Latest CoLab Tech cohort gives Mondelēz front‑row seat to innovation

Mondelēz International has unveiled the nine start‑ups selected for its CoLab Tech 2026 accelerator, choosing companies whose technologies directly support the snack giant’s priorities in sustainability, ingredient science and next‑generation food technology.

The cohort was chosen from more than 200 global applicants, reflecting the scale of innovation now reshaping the consumer packaged goods sector. 

According to Mondelēz, this year’s selection reflects the “confluence of transformations” facing the industry — from supply‑chain pressures to the rapid rise of AI — and the need for technologies that can help the company navigate environmental, regulatory and consumer‑driven change.

Ian Noble, R&D vice president for research, analytical sciences & cocoa, said the programme gives Mondelēz access to innovators “developing emerging technologies built to navigate these dynamics,” strengthening its ambition to lead the future of snacking. 

What each start‑up brings

Akarso Bio

Akarso Bio has developed a fermentation‑derived prebiotic nano-fibre that behaves like a hydrocolloid but can be declared as a fibre. It naturally stimulates GLP‑1, supporting satiety, gut health and metabolic wellness. Its ambition is to help brands create foods that deliver meaningful physiological benefits while maintaining clean labels. 

Alpine Bio

Alpine Bio produces next‑generation soy protein ingredients with whey‑like functionality, improved solubility, emulsification and neutral flavour — all with lower carbon emissions than dairy proteins. The company aims to redefine plant‑based performance ingredients for mainstream food manufacturing.

Attribute Analytics

Attribute Analytics connects sensory, consumer and sales data into a single intelligence platform. Its goal is to help CPG teams make faster, smarter product decisions that improve quality, accelerate innovation and increase market success.

Cal‑San

Cal‑San has created a proprietary microwave‑assisted dehydration technology that produces snacks and ingredients with superior flavour, texture and nutritional retention. The company aims to modernise dehydration for better‑tasting, longer‑lasting products with reduced waste.

De3pbio

De3pbio is advancing precision nutrition through AI‑speed biomanufacturing, enabling the development of functional ingredients designed to optimise human biology. Its ambition is to accelerate the discovery of next‑generation health‑supporting compounds.

Nfinite Paper

Nfinite Paper produces curbside‑recyclable, sealable, printable ultra‑high‑barrier paper designed to replace metallised flexible plastics. With a reduced carbon footprint, the company aims to help global brands transition to more sustainable packaging without compromising performance.

Nourish Ingredients

Nourish Ingredients uses precision fermentation and enzyme processes to create animal‑free specialty fats that replicate animalic taste and texture. Its ambition is to enable more sustainable, delicious plant‑based and hybrid products across categories.

Nous

Nous is developing the next generation of functional ingredients using proprietary extraction technology that delivers neutral taste, complete solubility and unique functionality. The company aims to unlock better‑for‑you formulations without sensory trade‑offs.

Ruby Bio

Ruby Bio uses renewable and upcycled feedstocks to produce precision‑fermented ingredients that enhance performance and shelf life in baked goods, beverages and confectionery. Its ambition is to help manufacturers improve product stability and reduce reliance on traditional additives.

Why these nine — and why now

Mondelēz’s 2026 cohort reflects a push toward technologies that can:

• strengthen sustainability across ingredients and packaging
• improve production efficiency and resilience
• elevate consumer experience through taste, texture and nutrition
• accelerate innovation through data and AI‑driven insights

The eight‑week programme will give the start‑ups hands‑on collaboration with Mondelēz R&D teams, 1:1 mentorship and access to the company’s global partner network — a pathway that has historically helped participants scale commercially.

The cohort will participate in an 8-week curriculum that includes hands-on experiences, virtual sessions, 1:1 mentorship and access to Mondelēz International’s global network of partners and experts. Learn more at snackfutures.com.