Entries are now open for the Australian 'food incubator' program launched by dairy giant Chobani.
The yoghurt company's billionaire CEO and founder Hamdi Ulukaya launched the program at the unveiling of the new $3.1 million Monash Food Incubator, which has been created to help food entrepreneurs break into the industry.
Chobani is considered a disruptor in the category, as it has become the most popular yoghurt brand in the US in just 12 years in business.
The company is offering local food startups "with big hearts and big ideas" the chance to apply to be part of the first round of the Australian Chobani Food Incubator.
Since announcing the Australian arm of the program just over a month ago, Chobani has received over 150 enquiries from food and beverage brands looking to scale their business and take it to the next level, according to Ulakaya.
Partnering with Monash’s Food Innovation Centre (FIC), the holistic incubator program will combine the FIC’s facilities to support new product development, innovation, and quality with Chobani’s experience in sales, marketing and customer engagement.
Chobani says the program aims to unearth and nurture innovative food startups who will challenge the system and shape the future of the industry.
The program includes:
- A four-month incubator from February to April 2018, online and on-site
- 1-2 team members participating on-site with key Chobani team members
- Monthly programs at Chobani locations, including manufacturing facilities and Monash’s Food Innovation Centre
- Equity-free capital: $10,000 grant to help grow your business
- Travel, hotel and other expenses covered
- Access to Chobani teams, executives, and experts
Entries close on 30 November, and applications can be submitted here.
