Key Takeaways:
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and gener8tor have selected six startups for the Fall 2024 cohort of the HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator.
- Each startup will receive up to $100K in funding, mentorship, and access to an extensive network of partners and investors.
- The cohort includes companies focused on crop monitoring, pest management, agrigenomics, nutrient delivery nanotechnology, food supply chain management, and cross-border produce trade.
- The accelerator will culminate in a showcase event on December 12, where the startups will pitch to potential investors and community stakeholders.
Empowering AgTech Startups in North Alabama
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in partnership with global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, has welcomed six promising AgTech startups to its Fall 2024 AgTech Accelerator cohort. The program, based in Huntsville, Alabama, provides funding, mentorship, and access to a broad network of investors and industry leaders, aiming to drive innovation in agriculture and enhance regional economic diversity.
“Innovation in the agriculture industry is deeply important to the state of Alabama, our country and the world,” said Alex Cate, Director of Entrepreneurship Programs at HudsonAlpha. “HudsonAlpha is invested in supporting advancements that help feed and fuel Alabamians. From mapping plant genomes, growing an AgTech workforce, or empowering startups to move their discoveries to the field, we are excited to continue supporting those on the cutting edge of the agriculture economy.”
Meet the Fall 2024 HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator Cohort
- Druid Ag – Crop Monitoring Technology
- Druid Ag’s SERRA System uses AI-enabled cameras to monitor crops, alerting farmers to changes in plant health. Designed for remote monitoring, the system allows farmers to manage their crops efficiently and optimize yields. Druid Ag anticipates making $100,000 in its first year through partnerships with Microsoft and several universities.
- Founder: Julian Walker | druid.ag
- Extrasense Technologies – Precision Pest Management
- Extrasense Technologies uses low-cost sensors with machine vision to monitor pest activity in real time, reducing service costs by up to 80%. Currently in pilot with General Mills, Extrasense aims to provide a scalable, efficient pest control solution.
- Founder: Oliver Sanchez | extrasense.co
- Karyosoft – Agrigenomics Data Management
- Karyosoft specializes in no-code genomics data management, helping research institutions improve data integrity and streamline molecular genetics research. With $320K in early funding and six clients in the pipeline, Karyosoft is establishing itself as a key player in research efficiency.
- CEO: Rajesh Perianayagam | karyosoft.com
- Psigryph Inc. – Nutrient Delivery Nanotechnology
- Psigryph’s Nanopect technology focuses on delivering nutrients and biopesticides efficiently within plants, animals, and humans. Currently working with a major fertilizer company, Psigryph is pioneering natural, biodegradable nanotechnologies.
- CEO: Sean Thompson | psigryph.com
- See Produce – AI-Powered Food Supply Chain Management
- See Produce aims to minimize waste in the supply chain through AI-driven quality checks and dynamic pricing. With a pilot program in 75 Dutch supermarkets, See Produce’s solution predicts produce expiration and optimizes shelf management.
- CEO: Pandian Rajaram | seeproduce.com
- Twin Farms – Cross-Border Produce Trade Marketplace
- Twin Farms connects Latin American farmers with U.S. buyers through a B2B marketplace that simplifies sales, logistics, and payments. Following a successful pilot, the company is now expanding its user base.
- CEO: Pablo Regalado | twinfarms.com
Supporting Alabama’s AgTech and Economic Growth
The HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator is funded in part by the Innovate Alabama Tax Credit program and supported by corporate sponsors including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Breland Homes, Pearce Construction, Regions Bank, and Synovus.
“At gener8tor, our mission is to be the best partner for a community to invest in its best and brightest,” stated Christopher Udall, Managing Director of the HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator. “Our founders are the best and brightest, and I am excited to work with HudsonAlpha and help them accelerate their businesses.”