Application Deadline: July 28, 2023
Background:
THRIVE is an Agritech Accelerator and the most active agtech investor in the world. They are committed to advancing the future of food and agriculture through innovation, and they provide startups with investment, access to the corporate and farmer network, expert mentorship and advice, and phenomenal exposure through the THRIVE | Forbes Demo Day at the annual Forbes AgTech Summit.
The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge is a global search for the most innovative startups who are advancing a more sustainable future for agriculture. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Impact Challenge is focused on four key themes each one central to supporting the transition to a net-zero future for agriculture.
The Four Focus Areas:
1. Soil Health & Diversity: This focus area centers around the critical importance of nurturing and preserving the health and diversity of our soil ecosystems. This focus area seeks innovative solutions that promote sustainable agricultural practices, soil conservation, and the enhancement of soil fertility. By addressing soil health and diversity, we can ensure long-term food security, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
2. Increasing Food Security: This focus area aims to tackle the pressing challenge of feeding a growing global population sustainably. This area seeks solutions that address issues such as efficient resource utilization, climate-resilient agriculture, advanced farming techniques, and food waste reduction. By increasing food security, we can alleviate hunger, improve livelihoods, and foster sustainable development worldwide.
3. Reducing and Offsetting GHG Emissions: This area focuses on combating climate change by promoting innovative solutions that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the offsetting of carbon footprints. This area seeks technologies and strategies that support the transition to a low-carbon economy, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage, and sustainable transportation. By tackling emissions, we can mitigate climate change’s adverse effects and create a more sustainable future.
4.Water Management & Quality: This focus area addresses the crucial need for sustainable water management and the preservation of water resources. It seeks solutions that ensure efficient water usage, enhance water quality, and support access to clean water for all. This area encompasses technologies and practices related to water conservation, water treatment, wastewater management, and water monitoring. By prioritizing water management and quality, we can safeguard ecosystems, protect human health, and promote equitable access to this precious resource.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicants should be early-stage startups or entrepreneurs at the seed to Series A stage. We welcome innovative ideas and solutions that have the potential for growth and scalability.
• Entrepreneurs and startups from any country or region are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants should demonstrate a clear alignment with one or more of the above focus areas. Solutions should address the specific challenges within these areas and offer innovative approaches for positive impact.
• While not mandatory, applicants who can demonstrate a proven impact on climate and the environment are highlyvalued. This includes showcasing tangible outcomes, data-driven results, or successful implementation of solutions that have positively influenced sustainability, carbon reduction, biodiversity, or other environmental aspects.
Benefits:
• Funding: They provide companies with an investment of $100,000 ($50k cash investment and $50k in program value) for 5% equity.
• Mentorship: They pair each startup with expert mentors and advisors from their global mentor network.
• Coaching: They provide companies with invaluable business coaching covering pitch development and delivery, sales and marketing, investment, legal guidance, global expansion, and more.
• The startups will have direct access to some of the largest food and agriculture corporates to initiate product testing, commercialization, and acquisition.
• Finalists from each theme will advance to the finals and pitch at the THRIVE Global Impact Summit where the overall winner will be announced.
• The Winning company receives the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge Award and a place on the award-winning THRIVE Global Accelerator Program in Silicon Valley. In addition the winner will also receive:
1. Investment from SVG Ventures up to $1 Million USD
2. Silicon Valley Startup Bootcamp in March 2024 for two founders, hosted by THRIVE (valued at $15k USD)
3. Impact Strategy Program sponsored by ICL Planet Startup Hub
To apply and access more information, visit the Official Webpage of THRIVE