It’s for the new AgTech manufacturing hardware accelerator ITHACA, N.Y. — Rev: Ithaca Startup Works says the application period for its upcoming AgTech manufacturing-hardware accelerator remains open through Aug. 11. No startups have been selected as of now for the program as applications remain under review, Sara Baier, senior marketing […]
It’s for the new AgTech manufacturing hardware accelerator
ITHACA, N.Y. — Rev: Ithaca Startup Works says the application period for its upcoming AgTech manufacturing-hardware accelerator remains open through Aug. 11.
No startups have been selected as of now for the program as applications remain under review, Sara Baier, senior marketing and communications specialist at Cornell University, told CNYBJ in a July 11 email.
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.
“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,” Jenn Smith, program director of Grow-NY, said in the release. “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 about 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.
The new AgTech manufacturing hardware accelerator will operate in tandem with Rev: Ithaca Startup Works’ manufacturing hardware accelerator, the organization noted.
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 p.m. to 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.