AgLaunch | Memphis Bioworks

AgLaunch accelerates new innovations in food and agriculture. The organization addresses global issues while creating local opportunities in the Mid-South. AgLaunch connects agricultural researchers, entrepreneurs, farmers, investors, corporations and nonprofit organizations to address real farm and supply chain needs. AgLaunch is an initiative of Memphis Bioworks Foundation and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and includes a robust group of public and private partners including University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture & Tennessee State University.

AgLaunch is currently looking for start-ups interested in three different opportunities:

AgLaunch Accelerator will invest $50,000 and three months of intensive business development support, access to farm trials, and a robust mentor network to six startup companies. Participating startups will be immersed in a collaborative Summer of Acceleration experience in Memphis with six other business accelerators May 1- August 10. Entrepreneurial programming is supported through the expertise of EPIcenter and Start Co., a member of the Global Accelerator Network that has led more than 80 startup companies. Startups will also have access to expert agri-marketing and legal advice provided by Archer Malmo and Baker Donelson respectively.

Dates: Application deadline is Mar. 1. The accelerator runs from May 1 – Aug. 10.

Click here to learn more and apply.

AgLaunch Farmer Network is working with a select group of startups to coordinate farm scale trials with new technologies across various production environments and key crops. Lead participants in the farmer network include Ritter Agribusiness and Mid-South Family Farms.

Dates: Space is limited for 2017 pilots, so evaluation priority is given on a first come, first serve basis.

Click here to learn more. Email Brandon Russell at BRussell@aginnovationgroup.com to learn if the Farmer Network is a good fit for you.

AgLaunch Startup Station is an all-day pitch contest held on March 3 in conjunction with the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show, which hosts more than 400 exhibitors and 20,000 farmers. Startups will pitch to expert panels comprised of farmers, investors, and corporate partners, including Farm Bureau, Farm Credit, DuPont, Monsanto Growth Ventures, and Case IH. The event will be preceded by The Combine reception the evening of March 2.

Dates: Application deadline is Feb. 10. The Startup Station will take place Mar. 3.

Click here to learn more. Apply by emailing your pitch deck to Brandon Russell at BRussell@aginnovationgroup.com

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.

Read our press release to learn more.