University College Dublin (UCD) has launched a new accelerator programme dedicated to early-stage ag-tech and food-tech start-up companies.

The programme, launched through the new AgTechUCD Innovation Centre, is an intensive 12-week programme which includes dedicated business development workshops and investor readiness training, as well as mentoring from ag-tech and food-tech experts.

The AgTechUCD Agccelerator 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.

It is funded through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland, and aims to support founding entrepreneurs build their innovative businesses into leading enterprises.

Successful participant will also gain access to incubation space and on-farm testing facilities for new products and services.

About

AgTechUCD, based at UCD Lyons Farm and part of NovaUCD, is focused on accelerating the launch and scaling of AgTech and FoodTech start-ups in Ireland.

Partners on the AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme include AIB, The Yield Lab Europe, Bimeda, Devenish, Carberry, Origin Enterprises, Ornua and HerdWatch who are providing financial and mentoring support.