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BioSTL receives grant to launch new agtech solution validation program
Mar. 25, 2019
BioSTL
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United StatesWith the help of a $100,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), BioSTL is moving forward with a first-of-its-kind solution for moving Agtech ideas from concept to production by directly connecting innovators with Missouri growers.
As part of this new Early Adopter Grower Innovation Community (EAGIC), BioSTL will convene a community of Missouri growers who will provide the “voice of the customer” and will test, validate and provide valuable feedback on innovative solutions that meet their needs, on their land.
“One of the biggest hurdles facing Agtech startups is proving their solutions work in the field,” said Donn Rubin, President & CEO of BioSTL. “Success in growth chambers, greenhouses, or different geographies can be viewed skeptically by growers, who have seen mixed results when that innovation is later applied to their fields. Finding an early adopter pilot partner, who can test innovations directly in the field, can be invaluable to innovators.”
If an agtech solution matches the needs of the early adopters, they will get the chance to deploy their tech in a real-world setting and get direct feedback from the growers. This process de-risks the innovator’s technology, gives them more data, and accelerates market deployment.
IN2, a technology incubator and platform funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, has announced BioSTL as a recipient of its IN2 Channel Partner Award to implement the EAGIC model. As an official Channel Partner of the IN2 program, BioSTL has been recognized for its efforts to advance sustainable technology solutions that can improve energy efficiency.
BioSTL is one of just 13 organizations nationally to receive the award this year.
Launched in 2014, IN2 is a $30 million program that facilitates the commercialization and adoption of clean energy technologies in commercial buildings and in the agriculture sector. To help foster enhanced collaboration, IN2 created a network of Channel Partners—a nationwide system of incubators, accelerators, and university programs that refer startup companies to the program. Entering its third year, the Channel Partner Awards Program will disburse $1 million in competitive grants across 13 recipient organizations in order to help advance sustainable technology solutions that can catalyze new collaborations, capital flow and job creation.
The grant from IN2 will allow BioSTL to implement and manage the EAGIC program to strengthen and expand the St. Louis ag innovation ecosystem by filling the gap between innovators and grower practitioners. If the pilot goes well, farmers could continue using the tech, to be negotiated with the innovator at a discounted rate for allowing the innovation trial.
“We are proud to earn the IN2 grant to help Missouri’s farmers stay ahead of their competition and put them in a position to thrive in the highly-competitive global agriculture market,” said Rubin. “EAGIC is a unique approach that invites farmers to be partners in innovation. This direct connection between global innovators and their end customers adds to St. Louis’ magnetic draw of the best ag innovation from around the world.”
Source: siliconprairienews
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