AgLaunch365
Application deadline: September 4, 2023
AgLaunch365 is a specialized program that supports farmer-selected agtech start-ups with business development training, potential equity investment and customer acquisition opportunities, and sophisticated on-farm trials.
Each year, separate cohorts of farmer-selected agtech start-ups focusing on row crops and livestock are chosen to participate in our 3 phase program:
Phase I
AgLaunch365 Challenges: Participants receive support services to refine their startup’s value proposition and to prepare to pitch to AgLaunch farmers and agricultural investors through a virtual pitch competition. Winners of the challenge will be invited to participate in the AgLaunch365 Accelerator and Farm Trials.
The AgLaunch365 Challenges focus on technologies that accelerate the adoption of sustainable production practices like regenerative soil health, water and nutrient management, labor and data management, improved efficiency in production, and traceability.
As many as 10 companies will be selected to participate in each Challenge week held in Memphis, TN. Afterwards, teams will present their refined pitch to a panel of farmers and aligned investors to earn the opportunity to participate in the full AgLaunch365 Accelerator, a program designed to calibrate emerging technology with the needs of farmers.
Phase II
AgLaunch365 Accelerator: A panel of innovative farmers and investors choose up to six startups to participate in this phase beginning January 2023.
Startups will construct in-depth farm trial plans while fine-tuning their business model. Startups that are selected to participate in the AgLaunch365 Accelerator will work with the AgLaunch Farm and Entrepreneurship teams to design and implement farm trials with diverse members of the AgLaunch Farmer Network. Qualified startups are eligible for equity investment from AgLaunch investment partners, like Ag Ventures Alliance. In addition, teams accepted in the AgLaunch365 Accelerator will have access to media and data support through Farm Journal.
Phase III
Farm Trials: This phase is dedicated to implementing farm trial plans with the AgLaunch Farmer Network. Participating startups typically work directly with the AgLaunch Farm Team team and farmers for up to three iterations of their technology. During this time, the startup will have exclusive access to farmer input and feedback throughout the trial period.
Technologies of Interest
AgLaunch365 focuses on technologies that address farmer needs and accelerate solutions to critical issues within agriculture. The technologies that accelerate the adoption of sustainable production practices like regenerative soil health, water and nutrient management are of key importance. Other on-farm issues that we look at solving include: labor, data management, improved efficiency in production, and traceability. Livestock technologies, such as animal tracking and management, animal health, waste management and environmental sustainability are also of importance.
Apply Here
AgLaunch365 Timeline
Application Period
April 15 - September 4, 2023
Complete and submit your application: Apply here.
Screening
September
Applications are screened by our partners and farmer network. The top applicants are selected for the first round of interviews and pitches.
Applicants Notified
September
Applicants are notified of their application status, those selected will begin to prepare for their virtual pitch and interview.
Selection Process
October
Virtual Pitch/Interview meetings are held with the AgLaunch365 Selection Committee.
Challenge Participants Notified
October
Up to 10 teams for each segment, Row Crop and Livestock are invited to participate in an in-person Challenge Week in Memphis, TN
Challenge Week
November 2023
Finalists from Pitch Weeks will move forward to Challenge Weeks, where they complete their final challenge to participate in the AgLaunch365 Accelerator and Farm Trials.
AgLaunch365 Cohort Selection
Late November - Early December
Startups make their final pitch that incorporates their learnings from Challenge Week to the AgLaunch Selection Committee.
Winners Notified
December
Up to 6 startups from the Challenges are selected to join the AgLaunch365 Accelerator and Farm Trials phase of the program.
Participation and investment agreements are signed.
Accelerator
January - February 2024
Farmer-selected startups participate in a hybrid program that combines virtual sessions with in-person events.
Key In-Person events:
- Mid-South Farm &+ Gin Show:
- Top Producer Summit:
- On-farm Trials Spring - Fall 2023