SVG VENTURES|THRIVE kicks off inaugural global pre-accelerator program with 15 companies

Date:08-29-2022

Launching with a cohort of 15 companies from Alberta, other parts of Canada and around the world, the inaugural THRIVE Academy pre-accelerator program commences September 5, 2022. Based in Alberta, Canada the program will support early-stage companies across the agrifood value chain.

Seeing a need to support agrifood tech entrepreneurs in the early stages, THRIVE is expanding their award-winning, globally focused programming suite by launching the THRIVE Academy, helping founders validate ideas and build out a solid business foundation for future growth.

The THRIVE Academy is a 12-week agrifood pre-accelerator program that leverages both in-person and virtual programming. With access to smart-farms such as Old’s College and mentors from THRIVE’s extensive network, entrepreneurs receive tailored guidance and advice throughout the program.

″We are thrilled to launch this global program in Alberta,″ says John Cassidy, Managing Director, Canada, SVG Ventures|THRIVE, ″The first cohort of the THRIVE Academy speaks volumes to the talent and innovation in the agrifood value chain in Alberta and across Canada.″

″The THRIVE Academy fills a need to support founders earlier in their journey,″ says John Hartnett, Founder and CEO, SVG Ventures|THRIVE ″By supporting companies in the early stages, founders can scale further, faster while developing innovative solutions to agriculture’s largest opportunities.″

Alberta Innovates is tapping into Alberta’s status as a major agricultural producer and innovation leader – and building on those existing strengths – by supporting SVG Ventures|Thrive to bring its global agrifood accelerator expertise and connections to the province, noted Alberta Innovates CEO Laura Kilcrease.

″We are very pleased to see such strong representation by Alberta tech companies in this cohort, along with companies from other parts of Canada and the world, because one of our goals with the accelerator program is to grow connections between innovators in our province and investors and businesses around the globe,″ says Kilcrease.

Eight of the 15 companies selected come from Alberta, Canada with the remainder coming from across Canada and around the globe including: the United States, The Netherlands, and Kenya.

The program will culminate with a Demo Day in mid-November, highlighting all 15 companies. Upon completion companies have the opportunity to participate in other THRIVE programs, pitch investors or adapt the company based on feedback provided throughout the program.

The THRIVE Academy is made possible by funding from the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program led and managed by Alberta Innovates. SVG Ventures|Thrive activities in Alberta are co-funded by a consortium that includes the Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Alberta Innovates, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), and Olds College.

THRIVE Academy companies:

• Agriplay Ventures (Alberta, Canada)

• Edging AI (Alberta, Canada)

• Geco Engineering (British Columbia, Canada)

• iClassifier (Alberta, Canada)

• Lupin Platform (Alberta, Canada)

• Lwanda Biotech (Nairobi, Kenya)

• Material Futures (Ontario, Canada)

• Nu Terra Labs (Alberta, Canada)

• PassionOat (Alberta, Canada)

• Prairie Vertical Farms (Alberta, Canada)

• Rimaco Greens (Alberta, Canada)

• Smart Agri Labs (Iowa, United States)

• TagTrace (Ontario, Canada)

• Veridi Technologies (The Hague, The Netherlands)

• Vertum Technologies (Massachusetts, The United States)