IRVINE, CA - Sharks—tough, agile, the apex predator of the sea. I can’t think of a better animal to compare to ambitious agtech innovators seeking to revolutionize the industry. Presenting these companies with the opportunity to pitch their innovations in front of a live audience of some of the world’s largest specialty crop producers, Western Growers (WG) and S2G Ventures are now accepting applications for the 2022 AgSharks Competition. Entrepreneurs and startups developing technologies that promote a healthier and more sustainable food system can apply for the Competition and a chance to capture a $250,000 minimum investment.
“With a proven track record of rewarding cutting-edge agtech innovators and enabling them to grow their businesses, we look forward to this year’s competitors engaging in a live, spirited back-and-forth with our members on how best to use technology to solve the most pressing needs of our industry,” said Western Growers President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Puglia. “With its real-world financial stakes for the start-ups and the potential long-term benefits for our members, the AgSharks Competition is one of the highlights of our Annual Meeting.”
As explained in a press release, three innovative startups will be selected to pitch their inventions to a panel of growers, shippers, processors, and venture capitalists in front of over 300 produce farmers and industry leaders during the WG Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 2–5.
Winners will receive international recognition, as well as mentoring from S2G and WG, potential access to farm acreage to pilot their technologies, access to WG’s expansive network of fresh produce companies, and potential investment capital.
“AgSharks leads as the only pitch competition that offers agtech startups an audience with the biggest agricultural companies across the globe,” said Audre Kapacinskas, Principal at S2G Ventures. “The combination of exclusive access to hundreds of industry leaders, plus investment capital to fuel growth, are two elements that are crucial for a startup’s success in this industry.”
The AgSharks Competition was first held in 2017, and past winners Hazel Technologies and Burro have encountered major success in bringing their products from development to market.
To submit your application for the Competition, click here. Applications close on Monday, September 12, 2022.
Best of luck to all you industry innovators who enter!
