The more classic image of the countryside is giving way to a landscape in which drones, apps and big data are emerging, as examples of the landing of technological startups in rural areas. Agrotech, the first program to develop technology and innovation in agriculture, was launched by the regional accelerator Nxtp.Labs and the angel investment fund Tokai Ventures (led by entrepreneurs Gabriel Rozman and Pablo Garfinkel).
"Technology has already begun to be integrated into agriculture, we saw that there was a process and we got involved. We understand that there is a lot to do and that this makes sense because it results in enormous efficiency," said Garfinkel.
Agrotech chose nine local startups (see box) and eight from Argentina - out of some 90 applicants - to accelerate their development through a six-week mentoring and networking plan. The proposal, which began in July, includes different forms of support, such as talks, seminars, workshops and visits to companies, among others.
In fact, the most recent activity consisted of a speed dating. Those selected presented their project in just 10 minutes in front of mentors of different profiles - technology entrepreneurs, agricultural executives, representatives of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, among others - before moving on to the next table where other experts were waiting for them. That was part of the Innovation Day, last Friday at Life cinemas.
"Agriculture is one of the activities that has more variables, so all the information that can be used from different profiles, even from other entrepreneurs adds, feeds back and accelerates, which in the end is what we are," explained Garfinkel.
The accompaniment of the program includes advice to thestartups to raise capital, if that is their main objective. Not all entrepreneurs prioritize that aspect over mentoring, the businessman said.
Another (optional) instrument provided by Agrotech is a contribution of US$ 25,000 per company to cover some of its costs. In exchange, the accelerator receives a percentage of the shares of the venture.
The next step of the program is the "Rio de la Plata AgroTech Conference", scheduled for next Tuesday at LATU, an event for 250 people that will bring together international speakers and panels that will address the theme of innovation and technology in agriculture. The closing will have a "Pitch competition", where the accelerated startups will present in front of an international jury.
Garfinkel clarifies that, after the event, the accelerated companies will become part of the "Nxtp-Tokai community" and that according to their needs, the type of support to be provided will be defined. The idea is to support them in raising capital, mentoring and internationalization, he concluded.
Innovation at the service of the field.
Agriap: App that brings together geo-referenced agricultural and livestock information.
Agronostico: Artificial, analytical and predictive intelligence applied to agriculture to maximize the profitability of the producer.
Biobot: Intelligent irrigation system, designed for intensive domestic and professional applications, capable of being controlled and managed in real time via the Internet.
Nutrascan: Researches and facilitates the licensing and patenting of natural compounds (nutraceuticals) for health benefits.
OKARATech: Big data platform that allows the producer to centralize all the information of your field through apps and facilitate decision making.
Rural UY: Digital livestock marketing marketplace.
MU System: Device that delivers real time information about the behavior of the herd to increase the pregnancy rate in cattle.
Tierranueva: Biotechnological solutions to problems generated by the agroindustry with its organic waste.
UAV Surveying: Mapping and tree counting services using drones for the agricultural and topographic sector.
Source: El País
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