IKEA is currently taking applications for the second iteration of its startup program, IKEA Bootcamp, which it holds in partnership with global entrepreneur community Rainmaking.
The Bootcamp works with companies tackling current issues around improving quality of life, whether that’s through sustainability, or making goods more affordable and accessible. While it’s not exclusively geared towards food businesses, startups in that area had a significant presence at the 2017 program. Participants included an Israeli startup Flying Spark, who’s created a protein source from fruit fly larvae, and goodbag, who makes smart shopping bags.
For the 2019 program, IKEA is looking for growth-stage companies and will run “a pilot-focused program,” according to a press announcement. Additionally, the company has increased the total number of companies who’ll participate to twenty.
This program will also add retail as a focus area, with participation from IKEA franchisee Ingka Group. (The IKEA Range & Supply business unit will also be involved for companies looking at product and supply chain development.)
With the application pool still open, there’s no word yet on what kinds of food businesses will be involved this year. But the new retail component suggests the possibility of a grocery-focused startup participating. That opens things up immensely: startups working on anything from more efficient ways of delivering food to smarter shopping to sustainable packaging could now theoretically join the Bootcamp.
IKEA isn’t specific about what kinds of food businesses should apply, so long as they’re ones that are trying to tackle significant global issues. Or as IKEA Bootcamp manager Per Krokstäde noted in the statement, “this is not a powerpoint exercise, this is about solving real problems in a way we can act on.”
The year may be winding down, but there are several other startup accelerators and incubators still taking applications for their next cohorts. Food-X, one of the biggest names in the world of food accelerators, is currently taking applications for its Spring 2019 program. FS6’s next cohort starts in February 2019, so those vying for a spot in that specific timeframe should apply soon. Techstars’ agtech-focused Farm to Fork Accelerator, meanwhile, will open its application pool on January 7, 2019.
The IKEA program will take place over three months, from March through June. It will be semi-remote, with startups spending some time in IKEA’s homebase: Älmhult, Sweden.
Applications are open until December 31, 2018.