ITHACA, N.Y. — Rev: Ithaca Startup Works is launching a new AgTech Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator, funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s University Center program and offered in partnership with Cornell Engineering. This free, cohort-based program leverages university assets to build a regional agrifood ecosystem that supports innovation, high-growth entrepreneurship, resiliency, and inclusiveness, improving the economic conditions for the ag sector in New York State and the Northeast.
The new AgTech Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator, which will operate in tandem with Rev: Ithaca Startup Works’ successful Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator, is designed for hardware and physical product startups based anywhere in the U.S. that are ready to bring innovations in agricultural areas such as farming operations, animal husbandry, and food processing to market. This year marks the third year that Rev: Ithaca Startup Works has operated its Manufacturing program and supported the efforts of hardware and physical product entrepreneurs as they bring their prototypes to the production phase.
“Manufacturing products in the AgTech space poses some unique challenges that can include food safety, rugged operating environments, and integrating into existing operations. The Manufacturing Accelerator will assist companies in identifying these unique requirements and strategies to address to enable a smooth product launch,” said Ken Rother, Director of Rev: Ithaca Startup Works.
During the intensive year-long program, which will run from September 2022 to August 2023, selected participants will be provided with specialized training tailored to the ag tech industry and one-on-one mentorship. Additionally, startups will be connected to experts and potential partners in the region’s robust agrifood ecosystem, including manufacturers and investors.
Major goals of the AgTech Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator include leveraging the existing agriculture and food production ecosystem to foster innovation and create opportunity, strengthening the connective tissue between players in the Grow-NY region agrifood system, and planting the seeds for future Grow-NY business competition winners.
“Grow-NY represents a top-notch enrichment opportunity for startups ready to scale their technology. The AgTech Accelerator is a kind of feeder school to the program, training participants to develop their ideas into viable material and conceptual plans,” said Jenn Smith, Program Director of Grow-NY. “Participants leave closer to readiness to compete for Grow-NY’s $3M of annual prize money.”
The cohort will meet virtually twice a month and in person in Ithaca, NY approximately three times during the program for immersive experiences and manufacturing tours. Each startup is required to meet with their assigned mentor for one hour each month. Additional ecosystem events, networking opportunities, and training sessions will be available, but are not required.
Applications for 2022–2023 cohort of the AgTech Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator, as well as the Open Track (for innovators in all fields and industries) of the Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator, are open through August 11, 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The program is free, and participants do not give away any equity. Virtual information sessions on the Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator, including the AgTech track, will be held from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET on June 23, July 19, and August 3. The program’s leadership team will provide an overview of the program schedule, benefits and expectations, and address questions. For more information, visit www.revithaca.com/hardware or email rev@revithaca.com.
About Rev: Ithaca Startup Works: Rev is a business incubator and startup workspace located in Ithaca, New York that offers business mentorship and connections, entrepreneurial events, and other startup resources for new or growing business dedicated to creating jobs in the community and region. Rev was established in 2014 by a partnership between Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins-Cortland Community as part of an initiative to create economic impact in the region. To learn more, visit www.revithaca.com.
About Grow-NY: Grow-NY is an unprecedented food and agriculture startup competition that identifies, supports, and funds the top food, beverage, and agriculture innovations from across the globe to create opportunity in Upstate NY. The competition includes a $1 million top prize, two $500 thousand prizes and four $250 thousand prizes. Winning companies commit to making a positive economic impact on the growing startup hub located in New York state’s Finger Lakes, Central NY, and Southern Tier regions. To learn more, visit www.grow-ny.com.
–Rev: Ithaca Startup Works
Grow-NY