Within the framework of the AgroHub project, Zamorano University and IDB Lab launched the Ruta AgriFoodTech acceleration program—an initiative that provides strategic acceleration and seed capital to agrifood startups and ventures across Central America’s Northern Triangle.
The program officially kicked off on January 7 and is led by Zamorano University and IDB Lab, in collaboration with Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) and the incubator–accelerator Prendho. Ruta AgriFoodTech is designed to support AgriFoodTech startups with validated market-ready business models, guiding them through a consolidation and growth phase.
Over a six-month period, the program will support 44 AgriFoodTech ventures from the Northern Triangle, focusing on strengthening strategic, financial, and commercial capabilities. Participating startups aim to consolidate operations, expand market reach, and prepare to access investment and strategic partnerships.
The participating initiatives span sectors ranging from agricultural production and agro-industrial and artisanal processing to commercialization, rural tourism, and socio-environmental education. By leveraging digital technologies, artificial intelligence, traceability systems, and circular economy models, these startups are developing innovative solutions to address the agrifood sector’s key challenges, promoting productivity, sustainability, and climate and economic resilience in rural territories.
Ruta AgriFoodTech stands out for its strong focus on Investment Readiness, preparing funding teams to attract investment and establish commercial partnerships. Key program benefits include:
- Seed capital: up to USD 12,000 for the 10 top-performing startups with the greatest impact potential at program close.
- Investment preparation: intensive training for capital access and investor pitching, culminating in a Demo Day.
- Post-program support: four additional months of specialized advisory services for seed-capital awardees.
- Regional scaling: strategic connections for internationalization and commercial expansion.
Through this coordinated effort, Ruta AgriFoodTech advances initiatives capable of generating economic, social, and environmental impact across the region’s rural territories. Upon completion, participating startups will also gain access to specialized innovation events, enabling continuous strengthening of their technical and strategic capabilities.
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