AgLaunch and KEC teaming-up for third year on ag-focused bootcamp
Memphis-based AgLaunch and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) are again joining forces to host a week-long program for agri-tech start-ups this summer.
Dubbed the “AgLaunch Bootcamp,” the event will be held July 8-12 at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Organizers are now accepting applications – here’s a link, and the deadline is 5 p.m. EDT May 15.
“KEC is very pleased to be working with AgLaunch again this summer to continue our efforts to drive innovation in agriculture,” said Jim Biggs, KEC Executive Director. “This will be the third year that KEC and AgLaunch have partnered to support ag-related startups, and we’re excited to see what this next cohort will add to an impressive list of graduates from our program.”
Eligibility criteria include being a Tennessee-based company that is focused on addressing real problems in agriculture within the crop and livestock sectors and along the food value chain. Participants can be start-ups, existing companies creating new innovations or product lines, or student or faculty teams developing new innovations in agriculture.
The programming includes both tours of farms as well as sessions focused on marketing, venture capital, field design and research, and working with land-grant universities.
“The support, resources, and access to professional mentors helped us to think strategically as we constructed a solid foundation for our company’s future growth and success,” said Mark Johnson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Newton RFID and a participant in last year’s bootcamp.
