(IRELAND)
Yield Lab Europe is an accelerator programme designed to help agtech startups achieve their international growth potential.
Early stage companies working in this field can apply now for the chance to secure €100,000 of investment and access to industry-leading training and mentoring. Similar to its sister platforms in the US and Latin America, Yield Lab Europe has a particular interest in companies pioneering tech products that can tackle challenges relating to food security and sustainability.
“The world does not produce enough food sustainably, and after 50 years of unprecedented bio-diversity loss, soil quality degradation, water pollution, deforestation and rising greenhouse gas emissions, the agri-food industry is under ever increasing pressure as a major contributor to global warming,” said Paul Finnerty, Chairman of Yield Lab Europe. “AgTech startups are at the sharp edge of vital innovation that addresses the need to produce more food using less resources. We commenced operations in 2017 and progress to date has exceeded expectations, with investments made in three startups in Ireland and one in the UK. We are now ramping up to invest in six to eight more businesses in 2018, and hoping to extend our reach into mainland Europe.”
The selected startups will be given an extensive package of support throughout the six-month accelerator, which starts in May – including paid trips to agtech venture capital events in Europe and America. And they will have to commit to a day each month at locations that alternate between Dublin, Galway, London and St Louis.
Applications must be submitted by Friday 23 February.
