United States, Arkansas, Jonesboro – 07-24-2019 (PRDistribution.com) — 
A full life-cycle in agriculture from soil health to human health featured
Seven innovative startups have been selected to participate in the AgLaunch Bootcamp hosted this week in partnership with Arkansas State University, and Arkansas Department of Agriculture at the Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University campus in Jonesboro. This is the second of two bootcamps AgLaunch has hosted as part of the agricultural-focused Small Business Administration’s Regional Innovation Cluster. These teams represent innovations in the food and agriculture sector demonstrating next-generation approaches to creating sustainable farming systems of the future.
“The Arkansas Department is excited to partner with AgLaunch and Arkansas State University to help cultivate new innovation in agriculture.” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, Wes Ward. “With impressive teams like we have participating in the AgLaunch bootcamp, I feel confident that agricultural technology will continue its important role in keeping Arkansas agriculture strong and the top industry in our state.”
Participating teams will have access to world-class mentors, entrepreneurial support, and most importantly, farmers and industry leaders. This year’s cohort of teams include:
Animal Health Analytics is monitoring livestock biometrics and using big data to provide solutions that improve the wellness of the animal, provide cost savings for farm operations and additional confidence for consumers in the US food supply.
Cobbler Technologies, Inc. has developed and deployed a software as a service platform for agricultural companies that easily integrates multiple data sources and allows users to customize dashboards to help them make better decisions and share reports securely.
FareMarket is an online grocery store with an emphasis on local products and same-day delivery.
GSS Group has developed a vertical hydroponic tower to increase production capacity of greenhouse “dead-space.”
Lepidext is a proprietary sterilizing virus to organically eradicate corn earworm.
Smart Farm Systems has created a remote, wireless monitoring and control of wells and irrigation.
SymSoil is scaling indigenous microorganisms to bring the soil foodweb to market.
“I am so excited for these teams and the experience they will have on the campus of Arkansas State University during the AgLaunch BootCamp. Entrepreneurship and innovation are critical for future advances in agriculture. It’s going to be a great week filled with learning opportunities that will help these startups be successful. I can’t wait to interact with the team members!” said Dr. Timothy Burcham, Dean of Agriculture, Arkansas State University.
This is the first year that AgLaunch has partnered to host one of these intensive bootcamps in Arkansas. Building off of the recent Small Business Administration’s Regional Innovation Cluster Award announcement, AgLaunch sees this continued work with Arkansas State and the State of Arkansas as vital to support early-stage companies in the Mid-South region. This year’s itinerary includes one-on-one counseling with entrepreneur experts, alumni teams, and companies involved in emerging markets and crops, as well as a farm tour with one of AgLaunch’s longest partners, Ritter Ag in Marked Tree, Arkansas.
“This cohort is unified around the concept of creating a full life-cycle in agriculture from soil health to human health, managing water and inputs more efficiently, and growing healthier plants and animals,” said Pete Nelson, Executive Director of AgLaunch.
The general public is invited to participate in the bootcamp by meeting the teams, learning more about AgLaunch, and networking with other agtech experts at the following event:
Bootcamp Keynote Luncheon with special guest entrepreneur Tami Hornbeck
Friday, July 26, 2019 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University
319 University Loop, Jonesboro, AR 72401
After five days of hard work, the AgLaunch Bootcamp startups will have the opportunity to demo their progress to a public audience. The luncheon will feature a keynote address from Tami Hornbeck, an entrepreneur and explorer of sustainable community ecosystems to support farmers and rural communities. Tami has been active in community growth for over 30 years, helping her husband, Troy to grow Hornbeck Seed Company to a premiere seed company in the mid-south, enter the renewable energy market with biofuels and solar, and currently is renovating historic property in her hometown opening a coffee shop and community arts venue, as well as assisting with management of a lodge and family farms.
For more information, contact Schuyler Dalton at [email protected] .
About AgLaunch
AgLaunch is revolutionizing the way that innovations in agriculture and food are brought to market by bridging the present and future to grow a more diverse and sustainable farm economy and provide healthy food for all. AgLaunch leverages its distributed network of farm incubators, entrepreneurial farmers, aligned capital partners, research consortia, technical consulting, and best-in-class accelerator programming to effectively challenge the status quo and thoughtfully create value for farmers and the communities they serve. The AgLaunch vision is a transformed regional agriculture and food economy centered around farmers, innovation, and prosperity.
About Arkansas Department of Agriculture
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation.
About Arkansas State University College of Agriculture
Over the past 100 years, A-State has evolved from a regional school of agricultural instruction to a comprehensive university. The College of Agriculture has also evolved throughout the years. While education is still our primary mission, we also have extensive public outreach programming and research activities. We prepare our graduates for entry and career advancement in the food, fiber, and natural resources industry, which involves production (farming), agribusiness and value-added processing, public service and rural leadership; and for entry and advancement in the manufacturing and industrial technology industries. We offer both undergraduate and master’s degrees within the college, and we participate in doctoral education through the interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences and Molecular Biosciences programs.
About Delta Center for Economic Development
The Delta Center for Economic Development is the community and economic development outreach center for Arkansas State University. Along with its in-house partners, the A-State Innovation System, the Small Business Technology Development Center, Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions, and Communities Unlimited, the Delta Center helps communities in the Arkansas delta find their paths to prosperity by providing technical assistance, research, and training.
Media Contacts:
Company Name: AGLAUNCH
Full Name: Rebbeca Kaufman
Phone: 501-766-7133
Email Address: Send Email
Website: www.aglaunch.com
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