Rev: Ithaca Startup Works launching a new AgTech manufacturing hardware accelerator

ITHACA, N.Y. — Rev: Ithaca Startup Works says it’s launching a new AgTech manufacturing-hardware accelerator.

The accelerator is funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s University Center program and offered in partnership with Cornell University’s engineering program.

Rev: Ithaca Startup Works is a business incubator and startup workspace in Ithaca 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 College as part of an initiative to create economic impact in the region.

The new AgTech 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.

The free, group-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, per a release from Rev.

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. 

“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,” Ken Rother, director of Rev: Ithaca Startup Works, said.

The new AgTech manufacturing hardware accelerator will operate in tandem with Rev: Ithaca Startup Works’ manufacturing hardware accelerator.

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.

Getting involved

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 Aug. 11.

The organization will review applications 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 4-5 p.m. on July 19 and Aug. 3.

The program’s leadership team will provide an overview of the program schedule, benefits, and expectations, and address questions. For more information and to apply, visit www.revithaca.com/hardware.