AgTech Startups Selected for 2024 Accelerator Program

The AgLaunch365 Accelerator program has selected 10 agtech startups for its 2024 cohort. These startups were chosen from a pool of applicants spanning eight countries and 18 U.S. states, following a rigorous six-month application process. The selection was uniquely influenced by farmers who voted on the potential impact of the technologies under consideration.

Innovations in Agricultural Technology

The 10 startups chosen for the 2024 AgLaunch365 Accelerator represent a range of innovative technologies poised to advance agricultural practices. Among the innovations are robotics and remote monitoring solutions designed to enhance efficiency and sustainability in farming.

• Gather: Develops robotic tools for crop farms, focusing on enhancing productivity and reducing labor costs.
• Gripp Ag: Utilizes QR code tracking to streamline and monitor farm activities more effectively.
• Quorum Bio: Engages in the creation of microbial bio-fertilizers using gene editing, aiming to promote healthier crop growth.
• Reazent: Offers sustainable alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals, aligning with the global move towards environmentally friendly farming solutions.
• RhizeBio: Provides low-cost soil testing services, helping farmers optimize plant growth conditions.
• Share Farm: Leverages artificial intelligence to promote sustainability in farming practices.
• SoilMetrix: Uses AI technology to maximize soil fertility and improve crop yields.
• Upstream Biotechnology: Focuses on a seed trait delivery platform, enhancing crop resilience and productivity.
• Wandering Shepherd: Monitors animal health through wearable remote biosensors (WRB), improving livestock management.

Program Structure and Farmer Engagement

The AgLaunch365 Accelerator is designed not only to assist startups in developing cutting-edge technologies but also to foster a robust innovation ecosystem. Startup teams will engage in comprehensive coaching sessions and have the opportunity to present their innovations at a pitch event scheduled for February 5-7 in Kansas City. These sessions are intended to provide valuable insights into scaling and commercializing their technologies.

A distinctive feature of the AgLaunch365 program is its integration of feedback from nearly 50 owner-members of AgLaunch Farmers. These members, who are primarily farmers, earn equity in the startups in exchange for their feedback and insights, ensuring that the technologies developed align closely with real-world agricultural needs.

Broader Context: Global Startup Acceleration

In a related initiative, the Global Startup Acceleration Program (GSAP) has welcomed 105 Japanese startups into its 2024 cohort. Founded in 2020 through a collaboration between JETRO and the Japanese government, GSAP has now supported over 500 startups. The program offers six specialized courses, including new offerings in B2B Commercial Traction and AI/Sustainability, developed in partnership with top U.S. accelerators like StartX and Ensanté.

GSAP's structure includes a hybrid format combining online and on-site components, featuring business lectures, bootcamps, one-on-one mentoring, and demo days. Participating startups also have the opportunity to showcase their innovations at overseas exhibitions, further enhancing their international exposure.

Strengthening International Collaboration

JETRO, established in 1958 and operating over 70 global offices, plays a pivotal role in strengthening U.S.–Japan collaboration in various industries, including trading, banking, research and development, and medical devices. As part of this effort, 23 delegates from 19 Japanese companies recently visited North Carolina for a three-day engagement aimed at fostering partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

The GSAP program, running until March 2025, will culminate in Japan Innovation Night on June 18, 2025, an event designed to showcase Japanese biotech startups and celebrate the achievements of the program's participants.