Pladis is looking for the next generation of food tech, health, and sustainability start-ups
The London-headquartered company behind McVitie’s, GODIVA, and Ülker today announces the launch of its new Accelerator Programme to nurture early-stage companies within the UK and internationally.
The Programme will support start-ups in food tech, health and sustainability in response to key consumer trends including the ageing global population and the demand for sustainable food sourcing.
Founded in 2016, pladis will use its entrepreneurial and fast growth experience to support start-ups with tailored mentorship from pladis’ senior team. Advice will be given on global expansion, product design and branding, as well commercialising breakthrough ideas.
Start-ups will also be given the opportunity to pilot projects or co-develop solutions with pladis, providing real-world validation and market exposure. The hope is innovative solutions will be unearthed that will have a transformative impact on the industry.
The Accelerator Programme seeks to find visionary start-ups that are pioneering innovations across three key areas:
- Personalised nutrition for over 50s and younger generations: Functional and fortified snacks specifically tailored to meet the dietary needs of consumers aged 50+, supporting long-term health and vitality, and essential nutrition for children’s growth and development
- Advancing functional foods: Innovations such as functional snacks, nutraceuticals, and AI-driven product development that enhance beauty, wellness, and overall well-being.
- Future ingredients: Breakthrough solutions including precision fermentation, upcycled ingredients, and plant-based products that deliver sustainable and nutritious snacking experiences.
The open call for applications opens 18th March and closes 31st May 2025, with final selections made by 30 June 2025. Businesses based across the globe are eligible to apply. Interested companies can apply directly and learn more at https://www.pladisglobal.com/our-impact/pladis-accelerator-programme or direct questions to [email protected].
“We are excited to launch the Accelerator Programme as part of our continued to driving transformative change within food tech, health and sustainability.” said Jennifer Moss, chief research & development officer, pladis. “We are a young company ourselves and our leadership team has experience in scaling a global business and bringing to market innovative products. The people running this programme were the people who were integral in making our business what it is today. We want to share the insights we’ve learned to collaborate directly with visionary start-ups, powering the next era of breakthrough ideas.”
Through the programme, selected businesses will also have direct access to key players in the food-tech, retail tech and innovation ecosystem, including industry leaders, corporate partners and experienced venture professionals
The Accelerator Programme is powered by Yildiz Ventures, the innovation and strategic growth arm of Yildiz Holding – pladis’ parent company. Yildiz Ventures is committed to supporting visionary start-ups that are shaping the future of food tech, retail tech, wellness and sustainability.
pladis is also proud to announce its sponsorship of the prestigious FoodTech500, further highlighting its commitment to fostering innovation within the food technology ecosystem.
