A Guide to Startup Resources in Agriculture and Food Technology Innovation

Accelerators like YC and TechStars have proven their ability to help startups attract venture capital. AgTech and FoodTech startups also need support in getting from an idea to a business that creates value for users- whether farmers or eaters. But what kind of support is most useful to food system ventures?

There are now over 30 accelerators globally dedicated to food system innovation (see the full list here). Some have adopted models very similar to leading IT accelerators, while others are trying to create programming specifically tailored to the challenges of agriculture and food (e.g., limited options for investors, longer timeframe to get user feedback, safety and regulatory concerns).

And accelerators are not the only option for innovators seeking support. There are incubators, prizes, pitches, and virtual networks. Corporates are getting involved as well, through corporate incubators, sponsoring accelerators, and even launching dedicated venture funds. Venture Development Organizations, too, are helping to cross the chasms and valleys between foundational research and commercial viability.

In our report, A Guide to Startup Resources in Agriculture and Food Technology, we identify the 78 (and counting!) resources dedicated to helping food system technologists, entrepreneurs, investors, and ultimately farmers and eaters. I’m thrilled to have USDA recognition for this work, and I look forward to conversations with participants across the ecosystem about how best to support food system innovation. There’s incredible progress being made around the world, but there’s still a long road ahead to build robust and resilient pipelines to bring innovations from idea to impact.

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