The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator in Des Moines announced on Thursday the five AgTech startups selected for the program’s 2018 cohort.
The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator is a mentor-led accelerator focused on AgTech innovations. The Accelerator is led by innovators and leaders in several areas of agriculture, and seeks startups ready to change the status quo.
“We received a number of great applicants from around the country and the world,” says Megan Vollstedt, Executive Director for The Accelerator. “We look forward to welcoming this year’s cohort to central Iowa, where we will offer our local strengths and expertise in the AgTech industry and the region’s growing entrepreneurial scene to provide the startups the resources they need.”
The five agtech startups chosen for the cohort beginning May 29 are:
- U.S. Design Consultants, Osceola, IA
U.S. Design Consultants has developed an innovative method of broadcast dispensing granular products that addresses fundamental challenges and eliminates negative consequences attributed to conventional broadcast dispensing equipment. - AgHelp, Grand Rapids, MI
AgHelp mobile platform designed to address the agricultural labor shortage with a holistic approach. The app connects agricultural employers with available local labor, source labor and support services nationally at a fraction of the cost of what is currently available. - BirdPreneur, Abeokuta, Nigeria
BirdPreneur is a one-stop shop aviculture platform focused on helping individuals and corporate organizations raise birds to increase meat and egg production across the value chain in Nigeria. - VakSea, Baltimore, MD
VakSea is a novel oral vaccine delivery platform for aquaculture designed to be more affordable and effective and easier to deliver. - Krobel Corp, Mankato, MN
Krobel Corp is developing a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture device that monitors the respiratory rate of an individual hog from nursing to finishing which will help notify farmers of potentially sick animals.
The startups participating in the program will receive intensive mentoring, $40,000 in seed funding, field trips to investor and mentor companies, outreach, networking and presentation opportunities.
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This year’s cohort will have the opportunity to present their innovations at the Farm Progress Show, the nation’s largest outdoor farm show. Teams will also present at The Accelerator’s Demonstration Day, hosted during the World Food Prize on October 16.
