AgTechUCD Agccelerator begins search for top start-ups

Nineteen companies have passed through 12-week programme so far

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Pictured: Niamh Collins, AgTechUCD, (centre) with participants on the second AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme

The AgTechUCD Innovation Centre is seeking applications from early-stage start-ups in the agtech, agri-food, equine and veterinary sectors.

The 2023 AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme, commencing in October, is an intensive 12-week hybrid programme, with business development workshops and investor readiness training, mentoring from industry experts and business advisors, guest speakers and facilitated introductions to AgTechUCD’s venture capital and business angel networks.

The in-person workshops will take place at the new AgTechUCD Innovation Centre currently under construction at UCD Lyons Farm.

Niamh Collins, Director, AgTechUCD, said: “The aim of the programme is to fast track the business development and leadership skills of participants and to provide them with the support and guidance needed to accelerate their start-ups on the global stage.”

Among the nineteen (19) start-ups which have completed the programme over the last two years are Cotter Agritech, Farm Fayre, MyGug and Proveye.

Farm Fayre, based in Co. Kilkenny, is developing a complete field-to-field solution for farmers to buy and sell their livestock online in a convenient, safe, secure and transparent ecosystem.

Kevin O’Connor, CEO and founder, Farm Fayre, said: “Our experience with last year’s AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme was very beneficial. For any early-stage venture with limited time and resources, this programme is a definitive ‘yes’. The outcomes far exceeded our time inputs. It’s well organised and professional.”

MyGug, based in Co. Cork, has developed a micro-scale anaerobic digester that turns food waste into a green renewable energy source, suitable for homes, schools and small food businesses.

Fiona Kelleher, CEO, MyGug, said: “MyGug continues to benefit from participation in the AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme. The combination of excellent support and encouragement from the highly talented team and access to the best of entrepreneurs in this space set us on a fast-track path to increased media exposure, sales and investment opportunities. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to achieve success in their business.”

The programme will conclude next January when all participating start-ups will pitch their businesses to a panel of investors with the opportunity to be awarded prize funding.

For further information visit www.ucd.ie/innovation/agtechucd-agccelerator-programme/.

TechCentral Reporters

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