US$ 250,000 to be won by 1 lucky AgTech automation start-up
2 American companies have partnered to create The Radicle Automation Challenge, a competition where AgTech automation entrepreneurs are eligible to compete for a minimum of $?250,000 in investment capital and exclusive access to farm acreage to pilot their technologies.
Western Growers and Radicle Growth, the companies who initiated The Radicle Automation Challenge, will enable 4 chosen finalists to showcase their technologies in front of a group of investors, corporate partners and agribusiness experts on June 26, 2018. To qualify, companies should have received a minimum of $ 100,000 in investment or in-kind capital, or have gone through an AgTech incubator or accelerator programme. All applications will be reviewed by the investment committee.
Find and fund the brightest ideas
The Radicle Automation Challenge aims to find and fund the best and brightest ideas from around the world to help automate agricultural functions. The seed-stage investment and access to growers to trial the technology will accelerate the adoption of these new ag-automation technologies.
Kirk Haney, CEO & Managing Partner of Radicle Growth, says: “There are 2 enemies of a start-up, time and money. The $ 250,000 is tailored to the unique needs of automation entrepreneurs to ensure they have enough capital and a platform to trial their technology… We’re really excited to meet the start-ups who could be the future of the industry.”
Tom Nassif, President/CEO of Western Growers adds: “Agriculture has been at a labour deficit for more than a decade, and if our food production is to survive with a declining workforce we need R&D and more innovative technology. Since the opening of Western Growers Centre for Innovation & Technology in 2015, a key mission has been to accelerate the development of labour-saving technologies.”
Apply before May 1, 2018
The winner will be announced at the Western Growers Innovation Showcase Dinner at the Forbes AgTech Summit on June 26, 2018. Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2018. The finalists will be notified of selection on May 29, 2018.
