Global Dairy Sustainability Challenge
Introduction
Dairy is a truly global industry. From a morning glass of milk to a pizza Margherita, dairy is a part of many countries culinary and cultural heritage, in addition to a critical livelihood for farmers across the world. Globally there are more than 100 million dairy farms facing common pressures, though often in very different local environmental or economic contexts: squeezed margins, changing climate, and the fact that dairy production itself has a significant environmental footprint.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Yield Lab Global Dairy Sustainability Challenge, organized in partnership with leading stakeholders of the global dairy supply chain, Nestle, GOKE, Wageningen University.
Through it’s 4 regional funds, the Yield Lab is the most active early-stage investor in sustainable agrifoodtech globally. Together with leading dairy companies we invite all startups, world-wide, who have innovative technologies that can contribute to a solution for the sector’s challenges to participate in the Global Dairy Challenge.
Who can apply?
We are taking a broader approach looking at solutions from ruminant genetics and pasture, to milking robots and processing. Specifically we are looking at innovations in the following areas:
- Breeding and genomics: identifying and selecting for mutations of ruminants that emit less
- Pasture and soil management: optimizing varieties, growth, and resilience to climate change; Encouraging outdoor and rotational grazing for reduced emissions, and regeneration of soils
- Animal health and nutrition: healthier animals are more productive, meeting yields with a smaller number, which overall reduces their footprint, Innovation on feed can reduce emissions and improve animal health
- Manure management: technologies to process, and repurpose, while mitigating emissions
- Production and processing: optimizing processing and transportation and stability and shelf-life to reduce waste
- Dairy alternatives: alternative dairy ingredients to reduce pressure on supply chain
Awards or Benefits
Selected applicants will pitch their innovations. Finalists will then be invited to the on October 8th at the Dairy Industry Leadership Summit in Amsterdam, where the winning candidates will secure a €100,000 investment from The Yield Lab.