The AgTechUCD Innovation Centre at University College Dublin (UCD), today announced that it is seeking applications from early-stage start-ups with innovative products and services in the AgTech, agri-food, equine and veterinary sectors, and who have ambition to grow globally, to join its dedicated accelerator programme, which is now in its third year.

For more information and to apply visit: www.ucd.ie/innovation/agtechucd-agccelerator-programme/.

The 2023 AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme, commencing this October, is an intensive 12-week hybrid programme, which includes dedicated business development workshops and investor readiness training, mentoring from industry experts and business advisors, guest speakers and facilitated introductions to AgTechUCD’s venture capital and business angel networks.

The in-person workshops will take place at the new AgTechUCD Innovation Centre which is currently under construction at University College Dublin Lyons Farm. Once completed in September this ca. 890 sq.m. facility will include flexible lab spaces, meeting rooms, offices and an exhibition and seminar space.

Niamh Collins, Director, AgTechUCD, said, “Our dedicated Agccelerator programme, which is now open for applications, is tailored to address the particular needs and challenges facing start-ups in the AgTech and Agri-foods sectors. The aim of the programme is to fast track the business development and leadership skills of participants and to provide them with the support and guidance needed to accelerate their start-ups on the global stage.”

AgTechUCD is focused on promoting and accelerating the launch and scaling of start-ups and SMEs, with disruptive innovations in Ireland and Europe, in the AgTech, Agri-food, equine and veterinary sectors, as they build their innovative businesses into leading companies on the global stage. AgTechUCD also provides additional support such as access to incubation space and to on-farm testing for new products and services at UCD Lyons Farm.

Among the nineteen (19) start-ups which have completed the programme over the last two years are; Cotter Agritech, Farm Fayre, MyGug and Proveye.

Farm Fayre, based in Co. Kilkenny, is developing a complete field-to-field solution for farmers to buy and sell their livestock online in a convenient, safe, secure and transparent ecosystem.

Kevin O’Connor, CEO and Founder, Farm Fayre, said, “Our experience with last year’s AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme was very beneficial. For any early-stage venture with limited time and resources, this programme is a definitive ‘yes’. The outcomes far exceeded our time inputs. It’s well organised and professional.”

MyGug, based in Co. Cork, has developed a micro-scale anaerobic digester that turns food waste into a green renewable energy source, suitable for homes, schools and small food businesses.

Fiona Kelleher, CEO, MyGug, said, “MyGug continues to benefit from participation in the AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme. The combination of excellent support and encouragement from the highly talented team and access to the best of entrepreneurs in this space set us on a fast-track path to increased media exposure, sales and investment opportunities. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to achieve success in their business.”

Partners on the AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme, include; Enterprise Ireland, AIB, The Yield Lab Europe, Devenish, Ornua, Herdwatch, IFAC, Thrive/SVG Ventures and support from AgTech Ireland member companies. 

David Bowles, Managing Partner, The Yield Lab Europe said, “We are happy to support the AgTechUCD Agccelerator programme as they find and support exciting early-stage companies in Ireland and internationally, who have innovative agri-food technologies that will lead the way for Ireland to deliver on its climate change commitments.  As Europe’s leading early-stage sustainable AgTech investor, we have supported this programme since its inauguration in 2021 and look forward to working with the AgTechUCD team once again this year.”

AgTechUCD, which is part of NovaUCD, has been funded through by Enterprise Ireland through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund.

The 2023 AgTechUCD Agccelerator Programme will conclude next January when all participating start-ups will pitch their businesses to a panel of investors with the opportunity to be awarded prize funding.

For further information on the 2023 AgTechUCD Agccelerator programme and to apply visit www.ucd.ie/innovation/agtechucd-agccelerator-programme/.