Applications Open for Iowa AgriTech Accelerator’s 2019 Cohort

DES MOINES, IA — After a successful 2018 program, the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator is excited to announce that applications for its third cohort are now open. The Accelerator encourages early-stage agtech companies that have an idea, intellectual property or prototype for agricultural innovation to apply at www.agiowa.com. 

The 2019 program is scheduled to begin May 28 and conclude on August 29. Agtech startups worldwide are encouraged to apply, and up to five will be chosen for this year’s cohort. Similar to years past, those selected to participate will receive $40,000 in seed funding, subsidized housing and office space throughout the incubator period, time with mentors and investors and opportunities to build strategic partnerships.

“In 2018, we hosted our second cohort, with startups from across the country and even the Atlantic. The applications we received, and the far stretches where they came from, are

evidence that our program is growing, and our reach has moved beyond the Midwest,” notes Executive Director Megan Vollstedt. “In 2019, we will continue working closely with the program’s investors, mentors and partners to build on last year’s success. Our primary goal is to ensure the agtech companies will have the resources and support they need to hit the ground running.”

The Accelerator’s 2019 program has support from some of the largest and well-known agtech and ag-related companies in Iowa, including Corteva Agriscience, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company, Grinnell Mutual, Kent Corporation, John Deere, and Sukup Manufacturing Co., in addition to more than 120 mentors. This year, The Accelerator is seeking additional investors to add to the program’s portfolio. Investors are the cornerstone of The Accelerator. They use their expertise and connections in the ag industry to introduce the startups to the right network of influencers and potential business partners. And, in return, investors receive valuable takeaways from the startups and the program itself that they can integrate into their own future business plans.

For more information on The Accelerator, how to apply for the 2019 cohort or become an investor for the program, visit www.agiowa.com.

About the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator

The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is a mentor-led accelerator focused on agtech innovations. Led by innovators and leaders in several areas of agriculture, The Accelerator seeks startups ready to change the status quo. For more information about the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator, visit AgIowa.com.