Tyson Ventures, the venture capital arm of Tyson Foods, is accepting applications for participants in the second annual Tyson Demo Day.
The event will be held July 11 at its headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas. This year’s theme of upcycling innovation aims to identify breakthrough upcycling technologies to help the company and the industry reach sustainability goals.
“We’re embracing the circular economy and putting waste to work,” said John R. Tyson, Tyson Ventures president and Tyson Foods EVP and CFO. “At Tyson Foods, this means reimagining and reusing materials and working to reduce our environmental footprint.”
Startups can apply online for consideration until May 1. Participants will be selected and invited to pitch in person at Demo Day. Startups will demonstrate how their upcycling solutions can potentially help create a more sustainable food system.
“Upcycling is a critical factor in our formula to sustainably feed the future. From streamlining costs to reducing materials to landfills, upcycling makes both economic and environmental sense for our business, the industry and the world economy,” Tyson said.
“The creativity and passion the Demo Day applicants demonstrate in tackling a complex challenge in the food industry is incredibly inspiring.”
Following Tyson Demo Day, up to six selected startups will have the opportunity to engage with senior leadership and potentially partner with the company to test their innovations in real market conditions, helping advance sustainability across the company.
Last year, more than 120 startups from more than 20 countries applied and 20 finalists pitched at Demo Day. As a result, six startups were selected and connected with company leaders for potential partnership opportunities, including mentorship from company executives and promotion on its social media channels.
“It was an honor to pitch to Tyson Foods leadership,” said Aayush Thakur, co-founder and chief executive officer of FR8relay, a resident startup from Demo Day 2022.
“The opportunity to learn more about the company’s strategy and execution, while receiving feedback from Tyson’s leadership was invaluable in developing potential solutions. We appreciated the opportunity to connect and network.”
Interested startups and entrepreneurs can apply online here.
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