Accelerator Program

Program Benefits

What You'll Receive

Accelerate! provides emerging brands with the resources, expertise, and technology to rapidly scale and succeed

💰

Exposure to Investment Resources

Access funding opportunities and resources to accelerate your product development and go-to-market strategy without sacrificing equity or control.

🤖

AI-Powered Tools

Leverage Zucca's generative AI platform to accelerate workflows up to 90% - from spec management to compliant formulation and labeling.

🎯

Expert Guidance

Work directly with CalNutri's veteran team and industry experts who have successfully launched hundreds of CPG brands.

🔗

Supply Chain Access

Tap into CalNutri's vetted network of suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics partners built over 20+ years in the industry.

⚡

Accelerate Speed-to-Market

Streamline your product development process and reduce time from concept to retail-ready products by months.

🤝

Collaborative Community

Connect with fellow innovators, established brands, and industry leaders to spark collaboration and share insights.

Powered by Industry-Leading Technology

CalNutri has partnered with Zucca, the Seattle-based platform transforming CPG product development, to integrate cutting-edge AI tools directly into the Accelerate! program.

This collaboration enables participating brands to streamline critical workflows including smart spec management, compliant formulation, and nutrition fact labeling - accelerating time-sensitive processes by up to 90%.

90%

Faster Workflows

20+

Years Experience

⚡ AI-Powered Development

Technology Features

✓ Smart Specification Management
✓ Compliant Formulation Tools
✓ Automated Nutrition Labeling
✓ Regulatory Compliance Checks
✓ Real-Time Collaboration Platform

Expert Panel

Selection Committee Members

Applications are reviewed by industry leaders with decades of combined CPG experience

Karen Huh

Co-founder & CEO of Zucca

Ivan Wasserman

Managing Partner at Amin Wasserman Gurnani

Sandy Almendarez

Vice President, Content | SupplySide

Mina Zandbar

VP Global eCommerce & Digital Growth at Mattel, Inc.

Will West

CEO & President of Tesseract Life Sciences

Arthur Gallego

Founder of Gallego & Co.

Nicholas Mares

Founder & CEO of Kettle & Fire and Light Labs

Dan McCormick

Founder & CEO of Create Wellness

Michael Campi

SVP Marketing & Sales for Maev

Steve Sanger

Founder of Monocle Advisory

Selection Criteria

What We're Looking For

Applications are evaluated by a panel of industry experts based on these key criteria

💡

Product Uniqueness

Innovative products that solve real consumer problems with differentiated value propositions

📈

Market Potential

Strong market opportunity with clear target audience and scalable business model

🌱

Sustainability Focus

Commitment to sustainable practices and alignment with health and wellness trends

👥

Team Quality

Passionate founders with industry knowledge and ability to execute on vision

Apply Now

Short-Form Interest Application

Complete this form to express your interest in the CalNutri Accelerator program

📝 This is the Short-Form Interest Application

Ready to submit full details? Click here for the Long-Form Application

Read the Accelerate! FAQs

Section 1: Contact Information

Full Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Role in Company *

Section 2: Company Overview

Company Name *

Website

Location *

CPG Category *

Brief Description (What do you make?) *

✓

Application Submitted!

Thank you for your interest in the CalNutri Accelerator program.

Our evaluation panel will review your application and reach out within 2 weeks with next steps.

Check your email for a confirmation and additional resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Accelerate! program

What is CalNutri, and what do they do?

CalNutri is a full-service partner that helps brands develop, produce, and scale products from concept to shelf. The company provides turnkey solutions in product development, supply chain sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, demand planning, logistics, and omni-channel strategy, specializing in CPG categories like food, beverage, dietary supplements, health & beauty, and animal wellness.

How long will Accelerate be accepting applications?

Applications will open on January 5, 2026, and will be accepted on a rolling basis. The application process will close on March 31, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand or company at the early, mid-stage, or hyper-scale growth stage is welcome to apply to the CalNutri accelerator program, as long as they have products within the CPG space (such as food, beverage, nutrition, or related categories).

Is Accelerate accepting international brands?

Yes. International brands looking to enter the US market are eligible.

Are there any types of companies or products that are not eligible?

Perishable goods are not eligible for the CalNutri CPG Accelerator Program. This exclusion aligns with CalNutri's focus on non-perishable categories such as food, beverages, dietary supplements, health & beauty, and animal wellness products that benefit from its turnkey supply chain and manufacturing services.

How does the application process work?

Visit the Accelerator Application page to submit your application. Upon submission, you will receive an email with an activation link. Once that activation link is verified through your email, the submission will be received.

Is there an application deadline, and can I save my application and come back to it?

The application deadline for the first cohort is March 31, 2026. Entrants can save and submit their applications as needed during the open period, which begins January 5, 2026.

Is there an application or participation fee?

There are no application fees to participate in Accelerate.

Can I apply if I've already been part of another accelerator?

Yes.

What happens after I submit my application?

Every submission receives a careful review by a panel of industry experts, followed by contact from a CalNutri team member to discuss the application and outline next steps. This process includes virtual interviews conducted by a committee of industry experts.

Will Accelerate provide funding or investment?

Yes, the CalNutri Accelerate program offers strategic investment opportunities in addition to turnkey services, with terms determined on a case-by-case basis. This funding supports selected CPG brands in scaling through product development, manufacturing, and omnichannel strategies.

How will I be notified about my application status and important program updates?

You will receive email updates from CalNutri about your application status and any important program announcements. All official communications will be sent to the email address you provide in your application.

Where can I read and review Accelerate's Terms and Conditions?

You can review them on the Accelerator Application page.

How can I join your mailing list or learn about future cohorts and events?

Email accelerate@calnutri.com to join the CalNutri Accelerate mailing list and receive updates on future cohorts, events, and program announcements.

Still have questions?