Key Takeaways:
- Global Innovation Platform: Plug and Play Topeka, in collaboration with GO Topeka, has selected 26 startups from over ten countries for its spring 2024 accelerator program focused on animal health and ag-tech.
- Diverse Innovations: These startups introduce advancements in areas such as automation, precision farming, and pet nutrition.
- Comprehensive Support: Participants will undergo a three-month accelerator program providing mentorship, resources, and business development opportunities.
- Strategic Location: Located in the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, Topeka is pivotal for connecting these startups with a network of over 300 animal health companies.
In a significant development for agricultural and animal health innovation, Plug and Play Topeka, together with GO Topeka, the economic development group for Kansas’ capital, has announced the selection of 15 animal health and 11 ag-tech startups for its Spring 2024 cohort. This program draws early to mid-stage companies from a global pool, including the U.S., Norway, Sweden, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the U.K., reflecting its international reach and impact.
Program Details and Goals
Selection by Industry Leaders
The startups were chosen by founding partners such as Cargill, Evergy, Bimini Pet Health, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, indicating strong industry support and a commitment to fostering innovative solutions in the sectors. “We want to build on the momentum set up over the last three years. We’re excited for others to witness the technologies these startup founders have developed to better the ag-tech and animal health industries,” said Lindsay Lebahn, Director & Partner Success Manager for Plug & Play Topeka.
Accelerator Program Structure
The selected startups will participate in a rigorous three-month program that includes:
- Resource Connection: Linking startups with essential resources to help their businesses grow.
- Mentorship: Engagement with industry experts who provide guidance and insights.
- Business Development: Opportunities to collaborate on proof of concepts with program partners.
“This program is a gateway for these startups to not only harness innovative technologies but also to integrate into the U.S. market, particularly through the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor,” commented Stephanie Moran, Senior Vice President of Innovation for GO Topeka.
Highlights of Selected Startups
Some of the notable companies in this cohort include:
- Agrigator: Utilizes AI to enhance agribusiness sustainability amidst climate challenges.
- Athian: Develops funding platforms for carbon projects within the livestock sector.
- DigiFarm: Provides precise agricultural data through advanced field boundary detection.
- EpiPaws: Simplifies age estimation for pets with at-home tests.
- Poultry Patrol: Improves poultry production efficiency through autonomous technology.
Strategic Impact and Future Prospects
Topeka’s central role in the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, the largest hub of its kind globally, plays a critical part in this program. The corridor itself is a powerhouse, home to over 300 companies and responsible for 56% of worldwide sales in the animal health and diagnostics market.
“We are excited to work with these startups and have the opportunity to showcase the regional resources and partnerships available to support the development and growth of their businesses while immersing them in our community,” Moran further added.
Image provided by Plug and Play Topeka
