After an intensive six-month acceleration period, Berytech’s Agrytech Accelerator program announced the six startups moving into the incubation phase of its sixth batch. The Agrytech Accelerator is a program co-funded by the Kingdom of The Netherlands to boost innovation in the agrifood sector, by nurturing startups from MVP or prototype to market-ready products and services.
A Focused Beginning
During the program’s first months, twelve startups were first selected for phase one, during which they developed their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and foundational business strategies. Throughout this phase, the startups participated in over 300 one-on-one sessions, covering crucial topics like product development, business, finance, and pitching. They also engaged in numerous workshops addressing market validation, design thinking, competitive analysis, and more.
The startups attended regular pitch nights and huddle events with food, games, and drinks, which provided them with opportunities to refine their presentations and network with peers and experts in a relaxed setting.
Selected for Incubation
The transition to phase two was marked by a final pitch day, attended by a jury comprising internal members from Berytech and external experts from the tech, business, and finance sectors. Out of the original twelve, six startups were chosen based on their growth potential and ability to impact the agrifood industry:
- Agriworm Solutions:
Co-founders: Sara Sleem, Khoren Aintablian, Mohammad Kobrosly
Focusing on sustainable poultry feed production using mealworms, Agriworm Solutions is preparing to scale up its farming operations to meet the increasing demand for alternative protein sources.
- Daily Dough:
Co-founders: Dima Mnayer, Jean Achkar
Daily Dough is set to revolutionize the gluten-free market with its new soft and pliable Lebanese bread, catering to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Dr. Feed:
Co-founders: Ali Saraeb, Ali Fadel, Rayan Sadek
Dr. Feed is creating competitive livestock feed from discarded fruits and vegetables, enhancing local agricultural sustainability and animal health.
- Gharsit Kheir:
Co-founders: Adounis Emad, Eskandar Emad, Nour Saad, Firas Emad
This project focuses on preserving national organic seeds and promoting agricultural self-sufficiency through ready-to-plant kits for Lebanese households and farmers.
- Loop:
Co-founders: Julien Farjallah, Thierry Abi Nader
LOOP’s innovative snail farming and slime extraction processes provide a dual benefit of new food sources and industrial materials for rural communities.
- ProShield:
Co-founders: Haytham Dbouk, Fatima Alayan, Nour Dbouk, Rana Chehab
ProShield develops solar-heated poultry houses that utilize green energy to create optimal conditions for poultry farming, significantly reducing energy costs and improving sustainability.
Next Steps in Phase 2
As these startups progress into the four-month incubation phase, they will receive enhanced levels of support from Berytech, aimed at refining their products and launching them onto the market. The comprehensive assistance includes advanced workshops, more focused one-on-one mentoring sessions, and continued access to necessary resources and connections.
These startups not only represent promising innovative and tech advancements but also reflect Lebanon’s potential to innovate within the agrifood sector despite economic challenges. As they move on to the next phase of their journey, they carry not just their innovations, but the hope for a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future in Lebanon.
About Agrytech
Berytech designed and developed the Agrytech Accelerator Program to make sure Lebanon has the most competitive companies that are sourcing, solving, growing and transforming food, as well as feeding the world from Lebanon. The Agrytech Accelerator Program was launched by Berytech and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon to enable the Lebanese entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulate innovation and startup creation in the agriculture, food, and clean technology sectors.
Berytech supports innovations across these sectors by offering startups the resources, knowledge, support, and funding worth around $100K, necessary to scale their ideas and grow them to penetrate international markets.
