Climate-positive agriculture start up fund announced
More than $2million is available for investment into organisations driving sustainable farming and advanced natural solutions to the sector’s challenges.
Delivered through a partnership between global sustainable agriculture specialist UPL and Radicle Growth, a platform for early stage investment in agro-food technologies, areas such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes, weeds, and arachnids are eligible. The scheme follows a framework to another launched by the two companies in 2022.
‘Feeding our growing population is of utmost importance. We recognise that to transform our agriculture system and advance sustainable solutions in the food value chain, we need to find new technologies that are working on natural and biological control solutions. We are excited to work collaboratively with UPL to find and fund the best entrepreneurs worldwide who are solving these issues,’ said Kirk Haney, Managing Partner at Radical Growth.
‘Amidst the multitude of challenges facing farmers and food systems, natural solutions are critical to advancing agriculture in a way that delivers prosperity for growers, consumers, and the environment. Guided by our OpenAg purpose, we’re thrilled to be working with Radicle Growth to seek out start-ups that are pioneering the next generation of game-changing solutions. We invite entrepreneurs who share our aspirations to apply,’ said Mike Frank, CEO of UPL.
In total, $1.75million has been allocated for The Radical Natural Plant Protection (NPP) Challenge by UPL. This will be split between an overall winner, set to receive $1million, and second place, in line for the remaining $750,000. Those interested in more information, or to submit a proposal, can find the relevant forms here. Shortlisted applicants will attend a pitch day in March 2024, when final investment decisions will be made.
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Image: Tomas Hertogh