Applications now open for Iowa AgriTech Accelerator’s 2018 Cohort

DES MOINES, Iowa — After a successful 2017 program, the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator is excited to announce that applications for its second 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/apply.php.

A few changes are in store for the Class of 2018. While six startups will again be selected, the incubator period has been shortened from 100 to 94 days and will run from May 29 through August 30. Similar to last year, each startup selected to participate will receive $40,000 in seed funding, subsidized housing throughout the incubator period, time with mentors and investors and opportunities to build strategic partnerships.

“As we approach another year helping startups bridge the gap to commercial viability and success for their products, we also reflect on our experiences from our 2017 program. We hope to build on the program’s successes and lessons learned from last year to enhance the value we bring to each startup, mentor and investor involved,” notes executive director Megan Vollstedt.

The Accelerator’s 2018 program has support from some of the largest and well-known AgTech companies in Iowa, including DuPont Pioneer, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company, Grinnell Mutual, Kent Corporation, John Deere, Peoples Company and Sukup Manufacturing, in addition to more than 100 mentors. For more information on The Accelerator and how to apply, visit www.agiowa.com.