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Iowa AgriTech Accelerator graduates inaugural class

A program assisting ag startups has graduated its first class.

The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator is an initiative of the Cultivation Corridor and Greater Des Moines partnership.

Executive director Megan Vollstedt says the Accelerator is a 100-day program that provides mentorship and financial support.

“There’s a need to promote more ag tech innovation, and Iowa is one of the leaders in agriculture technology.  So this is a great place to start.”

The inaugural AgriTech startups come from all over the U.S. and are developing software and hardware specializing in soil health, animal care, and on-farm efficiencies.

“We do a lot of panels, work with their pitch practices, business development, marketing, you name it related to their business growth.  And really help propel them to the next step in their development.”

Vollstedt tells Brownfield investors see innovation happening in ag tech and want to be a part of helping entrepreneurs get started.

She says the Accelerator program connects those early-stage companies with industry leaders to build strategic partnerships.