America’s Cultivation Corridor® is currently seeking international startup companies and entrepreneurs to apply for 2024 cohorts of Cultivo® Virtual Academy.
Cultivo Virtual Academy is a unique opportunity for global scaleup companies preparing for their entry in the U.S. ag, food or bioscience market. In just six weeks, the virtual program provides an introduction to U.S. finance, regulatory, legal and market systems and makes valuable connections to Iowa leaders, researchers and farmers. The tuition-based program is the most efficient and cost-effective way to get a jumpstart in the U.S. marketplace … all for less than the cost of an international flight.
Space is limited for the 2024 cohorts, with the first planned for April-May 2024 with a focus on companies in the Americas (outside the United States), Australia and the ASEAN Region. Future cohorts will focus on Europe, Africa and Eastern Mediterranean regions.
The six-week virtual program will feature 2.5 hour sessions each week led by Iowa-based subject-matter experts including startup founders and entrepreneurs, marketing and sales leaders from global ag leaders, researchers, as well as legal, employment, regulatory, accounting and other professionals. Doug Moore, founder of Highland Group LLC, will serve as business leader-in-residence, providing his expertise and mentorship throughout the program.
“The interaction with on-the-ground experts in key areas allows international scaleups to build a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities as well as the legal, logistical and market requirements that are often a challenge for entrepreneurs to address,” said Billi Hunt, executive director of Cultivation Corridor. “Entering the U.S. market can be overwhelming, but Cultivo provides scaleups with a valuable head start, all without leaving their office.”
The following topics will be covered during virtual programming sessions:
- Market dynamics, including sustainability and connectivity
- Supply chain
- Resources to build and grow business
- Regulatory and intellectual property systems
- Finance and tax strategies
- Workforce and immigration
In addition, each cohort participant is introduced to Iowa-based researchers, businesses or producers specific to their business focus. Previous cohort members averaged eight individual connections.
The world comes to Iowa. You should, too.
Iowa is the epicenter of global agricultural production and research, with industry-leading farmers, researchers and companies of all sizes. Entrepreneurs find unparalleled access to potential partners as well as innovative producers whose focus on continuous improvement provides opportunities for product testing in a real-world environment.
“In Iowa, we are building the most exciting ecosystem for agriculture, food and bioscience innovators in the world. We lift each other up, share resources and collaborate,” said Hunt.
Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of corn, pigs and eggs, and ranks second in total agricultural exports and soybeans. In addition, it is a top 10 producer of beef, turkeys, cheese and more. Global leaders in animal health, plant science, renewable fuels, and grain, food and meat processing all have a significant presence in Iowa, and Ames-based Iowa State University is the home of some of the world’s best agricultural, engineering and entrepreneurial programs with a strong track record in partnering with founders to bring exciting new technologies to commercial reality.
Connect with us to learn more
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or cohort participation, visit https://www.cultivationcorridor.org/cultivo-global/ or contact Bill Hunt, executive director at America’s Cultivation Corridor at bhunt@cultivationcorridor.org. Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2024, for the April/May cohort and on a rolling basis for subsequent cohorts.
About America’s Cultivation Corridor
Investors and partners of America’s Cultivation Corridor are working together to accelerate the development of new technologies, strengthen Iowa’s ag bioscience workforce, and attract economic development, all focused on meeting the challenge of feeding a growing world population in a sustainable way.
Stakeholders in America’s Cultivation Corridor include Iowa State University, Corteva Agriscience, Deere & Company, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Pork Producers, Kent Corporation, MidAmerican Energy Company, Ames Economic Development Corporation, Hy-Vee, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Iowa Farm Bureau, ISG, Chevron Renewable Energy Group, and Sukup Manufacturing.
More information is available at CultivationCorridor.org, or by following on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.