Laurie Bedord reported this week at Successful Farming magazine online that, “The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator, which was launched in 2016 by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Cultivation Corridor, will host its first class this year. Focused on ag tech startup companies, the Accelerator is designed to build upon one of the state’s key industries – agriculture – and the entrepreneurial activity that can advance technology in the industry.
“‘Central Iowa’s agriculture industry has a history of innovation,’ says Tej Dhawan, who will serve as the interim director. ‘The Accelerator will advance innovation by connecting many of the leading agriculture businesses and farm groups in our region to startups working with cutting-edge technology.'”
Ms. Bedord noted that, “In addition, the Partnership and Cultivation Corridor announced that Grinnell Mutual, Kent Corporation, and Sukup Manufacturing have signed on as investing companies to The Accelerator. They join DuPont Pioneer, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company, John Deere, and Peoples Company. Each company has committed $100,000 to support The Accelerator for the first year.”
The update added that, “Investing companies will also provide mentoring to companies in The Accelerator. Additionally, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the Iowa Soybean Association, and the Iowa Pork Producers Association will provide farmer mentors to the Accelerator. Iowa State University will provide technical and business expertise.
“The application process will be open from April 3 through May 12, 2017. Interested startup companies should contact Dhawan at tej.dhawan@agiowa.com.”
