America’s Cultivation Corridor launched its second iteration of Cultivo Virtual Academy Tuesday with a cohort of six startups from around the world. The six-week virtual program connects the participating companies with mentors and Iowa’s agricultural leaders and provides a curriculum focused on entering the U.S. market and navigating regulatory and finance systems.
“It is exciting to welcome a diverse group of startup companies from six different countries to participate in the second Cultivo cohort,” Judd O’Connor, president of U.S. commercial business for Corteva Agriscience and chairman of the Cultivation Corridor board of directors, said in a release. “The innovative ideas and technologies they are developing represent new perspectives and approaches to address the challenges we face in agriculture and food production today.”
The Cultivo program debuted in spring 2021 and graduated an international cohort of six companies.
The following are the six startups in the fall 2021 cohort:
Biolevel produces tailored microbial products that improve the health of soil while stimulating plant growth and allowing farmers to reduce bulk fertilizer application. (United Kingdom)
Biotecland uses applied microbiology, especially microalgae, to increase productivity and reduce costs and environmental impact in agriculture. (Brazil)
Futuro Farming GmbH has developed a patented sensor system for calf pens that can monitor calf behavior and serve as an early warning system for health issues or disease outbreaks. (Germany)
GramworkX provides a smart farm resource management tool that helps farmers guide, optimize and monitor use of water in irrigation systems. (India)
Reazent has developed organic alternatives to protect plants from pests and disease. (Canada)
Tottori Resource Recycling Inc. uses a recycled glass product as a soil additive to reduce fertilizer and water needs and increase productivity. (Japan)