BOULDER, Colo. – Co-funded by Cargill, Wayzata, Minnesota and Ecolab, Saint Paul, Minnesota, Techstars, a business incubation firm that provides entrepreneurs with the resources to grow their businesses announced its class of 2018 for its Farm to Fork Accelerator program.

Nine companies, all focused on developing solutions for a variety of food production and supply chain challenges, have been named to this year’s class. According to Techstars, the entrepreneurs leading these companies will spend the next three months in Minnesota, developing their businesses with the assistance of 100-plus mentors, “including business leaders and subject matter experts from Cargill, Ecolab and our amazing entrepreneurial community.”

Entrepreneurs participating in the 2018 program are from across the world, representing India, Canada, Brazil and the United States. Their businesses address issues ranging from food safety to food insecurity to sustainability.

Techstars Farm to Fork Class of 2018 includes:

Big Wheelbarrow connects wholesale buyers of food with local producers and farms using artificial intelligence (AI).

dishq is an AI-based search engine that allows consumers to personalize their food selections and purchases by matching their preferences with companies in the food and beverage industry.

EIO Diagnostics provides the dairy industry with imaging technology to detect abnormalities in the udders of cattle that are linked to pathogen-induced infections that reduce productivity.

HeavyConnect is an app that provides farmers with a paperless means of maintaining the documentation and regulatory compliance for the food and farming industry.

Induction Food Systems is a provider of industrial heating equipment that uses electromagnetic energy to create scalable, precise and efficient in-line heating for food and beverage processors.

pepr is software designed for foodservice operators to increase profits and cut operating costs by integrating POS systems with supplier invoicing, inventory and other restaurant operations.

Renewal Mill is an ingredient company that utilizes fibrous byproducts from the food industry to create upcycled, wholesome food ingredients and products.

Tradelanes is a digital, automated supply chain management solution to connect the global trade network in an at-a-glance format for international trade of products from start to finish.

Traive allows agriculture-based businesses to secure loans and financial data analytics and offers lenders opportunities to invest in companies that fit their risk profile.

According to Techstar, the mentorship-driven accelerator program gives entrepreneurs momentum using rapid iteration cycles, fundraising preparation and mentor engagement.