∆ClimeVT: Ag & Food Tech 2018

Consumer demand for sustainable products, coupled with the desire to understand where those products come from, has created the need for technological advancements in the agricultural value chain. Rural economies nationwide and around the globe are struggling to maintain their local food systems and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, especially as extreme weather events become more prevalent. Vermont is a leader in the incubation and development of forward thinking food and energy businesses and is making a concerted effort to attract the next generation of climate friendly businesses to the state.

Be part of a competitively selected cohort of startup or seed stage ventures to help solve the challenges related to creating efficiencies in the agricultural value chain in support of rural economies and working lands such as those in Vermont. Some examples include, but are not limited to, ventures that are related to:

• Sensors/Data Management Technologies
• Waste Reduction/Waste to Energy (ex. Next Gen Digester Tech)
• Hemp Processing
• Food Distribution in Rural Areas with Small Producers
• Supply Chain Management, Optimization & Traceability
• Decreasing Energy Usage
• Phosphorus Management & Water Quality
• Packaging Technologies

Accel-VT invites you to apply to be included in the Accel-VT AgTech 2018 cohort. Up to 12 companies will be guided through the world-class VIRAL™ accelerator curriculum, developed by Village Capital, designed to test assumptions, expose and remediate business vulnerabilities, prepare for significant investment, and provide a platform for rapid scale. Participants will work directly with experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, potential partners and investment professionals. If selected you will participate in three, four day "Sprints" in the Burlington, VT area with homework and webinars in between. The dates of the onsite Sprints are as follows:
October 2 - 5
November 6 - 9
December 11 - 14
(Accommodations and most meals will be covered by Accel-VT during the onsite Sprints.)

The VIRAL™ accelerator curriculum’s unique “peer-review” process enables each entrepreneur to gain an intimate understanding of each business in the cohort, allowing them to provide feedback and ultimately select the top two companies in the cohort who will each receive a $25,000 non-equity prize. All cohort members will also have multiple opportunities to pitch their business in front of potential customers and high quality investors.