AgLaunch, a nonprofit startup incubator, is accepting applications for 5 entrepreneurship programs. This year, programs are offered virtually and in-person to provide support to agtech startups through a farmer-first focus and ag-specific programming.
Startup technologies are selected based on their potential to have a positive impact at the farm level. To ensure that each startup receives maximum impact, AgLaunch farmers are involved in each entrepreneurial program as mentors, speakers or trial partners.
“The AgLaunch program continues to be an absolutely unique opportunity to work with advisors, farmers and the investment community in a single group. My experiences have been invaluable for the development of my company,” says Michael Cully, Susterre CEO and 2022 AgLaunch365 cohort.
AgLaunch opened applications on Monday for AgLaunch Catalyst, Cultivate Appalachia, AgLaunch365, Robotics and Automation Challenge, and the TN AgTech Springboard Program. These programs serve ag entrepreneurs at different stages and across multiple geographies. Interested startups can learn more details and apply at www.aglaunch.com/entrepreneurship.
1. AgLaunch Catalyst
Virtual: June 14-17, 2022
Application deadline: May 31, 2022
Startup Stage: Ideation to Proof of Concept
Company Location: National
AgLaunch Catalyst is a one-week virtual program that gives agtech entrepreneurs who are in the pre-seed, idea or proof-of-concept stage the boost needed to take their business to the next level. Participants will learn about the basics of business creation like legal structure and intellectual property protection, while also gaining insight into the critical actions needed for product development. Entrepreneurs will be coached to present their ideas in a way that appeals to investors and farmers to gain traction in the marketplace. Learn more and apply here.
2. Cultivate Appalachia: AgLaunch Bootcamp for Food & AgTech Pioneers
In person in Knoxville, Tenn.: July 11-14, 2022
Application Deadline: May 31, 2022
Startup Stage: Ideation to Proof of Concept
Company Location: Preferably the Appalachian Region
AgLaunch is collaborating with partners across the Appalachian region to host a bootcamp for innovators in food and agriculture. The bootcamp is a crash course in business fundamentals and training on innovation within the agriculture industry. The goal of the program is to support early-stage agriculture startups and prepare them for follow-on programming and resources offered by AgLaunch or AgLaunch partners. While there is a preference for companies located within the Appalachian region, applicants from any location are welcome to apply. New and novel ideas in the agriculture and food value chain that would benefit the Appalachian region will be considered.
Bootcamp co-sponsors include: AgLaunch, the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, Sync.Space, The Biz Foundry, InvestSWVA, the South Carolina Research Authority, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, University of Tennessee Research Foundation, Tennessee Tech, the National Black Growers Council and the North Carolina Biotech Center. Learn more and apply here.
3. AgLaunch365 Accelerator
Hybrid virtual and in person in Memphis, Tenn. (Fall 2022/Winter 2023)
Application Deadline: July 18, 2022
Startup Stage: Pre-seed Companies from prototype to early sales
Company Location: National
AgLaunch’s multi-phased program AgLaunch365 offers a path to accelerate product and business development through farmer engagement. The model starts with the AgLaunch365 Challenge Week, continues with the AgLaunch365 Accelerator and ends with an on-farm trial pathway. AgLaunch365 operates in these 3 phases over a 12-month period, ramping towards farm trials with the AgLaunch Farmer Network in the MidSouth, Iowa, Oregon and Oklahoma. AgLaunch365 focuses on technologies that address farmer needs and accelerate solutions to critical issues within agriculture in a Row Crop Challenge and Livestock Challenge.
Row Crop Challenge - AgLaunch and Farm Journal host the Row Crop Challenge as the entry point to the AgLaunch365 Accelerator. The focus will continue to be on technologies that accelerate the adoption of sustainable production practices like regenerative soil health, water and nutrient management, labor and data management, improved efficiency in production, and traceability. Apply here.
Livestock Challenge - The Livestock Challenge is also an entry point to the AgLaunch365 Accelerator. This program focuses on developing technologies that address key issues within livestock agriculture such as animal tracking and management, animal health, waste management and environmental sustainability. Technologies that enable regenerative practices for livestock production and pasture management are of special interest. Apply here.
4. Robotics and Automation Challenge
Hybrid virtual and in person in Memphis, Tenn.
Application Deadline: July 18, 2022
Startup Stage: Pre-seed to early seed companies from prototype to early sales
Company Location: National
AgLaunch is planning a Robotics & Automation Challenge for fall of 2022. This program will target companies that are addressing labor shortages and food access through the acceleration of agrifood supply chain disruptions with field-level robots and autonomous equipment. Apply here to be part of a program that's designed to enable specialty crop production in the MidSouth Region.
5. TN AgTech Springboard Mentor Program
Virtual: Rolling
Application deadline: Rolling
Startup Stage: Proof-of-concept to pre-seed
Company Location: Tennessee
The TN AgTech Springboard Mentor Program matches Tennessee-based agtech startups with experienced mentors who work closely with founders as they prepare for fundraising and product launch. Mentors support startups through the 5-stage Springboard Mentor Program and provide coaching on topics including go-to market strategy, regulatory pathways, fundraising, investor pitches, intellectual property and more. Mentors include industry veterans and seasoned entrepreneurs as well as specialists such as investors, intellectual property lawyers and branding experts. The TN AgTech Springboard Mentor Program is a collaboration between AgLaunch, the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center and Launch Tennessee. Interested startups can learn more and apply here.
