Cornell University Launches New Cohort for Dairy Runway Entrepreneurship Program

Applications Open for Dairy Runway Entrepreneurship Program

Cornell University's Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) has initiated the application process for the sixth cohort of its highly regarded Dairy Runway program. This initiative is aimed at aspiring food entrepreneurs focusing on innovative value-added dairy products. Designed as a complimentary program for early-stage business owners, Dairy Runway is committed to fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in the dairy sector, particularly enhancing products derived from dairy sources like cow, goat, and sheep milk.

Overview of the Program

The Dairy Runway program is structured to equip participants with essential tools for success in the competitive food market. It features a comprehensive introduction to the customer discovery process and invaluable prototyping training, alongside expert business coaching. Over its three-year history, the initiative has successfully supported 30 teams, guiding them toward transforming their innovative ideas into market-ready products. This growth has been made possible through close collaboration between CREA and the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).

This sixth round of Dairy Runway is backed by funding from the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) and welcomes participants from across the Northeast. Entrepreneurs simply need to develop value-added products using milk sourced from the 11-state region, making this program broadly inclusive of the local dairy community.

Program Structure

The Dairy Runway program unfolds in two critical phases. The initial phase offers a seven-week virtual coursework that immerses participants in the business model canvas framework, integral to the startup ecosystem. This digital course comprises a mix of self-directed online activities, live Zoom class interactions, and individual instructor check-ins that enhance learning outcomes. Participants will benefit from engaging discussions with subject matter experts from various fields, including creative marketing, established retail, and emerging food and beverage startups.

Following the virtual course, the program transitions into the Kitchen Incubator phase, where the real hands-on work begins. Here, entrepreneurs focus on product formulation and progression toward creating a prototype, leveraging the expertise of Cornell's food technologists and dairy specialists. Additionally, each participant is matched with a seasoned business coach. This mentorship is pivotal as it aids entrepreneurs in refining their business models and preparing impactful pitch decks for the program’s culminating virtual pitch session.

Commitment to the Dairy Industry

“Each cohort of Dairy Runway brings forth new energy and insights into our region’s dairy landscape,” expressed Laura Ginsburg, center lead for the NE-DBIC. With agriculture serving as a foundational element of the Northeast's economy, this initiative not only supports diversification among dairy farmers but also nurtures emerging food entrepreneurs committed to sustainability and innovation within the dairy sector.

As applications remain open until September 16, 2026, keen entrepreneurs are encouraged to seize this unique opportunity. Up to six teams will be carefully selected to join this transformative program, which is set to commence with the online entrepreneurship course in October 2026.

To further support entrepreneurs considering this opportunity, CREA is organizing three informative sessions over the summer. Details about these sessions, as well as program requirements, can be found on the Dairy Runway website.

For more information and to submit applications, please visit Dairy Innovation. To learn more about NE-DBIC, check out Northeast Dairy Innovation. With the commitment of CREA, the Dairy Runway program emerges as a beacon for aspiring food innovators eager to make a difference in the dairy market.