AgTech Startups

San Francisco & New York: For Terra, the Food + Ag Tech Accelerator, and the official opening of startup applications, RocketSpace and Rabobank announced the addition of two new corporate collaborators. To fuel cross industry innovation, Givaudan and Grupo Azucarero México will join Terra, alongside other progressive corporate leaders and the industry’s most disruptive startups. At its foundation, the program combines RocketSpace's global tech ecosystem and startup network with Rabobank’s food and agribusiness leadership and expertise.

To play a pivotal role in the rapidly growing ecosystem surrounding food, Terra was designed and to enable collaborative innovation between corporations and startups, agriculture startups by addressing an untapped opportunity. Terra immerses participants in the innovation process, helping guide the products' evolution and providing real-time feedback throughout pilot testing, unlike other accelerator programs.

Rabobank North America Head of Startup Innovation, Manuel Gonzalez said, “We are very excited to have Grupo Azucarero México and Givaudan join the Terra team. Both brands represent true innovation in their field, and I have no doubt that they will provide invaluable guidance and international exposure to the participating startups.”

Givaudan develops tastes and scents that delight consumers across the world, in close collaboration with food, beverage, consumer product and fragrance partners. Grupo Azucarero México is one of Mexico’s largest sugar producers. Vertical integration includes green energy production using sugar cane bagasse, as well as sugar cane growth for self-fulfilment of its mills.

Founder and CEO of RocketSpace, Duncan Logan said, “Changing the way we grow, prepare and distribute food is a huge undertaking but also a huge opportunity. Innovation flows like water – into the easiest spaces first. Food and Ag is not one of those spaces, but with open collaboration between emerging startups and global brands, we will see significant advancements in innovation.”

Starting today through January 18, 2017, the program is open for applications at www.terraaccelerator.com. Selected startups will have the unique opportunity to work from RocketSpace’s tech campus in downtown San Francisco, among its curated community of more than 150 startup members. To sharpen startup's product and pitch before the eight-week product validation phase, the eight-week tailored curriculum, led by industry experts. Food and ag startups also can learn more about qualifications and apply here. To participate, there is no financial equity is required.