There’s a fresh wave of energy sweeping through the Midwest’s food and beverage scene, and it’s all about dairy.
Four promising startups have been handpicked for the very first Midwest Dairy Accelerator, a program created to fast-track dairy-forward innovation in the heartland of America.
Introducing the Midwest Dairy Accelerator
This new accelerator is a collaboration between Midwest Dairy and VentureFuel, tailored for dairy-focused entrepreneurs ready to scale.
Over the next eight weeks, the selected startups will dive into a virtual sprint packed with hands-on learning, expert guidance, and strategic business insights.
From consumer trends to ingredient development, manufacturing logistics to pitching for retail success—this program touches every part of the dairy value chain.
Sessions will include one-on-one mentorship, collaborative workshops, and expert panels featuring leaders from universities, food co-ops, top brands, and more.
The Big Finale in Chicago
It all wraps up with a live pitch showdown at The Hatchery in Chicago on September 3, 2025.
The participating companies will pitch their business plans to a panel of industry experts and judges.
The stakes? A grand prize of $20,000 for the winner, and $10,000 for the runner-up.
Meet the First Four Startups in the Cohort
Here’s a look at the trailblazing dairy-focused businesses selected for the accelerator’s inaugural cohort:
1. Lorenzo’s Frozen Pudding (Chicago, IL)
Known for their rich, gourmet frozen puddings made from locally sourced ingredients, this company is bringing a nostalgic dessert into the frozen aisle—complete with a signature frozen banana pudding product.
2. RoseBud Ice Cream (Glen Ellyn, IL)
This startup is reimagining how soft-serve is served—literally. Their innovative soft serve ice cream comes in pouches, combining convenience with indulgence.
3. Sugarwitch (St. Louis, MO)
Ice cream sandwiches, but make them premium. Sugarwitch blends bold flavors and high-quality ingredients to deliver an elevated take on a beloved classic.
4. Zoguri (Omaha, NE)
Blending science with tradition, Zoguri has developed a yogurt-based probiotic supplement that helps restore gut health using two well-researched strains of L. reuteri.
A New Chapter in Midwest Dairy Innovation
This accelerator builds on years of previous pitch competitions hosted by Midwest Dairy, The Hatchery, and No More Empty Pots—but it now offers a more structured, longer-term approach.
The goal? To create sustainable support and growth opportunities for dairy entrepreneurs in the region.
With momentum building and innovation taking center stage, the Midwest is proving once again that it’s not just the breadbasket of America—but a dairy innovation hub in the making.
