AB InBev opens applications for 100+ Accelerator incubator program

Supply chain solutions

The 100+ Accelerator offers size and scale to help entrepreneurs bring their solutions to market faster. Over the last two years, the program has accelerated 70 companies in over 20 countries, raising more than $300m to date. Many of the startups have secured long term contracts with AB InBev.

Close to 50% of these startups are scaling globally to achieve the program’s mission: ‘to accelerate the world’s shift toward sustainable solutions and to do business the right way, not the easy way’. 

Innovations funded so far include:

• Supporting farmers to transition hectares of land to more profitable and regenerative agriculture
  
• The implementation of green cleaning solutions to reduce water and energy use in brewing operations
• Solutions delivering traceability and insurance for smallholder farmers
• The collection of more than 1,000 tons of glass waste
• Recycled electric vehicle batteries that store renewable electricity
• The ability to upcycle saved grains from the brewing process to produce nutritious ingredients
• The first solar thermal systems to be installed at an AB InBev brewery

This year, AB InBev, has also launched 100+ Europe Labs with Siemens, Bain & Company, Colruyt Group and Ball Corporation: helping develop solutions tailored for the region.

In addition to funding pilot programs, with up to $100,000 per pilot, 100+ Europe Labs will provide ‘hands-on’ support to startups by assigning dedicated teams to help test out their new solutions in a large global supply chain.

AB InBev is inviting other companies who share a common vision to join 100+ Europe Labs as a partner for future cohorts, with ambitions to have at least 10 corporation partners for 100+ Europe Labs by 2025.

Anna Voronkova, Entrepreneurship lead Europe, AB InBev, said: “No one company or organisation can solve today’s sustainability challenges alone. Collaborative partnerships allow us to really harness the scale, speed and transformation necessary to propel sustainable innovation and we’re excited that this year we can introduce a European-focused program with our partners’ support.”​

“Since its inception, the 100+ Accelerator has driven some incredible projects globally across a diverse range of sustainability challenges – from water sanitation to reducing microplastics. With the creation of 100+ Europe Labs, we are eager to work hand in hand with the global accelerator to build on our momentum and partner with more companies to increase the impact of our program. These entrepreneurs are going to change the world and help build our sustainable future.”   ​