START AgriTech Program’s Role in Sustainable Innovation

Key Takeaways

1. Innovative Approach to Global Challenges: Arieli Capital LLC and Frontier RNG Agro-climate Innovation Hub, in collaboration with Utah Tech University and Haifa Group, are addressing climate change, desertification, and the expansion of drylands through the START AgriTech Program.
2. Focus on AgTech and Desert Tech: The program is designed to foster the growth, commercialization, and international expansion of startups in AgTech and Desert Tech, targeting innovations in sustainable living in arid climates.
3. International Collaboration and Impact: This initiative strengthens the trade and innovation partnership between Utah and Israel, leveraging the expertise of both regions in desert and agriculture technologies.
4. Economic and Sectorial Significance: With climate tech valued at $185 billion and agriculture tech at $7.8 trillion, this program is crucial in driving economic growth and technological advancement in these sectors.
5. Opportunity for Startups: Offering 1-on-1 business and networking opportunities, the program invites market-ready startups to pitch to international investors, enhancing global collaboration and innovation.

Tackling Climate Challenges with START AgriTech

Arieli Capital LLC, together with Frontier RNG Agro-climate Innovation Hub, Utah Tech University, and Haifa Group, announces the START AgriTech Program, set to occur from April 15-18, 2024, at Utah Tech Campus in St George, Utah. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the urgent global issues of climate change and desertification by focusing on developing innovative technologies in energy, health, food, and water.

The Program’s Scope and Vision

The START AgriTech Program is dedicated to nurturing startups in fields relevant to tackling these global challenges. It aims to accelerate startups’ growth, commercialization, and international expansion, particularly in AgTech and Desert Tech. Market-ready startups are encouraged to participate in this transformative journey.

Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams highlights the development of Utah-Israel connections, particularly in the Desert Tech and AgriTech sectors. This partnership fostered through a trade mission to Israel in 2022, is expected to bring significant innovation and growth opportunities to Utah’s ecosystem. Jonathan Freedman, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah, also emphasizes the critical role of this collaboration in positioning Utah as a global crossroads in trade and innovation.

Utah Tech University’s Role

Utah Tech University President Richard “Biff” Williams stresses the importance of the university’s partnership with Arieli Capital in driving innovation within the state. This collaboration aims to develop state-of-the-art technologies for sustainable living in arid climates, benefiting Utah and communities worldwide.

Targeting Emerging Startups and Key Sectors

The program focuses on startups in their seed to Series A phase, targeting sectors like DesertTech, WaterTech, regenerative agriculture, smart farming, plant health, and nutrition. It presents a unique combination of expertise, cultural experiences, and innovative methods crucial in the traditionally conservative landscape of global agriculture.

Economic and Innovation Implications

With climate-tech and agriculture-tech sectors valued significantly, Arieli’s active investment in these technologies, along with its innovation center Frontier in the Israeli Negev desert, showcases this sector’s economic and innovative potential.

START AgriTech provides unparalleled business and networking opportunities with international investors and corporations. A highlight of the program is the “pitch event,” where startups can present to various partners and potential clients.

International Impact and Future Prospects

Or Haviv of Arieli and Yariv Erez of Frontier RNG underscore the program’s impact on global desert, agriculture, and climate innovation. Their comments reflect the program’s commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise in desert agriculture to benefit present and future generations.

Startups interested in participating in this transformative program can register by February 5, 2024. 

The START AgriTech Program represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to tackle climate change and desertification. By fostering innovation and collaboration between startups, investors, and global leaders, it promises to develop sustainable solutions that could benefit communities worldwide.

Image provided by National Geographic