APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
Deadline: July 11, 2025
Led by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) in partnership with VentureFuel, the Blueberry Boost Accelerator propels standout products and companies innovating with blueberries toward accelerated growth.
This 9-week virtual program offers tailored support through dedicated mentorship, strategic guidance, and industry connections equipping participants with the insights, tools, and network needed to accelerate commercialization and drive long-term success.
Interested in learning more about this year's program?
Join us for our virtual info session. Learn more about the program, gain insights into the application process, and hear about how it's built specifically to accelerate products and companies innovating using blueberries as a key ingredient. Meet the program team and have your questions answered during an open Q&A.
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 9:45 PST
The future of fruit is about versatility and visibility. Can blueberries grab their share of stomach in a crowded industry?
In this episode of VentureFuel Visionaries podcast, Kasey Cronquist, President of US Highbush Blueberry Council and North American Blueberry Council talks about the new Blueberry Boost Accelerator and how innovation is a growth lever to move the industry “beyond the morning” by promoting the great taste, energy, fun and health halo to help find a “home for every berry” and grab their deserved “share of stomach."
First-Ever Blueberry Boost Accelerator Seeks Next Generation of Food and Consumer Product Innovation
Folsom, CA (June 2, 2025) — The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), in partnership with VentureFuel, today announced the launch of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator — a new program designed to discover and support emerging startups that are redefining the future of blueberries. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 11, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT.
We’re seeking products and companies bringing novel and innovative concepts to market that meet the following criteria:
Click here for more information on using blueberries as an ingredient, or to find a supplier.
June 2, 2025 | Applications Open |
June 25, 2025 | Virtual Program Information Session |
July 11, 2025 | Applications Close |
July 28 - August 8, 2025 | Cohort Selection & Onboarding |
August 11 - October 6, 2025 | Accelerator Program |
October 8-10, 2025 | Final Pitch Event + Expo at the USHBC Blueberry Convention, Seattle, WA |
June 2, 2025
Applications Open
June 25, 2025
Virtual Program Information Session
July 11, 2025
Applications Close
July 28 - August 8, 2025
Cohort Selection & Onboarding
August 11 - October 6, 2025
Accelerator Program
October 8-10, 2025
Final Pitch Event + Expo at the USHBC Blueberry Convention, Seattle, WA
Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org. Visit us at www.blueberry.org
VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world's best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change by working with startups. Its innovation programs help enterprise organizations learn, test, build and invest in emerging technology to solve their biggest problems today and unlock new sources of growth. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey's, Comcast, Dick's Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. You can listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast on Apple, Spotify, Simplecast or wherever you get your podcasts.