Mondelēz International Announces Nine Start-Ups Chosen to Participate in CoLab Tech 2026 Program
Rhea-AI Summary
Mondelēz International (Nasdaq: MDLZ) selected nine start-ups for its 2026 CoLab Tech accelerator cohort, focused on sustainability, ingredient science and food technology. More than 200 companies applied globally.
The 8-week program offers hands-on experiences, virtual sessions, 1:1 mentorship and access to Mondelēz International’s global partner and expert network.
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News Market Reaction – MDLZ
In the Jun 17 session, MDLZ declined 2.08%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 08 | Candy product launch | Positive | +0.1% | Launch of SOUR PATCH KIDS BESTIES aimed at social, shareable snacking. |
| Jun 03 | Experiential marketing | Positive | +0.4% | OREO CAKESTERS ASMR pop-up and tour promoting softer recipe. |
| Jun 01 | Protein bar launch | Positive | -0.2% | New CLIF BUILDERS White Fudge OREO-flavored high-protein bar debut. |
| May 28 | Brand refresh | Positive | +0.2% | NEWTONS rebranding and packaging update to attract new consumers. |
| May 26 | Co-branded launch | Positive | -0.8% | Limited Edition OREO & BTS cookies across 80+ markets. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent brand and product news has generally seen small price moves, with a mix of aligned and divergent reactions to positive announcements.
Over the past few weeks, MDLZ has focused on brand and product innovation, including SOUR PATCH KIDS BESTIES on Jun 8, 2026, experiential OREO CAKESTERS marketing on Jun 3, a CLIF BUILDERS OREO-flavored protein bar on Jun 1, NEWTONS rebranding on May 28, and limited edition OREO & BTS cookies on May 26. These updates, paired with large reported net revenues in 2024–2025, have produced modest share reactions, suggesting incremental rather than transformational impact from typical news flow.
Key Terms
prebiotic medical
nanofiber technical
hydrocolloid technical
glp-1 medical
precision fermentation medical
biomanufacturing technical
emulsification technical
dehydration technology technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
- The 2026 cohort focuses on technologies that support Mondelēz International’s priorities in sustainability, ingredient science, and food technology
- Cohort represents a diverse set of solutions in sustainable packaging, emerging ingredient solutions, consumer experiences and production efficiencies
- CoLab Tech received more than 200 applicants from around the world
CHICAGO, June 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) today announced the nine companies selected for CoLab Tech 2026. This is the third cohort to participate in the snack company’s accelerator program, led by its global research and development team.
This year, CoLab Tech focused on finding emerging technologies that can help address evolving environmental, supply chain, and regulatory challenges, as well as build capabilities to accelerate front end innovation and elevate consumer experiences.
“The consumer packaged goods industry is facing a confluence of transformations – from supply chain to AI,” said Ian Noble, R&D Vice President for Research, Analytical Sciences & Cocoa at Mondelēz International. “That’s why CoLab Tech is such an important program for Mondelēz. It gives us access to innovators who are developing emerging technologies built to navigate these dynamics, helping accelerate our capabilities and ambition to lead the future of snacking.”
More than 200 companies applied for this year’s program. The nine companies selected include:
- Akarso Bio creates a fermentation-derived prebiotic nanofiber platform that performs like a hydrocolloid, declares like a fiber, and naturally stimulates GLP-1; helping brands create foods that help satisfy hunger and support gut health and metabolic wellness.
- Alpine Bio is an ingredient innovation company producing next-generation soy protein ingredients with whey-like functionality, superior solubility, emulsification, neutral flavor and nutrition, with reduced carbon emissions relative to dairy proteins.
- Attribute Analytics is an intelligence platform that connects sensory, consumer, and sales data to deliver actionable food and beverage product insights, helping CPG teams make faster, smarter decisions that improve product quality, accelerate innovation, and increase market success.
- Cal-San developed a proprietary microwave-assisted dehydration technology, producing premium snacks and ingredients with superior flavor, texture, nutritional retention, and extended shelf life.
- De3pbio is advancing the next generation of precision nutrition using its proprietary AI-speed biomanufacturing to research and develop functional ingredients that have potential to optimize human biology.
- Nfinite Paper: creates curbside recyclable, sealable, printable ultra-high barrier paper designed to replace flexible metallized plastic packaging, with a reduced carbon footprint.
- Nourish Ingredients is pioneering animal-free specialty fats through precision fermentation and enzyme processes to deliver animalic taste and texture, as well as ingredient appeal, across categories, enabling more sustainable, delicious products.
- Nous: is shaping the next iteration of functional ingredients using a proprietary extraction technology, enabling the development of better-for-you ingredients with unique functionality, taste neutrality, and complete solubility.
- Ruby Bio uses renewable and up-cycled feedstocks to produce ingredients that help boost the performance and shelf life of baked goods, beverages, and confectionery products through precision fermentation.
The cohort will participate in an 8-week curriculum that includes hands-on experiences, virtual sessions, 1:1 mentorship and access to Mondelēz International’s global network of partners and experts. Learn more at snackfutures.com.
About Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2025 net revenues of approximately
Forward-Looking Statements
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| Contacts: | Desiree Battaglia (Media) | Shep Dunlap (Investors) |
| 1-847-943-4772 | 1-847-943-5454 | |
| news@mdlz.com | ir@mdlz.com |
