Global brewing company Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has extended its partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive Company and Unilever to fund environmentally sustainable innovation in supply chains through its 100+ Accelerator incubator program.
“Collaborative partnerships allow us to harness the scale, speed and transformation necessary to propel sustainable innovation. Since its inception, the 100+ Accelerator has driven projects globally across a diverse range of sustainability challenges from water sanitation to reducing microplastics,” says Anna Voronkova, entrepreneurship lead Europe, AB InBev.
The company will also drive a European program, 100+ Europe Labs, with partners Siemens, Bain & Company, Colruyt Group and Ball Corporation.
The 100+ Accelerator program, launched in 2018, sets out to solve supply chain challenges and supports start-ups in the fields of water stewardship, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, climate action, inclusive growth and biodiversity.
Millions raised to fast-track startup ambitions
The 100+ Accelerator program has accelerated 70 companies to scale-up globally in over 20 countries, raising more than US$300 million. In addition, many startups have secured long-term contracts with the company.
AB InBev invites companies to join 100+ Europe Labs as a partner for future cohorts, with ambitions to have at least 10 corporation partners for 100+ Europe Labs by 2025.
Approximately 50% of the start-ups are scaling globally to fast-track sustainable solutions including transitioning farmers to regenerative agriculture, reducing energy and water use in brewing operations as well as delivering traceability and insurance for smallholder farmers.
In addition, 1,000 tons of glass waste have been collected along with electric vehicle batteries. Grains from the brewing process have been upcycled to produce nutritious ingredients.
100+ Europe Labs offers size and scale to passionate entrepreneurs to bring their solutions to market faster. In addition to funding pilot programs, up to US$100,000 per pilot, 100+ Europe Labs will provide ‘hands-on’ support to startups by assigning dedicated teams to help test out their new solutions in a large global supply chain.
Edited by Inga de Jong
Source: foodingredientsfirst.com
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