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AgLaunch365 to Provide Ag Startups Access – Open Applications for Investment

AgLaunch is pleased to announce open applications for AgLaunch365 that will develop promising startups interested in growing their agricultural innovation business in a farm-centric model.

Entrepreneurs who are interested in any of the following phases should (apply):
1. Phase I: Business model development – “customer discovery”
2. Phase II: Prototyping – “getting field ready”
3. Phase III: Access to network of innovative farmers – “field trials”

AgLaunch365 phases are designed to build upon each other and startup teams are invited to apply for the whole program or for one specific phase based on needs.

AgLaunch365 is open to companies at all stages whether early-stage help is needed or access to progressive farmers who can help ground-truth innovative technology.

Deadlines for (application):
• For entry in entire program, applications due by 8:00 a.m. CT on Monday, October 2, 2017.
• For prototyping phase, applications due by 8:00 a.m. CT on Monday, November 6, 2017.
• To access the field trial network, applications due by 8:00 a.m. CT on Monday, January 8, 2017.

Innovations of Interest:
• Precision Farming
- Management of inputs
- Soil & crop tech
- Irrigation & water tech, sustainability enablers

• Farming technology
- New equipment
- Robotics or automation

• New, innovative technologies
- Crop production, harvest & storage
- Supply chain & logistics
- Processing/productivity tools, diagnostics
- Food safety, security

• Animal Health & Nutrition
- Welfare practices
- Healthcare improvements

Participants in AgLaunch365 will have access to the following:
• Customized programming focused on agriculture + lean startup
• Seed stage and potential for follow-on investment (historically $25k – $50k for Phase I companies) from Innova Ag Innovation Fund IV, a licensed USDA Rural Business Investment Company funded by 8 Farm Credit banks.
• Exclusive access to Farm Journal media & events including AgTech Expo
• Participation in Farm Bureau’s Agriculture Investment Summit
• Field trials and access to farmer network of leading innovative farmers including cost share opportunity
• Support from a national network of mentors and service providers including Archer Malmo & Baker Donelson

To view a video on the AgLaunch program click: https://youtu.be/BhfMFnJyS08

To view pitches from the past AgLaunch Accelerator participants, go to: http://bit.ly/2hDTGN7.

Source:https://inc42.com/