Herdwatch has partnered with University College Dublin to launch a new accelerator programme for early-stage agtech and food tech start-up companies.
The AgTechUCD ‘Agccelerator’ programme is an intensive 12-week programme that includes:
- Dedicated business development workshops;
- Investor readiness training;
- Mentoring from agtech and food tech experts and business advisors;
- Facilitated introductions to AgTechUCD’s venture capital and business angel networks.
‘Agccelerator’ programme
The programme, which begins in September, will see all participating start-ups pitch their businesses to a panel of investors with the opportunity to be awarded prize funding in a number of award categories.
As gold partners in the programme, Herdwatch will provide financial and mentoring support to participating start-ups. This will enable them to increase their visibility and attract new customers and investors, and develop new partnerships.
The AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme concludes in early December.
All participating start-ups will pitch their businesses to a panel of investors with the opportunity to be awarded prize funding in several award categories.
Herdwatch CEO & co-founder, Fabien Peyaud, said: “Having a number of UCD Alumni on the team, including our head of innovation James Greevy, we are very excited to partner with AgTechUCD on this programme and support continuous innovation in the sector with the ultimate goal to make farmers’ lives easier and more sustainable.”
AgTechUCD manager, Niamh Collins, added:
“Herdwatch is a brilliant role model example of how innovative technology for the agri sector can grow and scale over a relatively short period of time. “
“AgTechUCD will support start-up founders who are tackling current challenges in the agritech and food tech value chain, as they build their innovative businesses into leading enterprises.”
15,000 farmers use Herdwatch
Herdwatch itself is a true Irish success story in the agtech sector, having become the “number 1 farm management software” across Ireland and the UK since it was launched just 7 years ago as part of FRS Farm Relief Service, a farmer-owned co-operative.
Since then, it has reached an impressive 15,000 farmers on its software-as-a-service platform.
It has made its name by delivering a simple, easy to use and reliable app.
According to a recent member survey, which received over 1,600 responses, this saves farmers an average of 3 hours a week on paperwork.
More information
For more information or to apply for the programme, visit blog.herdwatch.com/ucd or http://www.ucd.ie/innovation/agtechucd-agccelerator-programme/
