a startup that has developed a proprietary microwave-assisted dehydration technology to make snacks and ingredients.

De3pbio, a startup that uses proprietary artificial intelligence-speed biomanufacturing to research and develop functional ingredients.

Nfinite Paper, a startup that creates recyclable, sealable, printable paper that was designed replace flexible metallized plastic packaging.

Nourish Ingredients, a startup producing animal-free fats using precision fermentation and enzyme processes.

Nous, produces functional ingredients using a proprietary extraction technology.

Ruby Bio, a company that uses renewable and upcycled feedstocks via precision fermentation to produce ingredients that may boost performance and shelf life in baked foods, beverages and confectionery products.

“The consumer packaged goods industry is facing a confluence of transformations – from supply chain to AI,” said Ian Noble, vice president of R&D for Research, Analytical Sciences & Cocoa at Mondelez International. “That’s why CoLab Tech is such an important program for Mondelez. It gives us access to innovators who are developing emerging technologies built to navigate these dynamics, helping accelerate our capabilities and ambition to lead the future of snacking.”

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