Startup Program Looks for New Ways to Use Dairy
When you think of dairy innovation, your mind might go to a new cheese, yogurt, or ice cream flavor. But California's dairy industry is increasingly finding its way into everything from functional foods and nutrition products to pet treats and even personal care items.
That's part of the thinking behind the 2026 Real California Milk Excelerator. The California Milk Advisory Board has opened applications for the latest class of entrepreneurs looking to build businesses around dairy ingredients.
Now in its eighth year, the program is expanding its focus beyond product development and into what happens next: commercialization, retail growth, and even the use of artificial intelligence tools to help companies scale.
Created in partnership with VentureFuel, the program provides mentorship, industry connections, and guidance from experts in manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution. Cohort members have developed products across categories including beverages, snacks, cultured dairy products, cheese, butter, frozen desserts, nutrition-focused foods, and other dairy-based innovations.
According to the California Milk Advisory Board, more than 60 brands have participated since the program began, receiving more than $2.5 million in non-dilutive funding and industry support.
Applications are open through July 24. For more information, visit https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-milk-advisory-board-opens-applications-for-2026-real-california-milk-excelerator-with-a-focus-on-commercialization-retail-growth-and-ai-enabled-scaling-302795930.html
