Applying to the Accelerator

Food System 6 is a non-profit impact-focused accelerator.  We bring innovators together with the mentors, diverse networks, capital, capacity building and community perspectives needed to prove their concept, build their ability to scale and maximize their impact.

Hear from entrepreneurs from our last cohort

 

What is FS6 Looking For?


FS6 is looking to support efforts at the intersection of impact potential, investment opportunity & innovation activity.
 
We are looking for for-profit and non-profit entrepreneurs who are tackling one or more food system challenges through business / organizational model or technological innovations such as:

  • Reducing, recovering or recycling food waste
  • Addressing sustainable protein alternatives for humans and animals
  • Developing benign substitutes for harmful inputs in food production
  • Increasing availability of healthy food choices
  • Enabling more efficient use of water and other natural resources
  • Creating tools for regenerative production practices

Timeline / Location


  • You may apply at any time.  To be assured consideration for Cohort 4, your application must be received by November 16, 2018 
  • All program sessions are held in the San Francisco Bay Area.  The next cohort runs from February 2019 - May 2019 with three in-person sessions (2/5-7, 3/26-28, and 5/20-24).  It's not too early to apply and start the process of getting to know each other, even if you're not ready to join our program. 

What FS6 Provides


  • Tailored support to each cohort participant
  • Access to a robust ecosystem & interaction with a wide range of change agents
  • Global mentors across the entire value chain
  • Potential acquirers, customers & program adopters
  • Access to potential funders & investors
  • The potential for innovators to contribute to policy and other systems change
  • Technical assistance & business/organizational development including: legal, human resources, accounting, insurance, etc.

Instructions For Applying


​There are two steps to the application process. The first step is to click the Apply Now! button below and submit your basic information.
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Once you've submitted your initial information, you will receive our FS6 Accelerator Program Application via email.  Please follow the instructions on the application and return to us.

FAQ

What is the cost of participation in an FS6 cohort?
  • Although there is no cost to those selected to participate, for-profit companies are asked to make a voluntary equity donation upon completion of the program. 

Do you support both for-profit and non-profit entrepreneurs?
  • Yes!

How many people can take part in a cohort from each participating entity?
  • We typically want 1-2 participants per innovation, but will consider exceptions.

How is the program structured?
  • The cohort program takes place over the course of 4 months, although the program is non-residential, we do require that entrepreneurs attend the three in-person sessions in the San Francisco Bay Area.  The formal program concludes with a showcase event. We work with companies for 2-3 years following the formal program. 

When can I/we apply for selection?
  • Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for the current or a subsequent cohort.

Will you work with non-US based entrepreneurs?
  • We support international companies when they are working on US market entry, as this is where our greatest breadth of knowledge lies. If you are an international organization looking to be part of the FS6 community, but are not ready for expansion into the US, you can follow our Newsletter for information about Open Cohort Programing. 

Do applicants need to be US citizens?
  • No, though you do need to be able to participate in the on-site portions of the program.