Our guide to some of the main food sector incubators and accelerators operated by major food manufacturers. As with in-house venture capital funds, for big food companies looking to gain exposure to new, exciting, potentially faster-growing categories, starting an incubator or accelerator is becoming increasingly popular. Incubators and accelerators are not exactly the same thing. Although both offer support and guidance to start-ups, incubators are typically targeted at companies at an earlier stage. Accelerators are aimed at existing companies that have an idea and a business model already in place but which need help to propel their business forward. Such vehicles, and especially incubators, provide mentoring and advice on everything from branding to attracting finance. There is also often a grant provided to the businesses chosen to take part in a programme and sometimes a cash prize for the business selected as the 'winner' from that year's intake.