AgTechUCD has begun accepting applications from early-stage start-ups with innovative products and services in the AgTech, agri-food, equine and veterinary sectors, and who have ambition to grow and scale on the global stage, to join its dedicated accelerator programme, which is now in its fourth year.
The 2024 AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme, commencing in October, is an intensive 12-week hybrid programme, which includes dedicated 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 AgTechUCD Innovation Centre at UCD Lyons Farm in Co. Kildare.
“Building on the success of our three previous programmes, our dedicated Agccelerator programme is tailored to address the specific needs and challenges facing start-ups in the AgTech and Agri-foods sectors,” said Gary Ryan, director, AgTechUCD, said. “Our aim is to fast track the business development and leadership skills of participants and to provide them with support and guidance which is needed to accelerate their start-ups on the national and indeed the global stage.”
Moonsyst, based in Co. Cork, has developed a Smart Rumen Monitoring solution that collects real-time information from inside cattle, an ingestible ‘Fitbit’ for cows.
PJ Maguire, sales lead, Moonsyst, said: “We are delighted to have completed the AgTechUCD Agccelerator programme and it was a very positive experience for Moonsyst and a great foundation to build from. We particularly benefited from the speed mentoring side of things which was really good. Quick meetings with different people from different sectors really gave us a broad perspective on where we needed to go with our business, and how they might be able to even help us down the line.”
Pitseal, based in Co. Limerick, is an eco-friendly biofilm spray comprised of unique strains of seaweed and nutrients that forms an airtight, water-repellent seal over silage pits, eliminating the need for plastic sheeting and weights. Pitseal also reduces plastic waste and reduces greenhouse gas emissions upon consumption by livestock.
Founder Marion Cantillon said: “As a start-up founder, I think utilising all the resources available is key. The AgTechUCD Agccelerator programme is different because it specialises in the agtech industry and I highly recommend it to start-ups in the sector. Through the programme we’ve met with so many different experts and mentors in the AgTech space, the links and contacts that they’ve made for us, and introductions that they’ve made for us globally, have been game changing and have been a real lifesaver for Pitseal going forward.”
Partners on the AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme include; Enterprise Ireland, AIB, The Yield Lab Europe, FBD, IFAC, Thrive/SVG Ventures and support from AgTech Ireland member companies.
AgTechUCD, which is part of NovaUCD, has been funded through by Enterprise Ireland through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund.
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