Did you know that 90% of startups in the beverage industry typically fail? Common reasons include inadequate market analysis, limited distribution knowledge, lack of access to core markets, and insufficient financing. That’s why DICA exists – to help independent beverage brands succeed.
Dynamic Innovation Campus Food & Drinks Tech (DICA) is more than an accelerator program. It’s a thriving innovation hub for the beverage industry, combining startups’ innovative energy with established corporations’ expertise and resources.
DICA has worked with notable industry leaders and innovators, including Frankenbrunnen, Bionade, Hassia Group, Ardagh, Yontex, Veltins, and Symrise. Participants also gain visibility at renowned industry events like Drinktec and BrauBeviale, and benefit from partnerships with initiatives such as Inside Munich Innovation Ecosystem and Start for Future.
DICA’s B2B co-creation process enables startups to accelerate their growth while working on groundbreaking ideas such as blockchain technologies, digital applications, and process innovations.
Meoton, one of DICA’s standout alumni, is a testament to this success. Meoton’s AI-driven platform collects and analyzes data from over 300,000 catering businesses monthly to empower food and beverage manufacturers to grow their market share efficiently.
With coverage across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other European markets, Meoton’s innovations have garnered significant industry attention, including a four-page feature in the May 2024 edition of INSIDE Future.
Program Rewards for Startups: Increase Your Chance of Success
Participants in the DICA program gain access to unique opportunities designed to accelerate growth and establish industry leadership. Key benefits include:
- Market Access: Tap into new customer bases and scale your operations by collaborating with established corporations.
- Venture Clienting Model: Test and refine your innovations with direct feedback from influential industry players.
- Attract Investors: Partnerships with top-tier corporations strengthen your credibility and attract investors.
- Industry Insights: Gain a deep understanding of emerging trends and opportunities in the beverage industry.
- Social Proof: Enhance your brand’s reputation by associating with recognized industry leaders.
- Potential Investments: Secure funding opportunities from corporate partners who see your potential.
DICA doesn’t stop there. Its collaborative environment has supported innovative products like Koawach’s new sodas — Tropic Ocean, Citrus Wave, and Sun Burst.
These beverages, developed with the help of DICA partner Ardagh, are made from the pulp of cocoa fruit, a traditionally discarded by-product. Therefore addressing food waste by transforming it into a valuable resource.
Why Corporates Should Join DICA
DICA also provides transformative benefits for participating corporations, including:
- Access to Innovation: Stay competitive by adopting fresh ideas and cutting-edge technologies from startups.
- Faster Product Development: Collaborate with agile teams to expedite innovation cycles and launch new products faster.
- Cultural Transformation: Learn from startups’ innovative approaches to foster a dynamic and creative organizational culture.
- Talent Acquisition: Connect with top entrepreneurial talent to strengthen your workforce.
- Brand Reputation: Position your company as an industry leader committed to innovation.
- Financial ROI: Generate long-term value through investments and new business models developed in the program.
Are You Eligible for DICA?
DICA welcomes startups of all stages, from ideation to scale-ups. While a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is encouraged by the program’s end, DICA values strong ideas and a passion for innovation. Startups of all sizes and stages have the chance to make a lasting impact.
DICA’s Focus Areas Explained
DICA welcomes innovation across all aspects of the beverage industry, with special emphasis on:
- Digitization: Leveraging technology to redefine operations, marketing, and distribution.
- Beverage Innovation: Introducing new business models, product categories, and technological advancements to push boundaries.
By aligning with DICA, you’ll work at the intersection of creativity and practicality to deliver transformative solutions.
What does the Program Flow look like?
The online application process at DICA prepares startups for success through carefully planned phases:
- Pre-Matching Workshop: Selected startups with recognizable B2B co-creation potential will attend a workshop designed to enhance their understanding of the co-creation process.
- Matching Event: Startups and corporate participants will engage in their first mutual acquaintance.
- Sounding Phase: Startups will concretize their co-creation potential under the guidance of an experienced co-creation facilitator.
- B2B Co-Creation Acceleration: The co-creation process begins, supported by a seasoned facilitator to ensure impactful collaboration.
By being accepted into the DICA batch, you’ll gain innovation partners from the industry, fostering intensive exchanges and potential collaborations that can revolutionize your growth trajectory.
Get Ready for DICA’s Exciting Agenda
Prepare for an action-packed program designed to ignite creativity and innovation:
March 15: Application Deadline
March 16 – March 20: Project Review & Pitch Day
Apply Today and Transform the Beverage Industry
Join DICA and become part of a vibrant ecosystem that turns bold ideas into industry-changing solutions. Visit Dynamic Innovation Campus to learn more about the program and secure your spot today!
Click here to apply & start your B2B co-creation journey with DICA!
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