Startup teams will be mentored and coached by experienced professionals
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has set up an accelerator in partnership with the University of Helsinki and Finnish manufacturer of dairy products, Valio to help food industry startups grow fast and reach the international market. The accelerator is part of European network of six accelerators, EIT FAN, the aim of which is to promote a sustainable food system.
Innovations that revolutionise the market often come from startups, but their realisation may also require input from established companies. VTT seeks to bring food production start-ups and veterans together as early as possible.
In the new accelerator led by VTT, startup teams will be mentored and coached by experienced professionals from food research, production and marketing. At the same time, these experts can familiarise themselves with the world of start-ups.
VTT expects the accelerator to consolidate the network of food industry companies and contribute to the success of Finnish companies on the international market. At best, the accelerator will also attract foreign start-ups and investments to Finland, says VTT’s Co-Creation Manager Mirva Lampinen.