Applications open for 2019 Iowa AgriTech Accelerator

The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator is taking applications from early-stage startups seeking to join its third cohort, the accelerator announced on Monday. The 2019 program runs from May 28 to Aug. 29 and accepts up to five startups worldwide. Those selected will receive $40,000 in seed funding, subsidized housing and office…

Continue reading

As tech companies move into healthcare, here’s what to watch for

Is Amazon entering health records? Will Apple offer more advanced health monitoring? Can Uber solve transportation for seniors and patients? What is Alphabet doing in health research? The Verge rounded up some of the more interesting partnerships over 2018 by tech companies and the healthcare industry.IN OTHER NEWS: A joint tech venture by…

Continue reading

Deere launches Startup Collaborator program

Deere & Company’s Intelligent Solutions Group is launching a new startup collaboration program to build relationships with tech companies seeking to reach John Deere customers. The Startup Collaborator is a partnership initiative to allow Deere and startup companies to test new technologies with customers and dealers, without a more formal…

Continue reading

Anti-GMO sentiment has repercussions for the developing world, ISU researchers says

Anti-GMO sentiment is holding back agricultural advancement in the developing world, but an Iowa State University agronomist hopes his research will clarify the scientific consensus in Africa. Walter Suza, an adjunct assistant professor of agronomy at Iowa State, says Bt corn could help farmers in Africa combat an emerging pest…

Continue reading

Iowa AgriTech Accelerator awarded by Mid-America Economic Development Council

The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator received first place in the 2018 Entrepreneurial Awards, hosted by the Mid-America Economic Development Council. The accelerator, launched in 2016 by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Cultivation Corridor, came in first for communities with a population over 50,000 and accepted the award during the Dec….

Continue reading

Ag Startup Engine companies surpass $10 million in investments

The Ag Startup Engine’s seven initial agricultural startup companies have collectively raised more than $10 million in follow-on investments, the organization announced today. The seven portfolio companies within ASE at Iowa State University Research Park have also created more than 40 jobs since the initiative’s launch. Established in late 2016,…

Continue reading

FarmlandFinder prepares inroads to the Midwest

After two years of piloting in Iowa, FarmlandFinder will debut in 12 more Midwestern states this winter. “We’ve been starting to branch out and build relationships with those people, and showing them early access. We’ve got people that are testing that software right now,” Founder and CEO Steven Brockshus said….

Continue reading

FUNDED LATELY: SwineTech

SwineTech: $1.5 million in the company’s second round, completed in June. Participating: AgVentures Alliance, Quake Capital and InnovaMemphis. The June round added eight additional full-time jobs to SwineTech, co-founder/CEO Matthew Rooda confirmed, adding that “a majority” of funding came from Iowa and Minnesota. SwineTech is planning an expansion through North…

Continue reading

Iowa State University researchers developing new use for wax made from soybean oil

Researchers at Iowa State University are turning to wax made from soybean oil as a potential biodegradable alternative to standard industrial paraffin wax, ISU reports. If successful, the product could reduce waste from the nearly 3 billion pounds of paraffin-coated boxes that end up in landfills every year. Lead researcher…

Continue reading