Cornell University launches free entrepreneurship program for dairy innovators

18-Apr-2024 - Last updated on 18-Apr-2024 at 15:01 GMT

New England-based food producers with early-stage ideas for value-added dairy products can apply to enter the free program until June 5, 2024. Image: Getty/carlosgaw

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Participants will be advised on how to prepare a business plan, realize their product idea, and achieve market fit.

The aim is to help early-stage businesses understand the biggest reason for new product failure – the lack of product fit with market demand – and avoid common pitfalls by gaining skills and knowledge about branding, retail, consumer trends and more.

Organized by Cornell University's Center for Regional Economic Advancement and funded through a grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Dairy Promotion Order, the program was first launched in 2023 in partnership with the Northeast Dairy Foods Research Center.

Dairy Runway is open to any food innovator based in New York and the New England states that has an idea for a value-added, cow milk-based dairy product.

The 5-week course combines self-directed online learning with one on one instructor check-ins; virtual classes will include discussions with professionals with branding and consumer insights and strategic development expertise.

Those who complete the virtual course phase will advance to the Kitchen Incubator phase, which includes access to Cornell’s food processing facilities and support from the university’s food science technical experts to test product formulations and develop prototypes. Business coaching will also be provided.

A maximum of 10 teams of up to 2 participants each will be selected in each cohort. Virtual sessions will be held throughout July and August with a final session in mid-September.

Applications are now open until June 5, 2024 5PM ET. Three information sessions are also taking place in May, with registration information available here.

“We look forward to supporting our third cohort of dairy innovators by providing the entrepreneurship knowledge, skills and training needed to bring a product to market successfully,” commented Dr. Samuel Alcaine, director of the he Northeast Dairy Foods Research Center and associate professor at Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Innovation is key to a thriving dairy community, so it's important that New York's dairy farmers and other food entrepreneurs have the tools they need to take their ideas from concept to reality.”

For more information about the program and how to apply, visit www.tfaforms.com/5115328.