Applications

Who is evaluating the applications?

The applications will be evaluated through a multi-step process: - Initial Filtering: The 100+ Accelerator team will manage the initial application process and conduct the first round of filtering. - Expert Review: Subject Matter Experts from various industries will perform additional filtering. - Final Selection: Corporate partners will be involved in the final selection of startups. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation by leveraging expertise at multiple levels.


When will I know if I have been selected?

The vetting process has multiple stages, and the 100+ Accelerator is committed to communicating actively with startups along the way. Applications for the Cohort 7 will open on June 2, 2025 and close on July 11, 2025. We ask for patience as we go through an incredible volume of applications. Successful applicants will be notified several weeks after applications close.


Can we participate if we don’t have a registered entity yet but have a complete solution?

Unfortunately, a registered legal entity is required to sign agreements and receive funding. If you don’t yet have one, it’s recommended to apply in a future cohort once you’ve registered your company.


How many applicants are selected at the December Pre-Selection phase?

There is no fixed number for pre-selection. Final cohorts typically consist of 30–45 startups, but the selection at each stage is flexible and depends on the quality and readiness of applications.


Is it a must to have a website?

Yes, a website is mandatory. It doesn’t need to be complex, but it should clearly present your technology, traction, and company information to help evaluators assess your solution.


With whom will our data be shared? Is it confidential?

Data is only shared with the 100+ Accelerator team. If you need to share sensitive IP, indicate that in your application and you’ll be contacted individually. NDAs are signed later in the process with shortlisted companies.


How long should a company have existed to apply?

There is no minimum age, but the program is designed for companies in the Seed to Series A stage, however later-stage companies are more than welcome as well.


Can later-stage companies (past Seed A) still apply?

Yes. The program focuses on piloting and commercial scaling, not just early-stage support. Later-stage companies are welcome.


Will we be considered if our solution is not highly technical (e.g., not “rocket science”)?

Yes. You don’t need deep tech to apply. Simple, effective, proven solutions that create impact and are pilot-ready are welcome and encouraged.


From which region should we apply if we’ve expanded since last time?

The 100+ Accelerator is a global program. Apply based on the region where your technology best aligns with a corporate partner’s needs. Your company’s headquarters does not limit where a pilot can take place.


Can multiple startups from a venture studio apply?

Yes. Each venture can submit its own application if they individually meet the program’s criteria.


Is the pilot budget under $50K or $100K?

The maximum budget is $100K, but startups are encouraged to propose pilots for less (e.g., $50K) to improve scalability and viability. Please avoid inflating costs.


If we were previously rejected, will that affect our current application?

No. Re-applying is encouraged, especially if your business has grown or evolved.


What separates selected startups? What’s the top trait?

The #1 trait is clarity: Does your solution solve a real challenge, is it pilot-ready, and can you clearly prove its value? Evidence of success and fit with the program challenges are key.


If we have two solutions under different challenges, should we send two applications?

No. Submit one application under your company’s name. Within the form, explain both solutions and select the challenge most aligned with your core offering. Be specific in how each solution fits different sub-challenges.


What scale does piloting mean for corporate partners (e.g., chemical solution)?

Start small. A pilot could be one line in one facility. The goal is to prove results and economic value quickly. The scope will be defined collaboratively after selection, and volume is not a barrier at this stage.


Can we share updates to our application during the selection process (e.g., new funding, updated pitch deck, or traction)?What scale does piloting mean for corporate partners (e.g., chemical solution)?

You cannot edit your application after submission, but you can share important updates—such as new funding, traction milestones, or revised materials—by emailing them to communications@100accelerator.com. Our team will add a note to your application for the selection committee to review.


Do applicants give up IP when they submit to the challenges?

No, the applicants own their IP and don’t give up any rights to it upon applying. They will sign Statements of Work (SOW) once they are selected. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) can be signed during the interview phase of the application process upon request (given the applicant makes it to the interview phase of the selection process).


What if our IP is still in process or not patented yet?

That's fine. NDAs are signed with selected startups to protect confidentiality during the pilot phase.

Challenges

Will any further challenges be launched?

The 100+ Accelerator will adapt to match the ever-evolving sustainability challenges we all face. Therefore, challenges and sub-challenges are updated on a yearly basis.


Will all of the challenges be open to everyone? Or are they specific to regions?

Open to all. Challenges were developed with input from subject matter experts from our partner companies around the world to make sure we are focused on local issues that need to be addressed. We are seeking startups from around the world to answer the challenges and are eager to identify technologies and best practices that can be shared across our businesses and beyond.

General

What is the 100+ Accelerator?

