SPRINGDALE, ARK. – Officials with Tyson Ventures, Tyson Foods Inc.’s venture capital division, announced on March 3 that it will hold an event to allow sustainability-focused entrepreneurs and new business operators to pitch ideas designed to improve the sustainability of the food system.  

Tyson’s first-ever Demo Day will be held virtually July 11 for selected startup companies. The goal is to discover innovative technologies that Tyson would invest in and utilize as part of its sustainability practices. 

On Demo Day, a group of executives from Tyson will first hear virtual pitches from the selected companies and narrow down the candidates who are eligible to advance to the next stage. To be considered for participation in Demo Day, prospective participants can apply on Tyson’s event website before the deadline of May 15, 2022. Entrants will be judged by experts based on their investment needs, solutions offered and how they fit into Tyson’s sustainability goals, which focus on issues such as food waste, animal welfare, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water management. 

“Following Demo Day, selected startups will have the opportunity to engage with Tyson Foods’ senior leadership and partner with the company on breakthrough ideas to help advance sustainability across the company,” Tyson said, adding that Tyson Ventures has invested more than $100 million in emerging food technologies and solutions-focused startups targeting the food industry.

“We want to play our part and help foster those innovations we think will have the greatest impact to our food system,” said John R. Tyson, president of Tyson Ventures, executive vice president and chief sustainability officer of Tyson Foods. “We are absolutely committed to work toward a more sustainable food future and partner with future visionaries in this space.”