Yes/Boston Unveils First Cohort of Innovators for Food and Health Solutions

On June 25, 2026, Yes/Boston announced an exciting initiative aimed at merging food systems and health innovations. After receiving submissions from 131 applicants, the program has chosen its inaugural cohort of 12 innovators. This initiative is rooted in collaboration with the World Economic Forum’s UpLink platform, alongside local startup accelerator MassChallenge. These fortunate innovators will focus their efforts on significantly transforming Boston’s food landscape and enhancing health outcomes.

Boston has recognized its unique position in global research and innovation concerning food and health. Many leaders in the public, private, and community sectors have rallied together to create a more resilient and sustainable food system. The goal is to establish Boston as a premier testing ground for food-as-health innovations that can be adapted worldwide.

The 12 innovators selected to join this inaugural cohort are tackling challenges across various dimensions of food access and health. They include:

1. BioBlends
2. EatLove
3. EatWell Meal Kits
4. Family Dinner
5. FoodCopia
6. Gyre Energy
7. Health in Her HUE
8. Matriark Foods
9. Morrissey Market
10. Mothership Materials
11. RevivBio
12. ThriveLink

According to Cait Brumme, the CEO of MassChallenge, solving significant societal challenges requires more than just good intentions and technology; it necessitates an entire ecosystem of support. Founders who are breaking through existing barriers in the food system are being matched with infrastructure, expertise, and essential resources. The aim is to create a healthier Boston and pave the way for new economic opportunities.

Rebecca Chasen, Managing Partner at Deloitte LLP, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that this first cohort serves as a robust example of collaboration between innovation and purpose. Yes/Boston’s goal is not just to inspire but to cement a more resilient food framework that ultimately yields better health outcomes.

As part of the program overseen by MassChallenge, these innovative startups will receive tailored support from institutions in the Boston area, including the Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute at Tufts University. This comprehensive acceleration encompasses advisory support and partnerships, helping each selected project thrive within the local food ecosystem.

The approach intentionally promotes cross-sector collaboration, inviting business leaders, healthcare professionals, and city officials to collectively foster a healthier environment. This cohesive strategy positions Boston effectively in addressing complex issues like food access and chronic disease—all while creating economic resilience.

Each selected innovator aims to enact measurable impacts on one of four key areas—food production, logistics, nutritious meals, and access to food and health information. This initiative allows Boston to lead the way while offering a blueprint that may ripple through cities globally facing similar challenges.

Boston has an actionable model grounded in cross-sector partnerships, similar to initiatives like those in San Francisco that also emphasize sustainability and economic vitality. Over $60 million in new investments has flowed into the area, and ongoing collaborations are integrating innovative solutions into local infrastructure.

Through Yes/Boston and its continued efforts, the city aims to attract future investments while nurturing an environment where food innovation flourishes. By leveraging strong foundations laid by previous models, this cohort seeks to uplift the local community, improve nutrition, and bolster sustainable food systems.

As local ecosystems collaborate to upend the existing paradigms of food access and health, Boston stands at the forefront of transformative change in urban environments. The momentum generated by Yes/Boston is a critical step towards nurturing resilience, health, and opportunity in communities—a vision that could reshape city landscapes around the world.