Key Takeaways:
- Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) is accepting applications for its Dairy Runway program, focused on value-added dairy innovation.
- The program includes a six-week customer discovery course and access to prototype development at Cornell’s food processing facilities.
- Dairy Runway is funded by the New York State Dairy Promotion Order and aims to boost innovation in the dairy sector.
- Applications close on January 6, 2025, with information sessions available for interested applicants.
Dairy Runway Program Overview
Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) is inviting food innovators with ideas for value-added dairy products to apply for the upcoming cohort of its Dairy Runway program. Funded by the New York State Dairy Promotion Order, the free program aims to support entrepreneurs through customer discovery and prototype development, providing valuable resources for dairy-based innovations.
The Dairy Runway program begins with a six-week online course that introduces participants to the customer discovery process, including the development of a Business Model Canvas. The course consists of a combination of self-directed online learning, live virtual meetings, and one-on-one check-ins with instructors. Participants also benefit from insights shared by industry experts from marketing agencies and retail sectors.
Support for New York’s Dairy Industry
Jenn Smith, Director of Food and Ag Startup Programs at CREA, emphasized the importance of innovation in the dairy sector, particularly in New York. “Dairy remains the cornerstone of New York’s agricultural economy, and supporting value-added innovation is critical to ensuring its vitality,” Smith said. The program provides participants with education and training to meet the growing consumer demand for new, high-quality dairy products.
Prototype Development and Business Coaching
Following the completion of the virtual course, participants move into the Kitchen Incubator phase. This stage includes fully funded access to Cornell’s food processing facilities, where participants develop product prototypes with guidance from dairy specialists and food technicians. Participants also receive one-on-one business coaching from a Cornell Entrepreneur-in-Residence to help refine their business strategies and product offerings.
Since its launch in partnership with the Northeast Dairy Foods Research Center (NDFRC) in 2023, Dairy Runway has hosted three cohorts, offering a wide range of product ideas, from alcohol-infused fudge to nutritional supplements. Over the past 18 months, 24 teams have completed the program’s customer discovery course, and 12 teams have progressed through the Kitchen Incubator phase.
Building on Success
Dr. Samuel Alcaine, Director of NDFRC and associate professor at Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, highlighted the impact of the program. “Ensuring that our dairy farmers and other food producers have access to the training and education needed to transform innovative ideas into value-added products is critical for the future of dairy,” Alcaine said. He expressed enthusiasm for working with the upcoming cohort of innovators.
Application Details
Applications for the next cohort of Dairy Runway close on January 6, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. CREA will host three information sessions for those interested in learning more about the program’s requirements and benefits. Innovators are encouraged to register for a session to gain further insights into the program.
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