Darko Mandich has been appointed as the new Managing Director of the BEAM Circular Accelerator, a program dedicated to fostering innovation in the circular bioeconomy and supporting startups that transform agricultural waste into valuable products. This appointment comes on the heels of the accelerator’s successful inaugural cohort launch in February 2025, and as it prepares to accept applications for its next cohort, with a deadline of January 11, 2026.
The BEAM Circular Accelerator is a joint initiative between BEAM Circular, a nonprofit focused on building a vibrant regional ecosystem for the circular bioeconomy in California’s agricultural heartland, and gener8tor, a global venture firm and accelerator network. In his new role, Mandich will lead the accelerator in supporting early to mid-stage companies developing innovative solutions in biomanufacturing, waste transformation, and circular solutions in agriculture and natural resources.
Mandich brings a wealth of experience to the role, having successfully built and exited a venture-backed bioeconomy company and founded a bioeconomy accelerator in Europe backed by the European Union. His expertise and commitment to fostering innovation in the circular economy make him an ideal fit for this role. As Managing Director, Mandich will focus on connecting startups with strategic partners from BEAM’s extensive network, helping founders secure funding, and accelerating their growth.
The implications for agritech and investors are significant. The circular bioeconomy presents a substantial opportunity for innovation and investment, particularly in regions like the San Joaquin Valley, which is America’s agricultural heartland. The BEAM Circular Accelerator’s focus on transforming agricultural waste into valuable products aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and circular solutions in agriculture. This presents an opportunity for agritech startups to develop and scale innovative solutions that address critical challenges in the sector.
For investors, the accelerator offers a unique opportunity to support and invest in early to mid-stage companies that are at the forefront of circular bioeconomy innovation. The program’s comprehensive support, including funding, mentorship, and strategic network access, can help startups accelerate their growth and increase their chances of success. Moreover, the accelerator’s focus on the San Joaquin Valley, with its large-scale agriculture, abundant feedstocks, and proximity to biotechnology innovation and venture capital resources, makes it an attractive location for investment.
The BEAM Circular Accelerator is now accepting applications for its next cohort. The 12-week hybrid program, based in Modesto, Calif., invests in five startups per cohort and offers comprehensive support for circular bioeconomy innovators. Selected startups will receive $100K in total support from BEAM Circular, including a non-dilutive grant, an investment, and credits for the California Bioeconomy Innovation Campus. In addition to funding, participants receive access to gener8tor’s concierge accelerator program, strategic network access, startup deals and perks, and a showcase event to pitch to an exclusive audience of investors, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
Founders developing solutions in sustainable agriculture, renewable bioresources, circular manufacturing, waste reduction, and other areas of the circular bioeconomy are encouraged to apply. The accelerator’s focus on these areas presents a significant opportunity for agritech startups to develop and scale innovative solutions that address critical challenges in the sector. For investors, the accelerator offers a unique opportunity to support and invest in early to mid-stage companies that are at the forefront of circular bioeconomy innovation.