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MBOLD is committed to advancing innovation in the protein sector and we recognize the critical importance of promising start-ups in driving needed innovation. We are supporting start-up and scale-up protein companies’ success in multiple ways -- through our Bold Growth mentorship program, our new Bold Growth Exchange, our pitch slam at Bridge2Food North America, and partnership with Plug and Play Minnesota’s accelerator program.
MBOLD’s "Bold Growth” mentorship program helps high-growth protein innovation businesses scale up smarter and faster through in-depth coaching by executives from MBOLD member companies and corporate partners. Participation is free with no equity taken.
To date, Bold Growth mentors have included leaders from Bread and Butter Ventures, Cargill, CHS, Compeer Financial, Ecolab, General Mills, Hormel Foods, McKinsey & Co., Nielsen IQ, Schwan’s Co., SunOpta,Target, and the University of Minnesota, among others.
We have provided confidential, tailored mentorship on topics ranging from new product development to navigating the U.S. regulatory environment, national distribution through refrigerated and frozen food channels, brand development, manufacturing scale-up and marketing strategy, among many others.
Please see our video for more information. Our next application process will likelyoccur in Fall 2026.
Powered by MBOLD, Protein Industries Canada and the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands along with the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis and Protein Port, this new virtual session-based cohort experience benefits early-stage protein companies from the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands that seek pre-scale-up support and industry connections.
Bold Growth Exchange participants will make international connections and engage in expert presentations and peer discussion on topics including Go-to-Market Strategies, Unlocking Growth Capital, and Building Strategic Partnerships Across the Value Chain. Participationis free of charge for selected companies.
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MBOLD is partnering with Plug and Play Minnesota to work with a variety of protein innovation companies from around the world. Plug and Play Tech Center is a global innovation and investment platform headquartered in Silicon Valley with 60 locations around the world in 25 industries backed by more than 550 partners including top global companies, government agencies, and universities. Plug and Play helps drive growth by connecting startup and scaleup companies urgent problems with PNP anchor partners across the planet.
MBOLD is part of the GREATER MSP Partnership, which is an anchor partner in Plug and Play Minnesota alongside companies like Allianz Life, Carlson, and Old National Bank. Plug and Play worked with these anchors, the University of Minnesota, and other companies to search for companies around the world that are focusing on priority technologies and industries that matter to Minnesota with a lens on sustainability, with protein innovation as one of the top priorities.
Congratulations to these up-and-coming innovators:
We are excited to bring back our dynamic protein innovation pitch slam in Minneapolis at Bridge2Food North America 2026. Last year’s event showcased eight impressive protein innovation start-ups from the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Finland, with Onego Bio and Kyomei taking home the judges’ and audience choice awards.
Stay tuned for more details and register your interest to get conference updates.
Bold Growth is managed by MBOLD in collaboration with Naturally Minnesota and AURI with support from Builders Vision Philanthropy and MBOLD members.
MBOLD is driving innovation in the sustainability of plant, alternative and traditional proteins.
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