Berytech launched the sixth batch of the Agrytech Accelerator program, onboarding 12 startups innovating solutions across the Agrifood value chain. The team selected 12 startups out of 75 applicants to join the Acceleration Phase of the Agrytech Accelerator program based on the proposed solution, scalability, and the integration of innovation and technology within their startup’s business models.
Launching Batch 6 of the Agrytech Accelerator
With this batch, the updated program aims at accelerating startups that are at the prototype and MVP stage compared to the previous batches where the startups were at the idea stage. The program is split into two phases: a 6-month Acceleration Phase, and a 4-month Incubation Phase. The selection process included an in-depth application process, a pitching day in front of a panel of diverse specialists, and another round of final selection that filtered through the most promising startups working in agrifood technology.
“Working with agrifood innovators is incredibly rewarding. Coming from an agricultural background myself, I am always amazed at how many opportunities this field has in store. Looking at the startups in this batch, it makes me proud that Lebanese youth are still pumping energy and willing to invest in our country and build their businesses here, despite all the challenges around them.” expressed Rima Hijazi, Agrifood Officer.
The acceleration phase kicked off with a four-day design thinking bootcamp that focused on challenging the entrepreneurs’ current solutions, helping them define their ideal customers, optimizing their MVP, and re-evaluating their business models as well as follow-up validation bootcamp where the startups learn how to validate their solution from Agrytech’s partners in the Netherlands: StartLife – the leading AgriFoodTech Accelerator in Europe. These boot camps were crucial for the startups to build a solid foundation for the following phases of the program.
“Innovation and improvements that go into making our food chain more sustainable and contribute to a higher economic impact are very important all over the world. This is especially the case in Lebanon due to its climate and agricultural potential. This is why supporting programs like Agrytech and bringing solutions to the farmers is very crucial. We at Startlife are very happy to be contributing to that process,” said Loet Rummenie, Program Director at StartLife.
Solutions Across the Value Chain
The startups that have joined Batch Six are innovating in microbiology, agritech, food, feed, and livestock.
- AgriWorm Solutions: Dedicated to revolutionizing animal feed production and fertilizer solutions through innovative mealworm farming, with a focus on sustainability and minimizing environmental impact.
- AYKI: Involved in studying and experimenting with local ecosystems, AYKI is developing an AI-powered digital platform to assist farmers in optimizing yields and providing personalized guidance.
- Biotechnologie: Developing a method to replace pesticides used for plant protection, specifically for vines, Biotechnologie is utilizing yeast from soil and wine leaves to create a biomass, with plans to utilize yeast by-products for sustainable chicken feed production.
- Breads&More: Focused on creating a new type of non-wheat bread suitable for the Lebanese market’s preference for soft and pliable bread, Breads&More particularly caters to sensitive individuals and children.
- Dr. Feed: Aiming to create animal feed from wasted produce like fruits and vegetables, Dr. Feed works on enhancing the food waste’s nutritional value with natural proteins and nutrients, providing healthier alternatives for farm animals.
- G Algae: As an algae farm that produces Spirulina in an environmentally friendly manner, G Algae utilizes minimal raw materials, fighting climate change by absorbing CO2, and offering a superfood loaded with antioxidants, protein, and vitamins.
- Gharsit Kheir: An initiative focused on aggregating endangered national organic seeds, allocating agricultural lands to increase their quantities, and distributing agricultural kits for self-sufficiency, targeting households and farmers.
- Kissthespoon: A health-focused kitchen offering a range of nourishing and balanced food items, including oatmeals, smoothie bowls, snacks, and more, promoting well-being and natural medicine.
- LOOP s.a.r.l.: Involved in breeding land snails in a contained farm to extract snail slime, LOOP provides both food supply and financial income sources for village residents.
- Pawfuel: A solution for converting food waste into pet food by collecting organic waste from various sources, feeding larvae with it, and producing dried insect-based pet food with reduced pesticide residue.
- ProShield: Utilizing solar water heaters as an alternative green energy source to efficiently heat poultry houses, ProShield provides a sustainable and cost-effective solution for poultry farming.
- TRUE CATCH: A sustainable fusion of aquaculture and hydroponics, TRUE CATCH raises Tilapia fish in a controlled environment with strict quality standards, offering fresh and hormone-free products while using clean water sources.
The Acceleration Phase: What’s in Store?
For the first phase of this program, these startups will be taking part in a six-month acceleration journey where they will benefit from comprehensive capacity-building support, a potential $12,000 cash grant to develop their Minimum Viable Product (MVP), a chance to build linkages with sector stakeholders and engage in local and regional pitching and networking events. Five startups will also be handpicked to embark on an immersion trip to the Netherlands in partnership with Wageningen University and Research and StartLife Accelerator.
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.
