Healthy ice cream start-up, Wheyhey, is representing the UK in an American food tech accelerator programme in Silicon Valley

Wheyhey is one among hundreds of start-ups from 35 countries around the world that applied for an eight-week food technology accelerator programme based in Silicon Valley. 

The programme, Thrive was set up to find innovative solutions to feed the world’s projected 9.6 billon population by 2050, which would require an increase in food production by 70 per cent, based on UN figures. 

The Thrive accelerator will provide entrepreneurs taking part with access to Silicon Valley, as well as pitching opportunities, networking, mentoring, and business strategy guidance.

Wheyhey is among 12 finalists vying for the $5 million funding from Thrive.

According to Wheyhey co-founder, Damien Kennedy, the company’s goal aligns with Thrive’s own vision to scale healthy food production to meet global demand. ” Our goal with Wheyhey is to tackle some of the world’s major health and nutrition problems head on, and to change what it means to eat healthily,” he said.

The company’s early investor, model David Gandy, was reportedly impressed by the sugar-free, high-protein recipe, which is made of whey protein isolate, a staple for athletes and body builders. A 150ml tub of Wheyhey has the same amount of protein as a chicken breast. 

Wheyhey is currently stocked in a number of retailers across the UK and Europe such as Holland & Barrett, Wholefoods, Odeon Cinema’s GNC, Ocado and Muscle Food as well as some health clubs. From Spring 2016 Wheyhey will be available from grocery retailers in the UK.