It’s that time again, folks. Each month we take a look at the world of food-focused accelerator programs by hand-picking a few of the latest programs taking applications. If you’re a startup contemplating the increasingly popular accelerator/incubator route, read on to find out more.
The Yield Lab Latin America
Remote/Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Yield Lab runs four different versions of its agrifood-focused accelerator program across four different regions around the world: Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. The program is currently taking applications for its Latin America cohort.
The Yield Lab LATAM 2020 program is a combination of virtual and onsite sessions, with each company assigned a dedicated Yield Lab Managing Partner to guide them through the curriculum. Chosen companies also receive a $100,000 investment.
The program looks specifically for companies developing technologies to help in the following agtech areas: crop production, animal health, precision agriculture, supply chain, food ingredients, and sustainability. Of course, within those areas lies an enormous range of company and technology types, as evidenced by the program’s portfolio of past participants, which includes Nutrivert, Foodshed.io, and Impact Vision. Companies should be commercial ready and able to scale.
There are just a few days left to apply to this one — applications close on February 14.
Chipotle Aluminaries Project 2.0
Remote/Newport Beach, CA
Chipotle launched its Aluminaries program in 2018 in partnership with Denver-based nonprofit Uncharted. According to a recent press release, the eight-month-long program looks for companies working in agtech who “provide a solution to one of the top challenge areas faced by young farmers, including access to land, finance, and labor.”
It consists of remote and in-person programming, including a five-day summit in Newport Beach, CA. The eight chosen participants also receive mentorship, and while there’s no cash investment involved, companies taking part in the program get introductions to potential investors. There’s also a free Chipotle meal for participants each day for an entire year.
Applications close March 11.
Techstars Farm to Fork
Minneapolis St.-Paul, Minnesota
The Farm to Fork accelerator — one of many programs Techstars offers — focuses some on agtech, but also in areas like food traceability, waste reduction, and manufacturing. The program, which is done in partnership with Cargill and Ecolab, looks for companies using technology to innovate and solve problems in these areas.
Relocation to the St. Paul-Minneapolis area is required for the three-month-long program. Chosen participants get workspace along with a $100,000 convertible note, mentorship and networking opportunities, and access to potential investors.
Applications close April 5.
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