MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AgPR) February 8, 2017 – AgLaunch™ continues to expand its farm-centric innovation platform to accelerate the process of bringing new ideas into agriculture. The organization offers a one-stop shop for researchers, farmers, logistic providers, processors, non-profits, investors and corporate partners to help validate and grow new ideas in the agricultural space. The initiative is focused on the Mid-South region with an international footprint through its open source programs and support network. “With a growing world population, agriculture must advance and adapt to keep up,” Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture
Jai Templeton said. “Farmers are natural innovators. AgLaunch’s farm-focused model is matching farmers with new and improved technology and resources to help solve global problems, while catalyzing economic growth in our region.” AgLaunch is pleased to announce three programs in 2017 that will advance agricultural innovation to the next level:
These AgLaunch initiatives focus on a range of technologies, including precision agriculture, robotics, automation, biologic-based pest control, specialty crops, equipment modifications, food ingredients, supply chain integrity and traceability, soil health, reduction of spray drift, food safety and reduction of food waste, water/input efficiencies and innovations in the supply chain. “AgLaunch has a global network that includes mentors, investors, growers and ag industry leaders,” said
Steve Bares, Ph.D., president and executive director, Memphis Bioworks Foundation. “Memphis provides the perfect opportunity to connect with all these assets, as farmers are a short drive away, investors are down the road, and entrepreneurial training and mentors are in-house. The Mississippi River offers convenient logistics, and our unique geographical location allows for incredibly diverse agriculture opportunities.”The program adds value to investors through creating quality deal flow. “AgLaunch is uniquely connecting new technology with real farm experience to change the way that deals are being created for the benefit of investors and the ag industry,” said
Matt Bell, Principal,
Cultivian Sandbox Ventures. AgLaunch helps startups through its combination of entrepreneurship programming and deep agricultural knowledge. “AgLaunch is a world-class initiative that is connecting all of the right partners and resources to bring new agricultural technologies to market,” said
Barry Knight, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, North America,
Indigo Ag. For more information and to apply to the AgLaunch Accelerator, Farmer Network or Startup Station, visit
aginnovationgroup.com/aglaunch or email
brussell@aginnovationgroup.com. To view a video on the AgLaunch program click:
https://youtu.be/BhfMFnJyS08 and to view pitches from the 2016 AgLaunch Accelerator participants, go to:
http://bit.ly/2hDTGN7.