Agropur
Inno Accel is an accelerator programme for dairy businesses in North America. Credit: Jagoda Kondratiuk on Unsplash.

Canadian dairy cooperative Agropur has launched Inno Accel, an accelerator programme for dairy businesses in North America.

Inno Accel is an offshoot of the Inno Agropur programme, which is one of the largest open innovation initiatives in the North American dairy industry.

Inno-Challenge ambassador and entrepreneur-in-residence Patrick Gagné said: “With Inno Accel, we have a catalyst for that energy and the opportunity to work on projects in an industry that is new for us, the rich and stimulating world of dairy.”

“With Inno Accel, we have a catalyst for that energy and the opportunity to work on projects in an industry that is new for us.”

The new programme will feature applicants U Main, Sweetaly Dolceria, SaltiSweet Ice Cream Factory, Cheese Grotto and Peak Yogurt.

Montreal-based U Main develops do-it-yourself artisanal cheesemaking kits, while Sweetaly Dolceria is engaged in the production of desserts and traditional Italian recipes. SaltiSweet Ice Cream Factory creates ice cream novelties, while Cheese Grotto manufactures cheese storage devices and Peak Yogurt produces triple-cream, low-sugar yoghurt.

As part of the programme, the applicants will spend four months at Inno Accel and gain opportunities to develop new solutions for development. Each start-up will be supported by two mentors and 20 coaches with expertise in different fields.

The Canadian dairy cooperative began its innovation programme in 2016 to explore new avenues and focus on meeting the changing needs of consumers for a different dairy experience.