● Calling for applications from global agrifoodtech founders to join the fifth cohort of the AgFunder GROW Impact Accelerator ● As part of the programme, founders receive five months acceleration from Singapore-based agrifoodtech accelerator, GROW and USD100,000 cash investment from leading agrifoodtech VC, AgFunder

SINGAPORE, 14 December 2023 - The search is on for 10 global agrifoodtech "movers and shakers'' ready to lead a food system renaissance and help shape Earth 2050, with AgFunder and GROW calling for applications for their 2024 Impact Accelerator programme.

The United Nations' (UN's) Food and Agriculture Organisation restated the urgency for action and collaboration around food when they unveiled their first-of-its-kind global roadmap for food systems at COP28 this month. A blueprint for immediate, revolutionary action, the roadmap aims to enable the world to meet the nutritional needs of a growing population, forecasted to reach 10 billion by 2050, while reducing global greenhouse gases to net zero by the same date.

The AgFunder GROW Impact Accelerator invests in tech founders globally whose innovative technologies - across climate impact, human and planetary health, waste mitigation, and financial inclusion - aim to resolve the - often conflicted - relationship between food security and sustainable food production, and may ultimately contribute to the realization of the critical steps laid out by the UN.

Companies chosen for the fifth cohort of the five-month acceleration programme, will receive USD100K cash investment from AgFunder, and introductions to its global network of co-investors. The hybrid programme will commence in April 2024 and consist of virtual components that support founders to grow from their home markets, and in-person components that connect founders to the vibrant Singapore agrifoodtech ecosystem. Founders will receive tailored business coaching and mentorship from experienced industry practitioners, plugging into GROW's agrifood network with the goal of scaling-up for global growth.

Applicants must have strong technological foundations, a proven prototype with product-market fit, and operate in at least one market. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a proven business model with scalable solutions delivering tangible environmental or social impact. GROW is particularly interested in hearing from startups innovating in areas including, but not limited to:

● Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation
● Carbon market solutions
● Food production optimisation and waste valorisation
● Food science, functional ingredients production and bioprocess technologies
● Precision agriculture and aquaculture technologies
● Sustainable biomaterials (including packaging)

"It's very hard to find VCs and programmes that understand both ag and tech," said Cohort 4 Alumnus Huyen Tran from DHF Platforms. "AgFunder GROW's accelerator programme was a perfect fit because they really understood what we needed in order to connect us to the right people and places to scale our business. Their investment helped us to get traction and achieve what we have today."

Since 2019, 39 companies from 17 countries have graduated from the AgFunder GROW Impact Accelerator. In 2023, a record 600 companies from over 80 countries competed for coveted spots in the programme. Notable alumni include Amatera (France), LYRO Robotics (Australia), Mayani (the Philippines), Future Fields (Canada), Intello Labs (India), Tepbac (Vietnam), Green Rebel Foods (Indonesia), 3Bee (Italy), and OlsAro (Sweden).

John Friedman, Asia Director of AgFunder, said: "2024 is going to be an exciting year for the industry with increased attention on food systems as a critical piece in solving the world's climate challenge. The stakes are only getting higher; fortunately, we're seeing the hard work of our early alumni companies bearing fruit across the different corners of the globe. We encourage agrifoodtech startups to apply to the program and join our movement to lead a food system renaissance!"

Applications for Cohort 5 of the AgFunder GROW Impact Accelerator are open to founders globally and will close in February 2024.

For more details and to apply, please visit https://gogrow.co/the-grow-accelerator.