The 100+ Accelerator was launched by AB InBev in 2018 to help the company reach its ambitious sustainability goals faster by finding startups that could deliver breakthrough advancements across key sustainability pillars. In its first two cohorts, more than half of the startups secured long-term contracts with AB InBev. In 2020, industry giants The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, and Unilever embarked on a transformative journey with 100+ Accelerator. Last year, we welcomed Danone as our fifth partner, expanding our collective impact on the world's most pressing sustainability challenges. This June, we’re thrilled to announce Mondelēz International as the newest corporate partner to join the 100+ Accelerator. With Mondelēz International on board, we're expanding our ability to support bold startups tackling critical environmental and social challenges — from sustainable packaging and climate action to circular supply chains and beyond. Together, we're forging powerful partnerships, driving innovation, and paving the way for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. In its first six cohorts, the 100+ Accelerator has worked with 190 startups in 40 countries.


How is the 100+ Accelerator different from other accelerator programs?

Collective action is key – No one can solve today’s sustainability challenges alone. The 100+ Accelerator will continue to establish new partnerships with scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, students and companies around the world to identify and scale new sustainability solutions. Global challenges/ Local solutions: The challenges facing the world today are complex, varying from region to region. The 100+ partner companies source, produce and sell locally through companies around the world, making them uniquely positioned to understand and to solve sustainability challenges in the communities where they operate. Driving solutions across the value chain – We have identified six initial challenge statements that are designed to encourage innovation. These challenges are intended to support promising ideas and high potential technologies that align with the Partner Companies’ Sustainability Goals. We want to tackle the following challenges: smart agriculture, water stewardship, circular economy, climate action, ​​biodiversity, inclusive growth, and health and wellness. The 100+ Accelerator will drive progress and innovation across value chains – from the farms that supply ingredients to make products, to their packaging.


Why would a startup or inventor want to participate? The 100+ Accelerator offers support, guidance, and access to potential funding through the following benefits:

- Pilot customer opportunities with the six corporate partners: AB InBev, The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Danone, Mondelez International, and Unilever (including the potential to scale company-wide) - Active mentorship, training, and programming in product development, go-to-market, operations, sales, and more - Top mentor network of scientists, academics, domain experts, venture capitalists, corporate sustainability leaders, etc. - Potential funding from Partner Companies and their networks


How many challenges have been issued? What are they?

This year, we have concentrated and expanded to seven challenge statements across a wide range of areas that all help us to contribute towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 100+ Accelerator Partner Companies’ Sustainability Goals. The seven challenges are: sustainable agriculture, water stewardship, circular economy, climate action, nature & biodiversity, inclusive growth, and health & wellness.


Can other companies join?

Yes, other companies that share our common vision are welcome to join the 100+ Accelerator as a partner in the future. We want to become the leading Accelerator for sustainability, driving innovation and value creation, and this can only be achieved by true collaboration with others.


Who should apply? Are there restrictions on the type or size of startup that can apply?

Applicants will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Scoring will be assessed based on the following values: - Fit with identified sustainability challenges - Ability to demonstrate traction/product market fit - Market expertise and team - Capacity to carry out pilot in selected global zone


Why did AB InBev decide to partner with Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive, Danone. Mondelēz International, and Unilever for the 100+ Accelerator?

No one can solve today’s sustainability challenges alone. Collective action is needed to deliver systemic change. Through the 100+ Accelerator, AB InBev is committed to partner with others, as well as to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Together the partner companies will scale and accelerate sustainable solutions that face the same core sustainability challenges. By partnering, they can share knowledge and resources to accelerate cost effective solutions.


Why is it important for AB InBev, The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Danone, Mondelēz International, and Unilever to champion startups through the 100+ Accelerator?

The 100+ Accelerator recognizes the need to combine efforts to develop and scale new and innovative solutions. Each corporate partner has set ambitious sustainability goals and knows that no one company can achieve them alone. We support the Accelerator startups by providing mentoring, equity-free funding, and opportunities to pilot and scale their ideas within our business and value chain. While these startups help us reach our goals, we in turn commit to being their advocates and champions in developing and growing their business with peer companies and investors. We understand that new technologies and innovations are developed quickly, and 100+ Accelerator can bring us all closer to that cutting edge. We can work together to scale game-changing solutions and accelerate action.


I am already working with AB InBev, Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive, Danone, Mondelez International, and/or Unilever, should I apply?

Yes. Please disclose this information in your application and include the name of your main contact at the partner company.


How much investment will be raised at the end of the program?

The success of the 100+ Accelerator is not contingent on the amount of capital that the startups will go on to raise at the end of the program. Our goal is to find, test and validate solutions to environmental/social challenges; this is our primary focus.


How will the cohort be organized?

There will be three phases, each with progressively larger business goals and relationships. - Phase One: Kick-off: Initial pilot planning and SOW scoping with subject matter experts and partner companies. - Phase Two: The 100+ Accelerator will provide corporate development and programming to further support startups as they scale. Pilot execution will continue, along with potential investment opportunities from the 100+ Accelerator Partner Companies and other VC Funds. - Phase Three: The Accelerator culminates in a Demo Day with investors, where we seek to highlight the best startups that have proven results and celebrate their progress. After this process, if the pilot is successful, partner companies will seek to establish a commercial deal. Note: All in-person events are subject to change or conversion to a virtual format based on travel restrictions.


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