2024 AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme – Open for Applications
22nd July 2024
AgTechUCD today announced that it is seeking 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 this 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.
Gary Ryan, Director, AgTechUCD, said, “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.
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.”
Among the twenty-seven (27) start-ups which have completed the AgTechUCD Agccelerator programme over the last three years is Pitseal, based in Co. Limerick. Pitseal 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.
Marion Cantillon, founder, Pitseal (main picture), 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.”
Fiona Kelleher, Co-Founder of MyGug
Another company which completed the programme last year is MyGug, based in Co. Cork. It has gone to close a €900k funding round led by BVP, with participation from Enterprise Ireland. The company, founded by Fiona Kelleher and Kieran Coffey 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. The funding is enabling the company to further expand its market reach both domestically and internationally.
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.
David Bowles, Managing Partner, The Yield Lab Europe said, “We are delighted to be once again supporting AgTechUCD as they seek exciting early-stage start-ups, with innovative technologies that will lead the way for Ireland to deliver on its sustainability commitments, to join its next Agccelerator Programme starting in October. As Europe’s leading early-stage sustainable AgTech investor, we have supported the AgTechUCD Agccelerator programme since its inauguration in 2021 and we look forward to continuing working with the AgTechUCD team.”
AgTechUCD, which is part of NovaUCD, has been funded through by Enterprise Ireland through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. The 2024 AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme will conclude in January 2025 when participating start-ups will pitch their businesses to a panel of investors with the opportunity to be awarded prize funding.
For further information on the 2024 AgTechUCD Agccelerator programme and to apply visit here>>
