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Startups get help to speed new tech to California farmers
Program that helps startups and companies scale technologies for California agriculture accepting applications
UCANR Innovate, the innovation arm of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, has opened applications for its VINE Connect program. Developed in partnership with Farmhand Ventures, the program empowers startups and established companies to scale their technologies in California, addressing key challenges for the state's farmers. Deadline to apply is Jan. 8, 2025.
California farmers are at the heart of global food production, but staying ahead requires constant innovation. To meet this challenge, VINE Connect bridges the gap between innovation and application by helping entrepreneurs tailor proven technologies for farmers to ease weed control, harvest and other farming tasks.
Each year, the VINE Connect program runs three cohorts, each centered on different focus areas within California agriculture. More than 20 solutions are selected annually to participate in a three-month cohort designed to accelerate market adaptation. Participants benefit from a workshop series on field trial readiness, opportunities to present their technologies during a field demonstration day, and extended network opportunities to connect with key stakeholders in California's agrifood sector. Eligible participants may also qualify for future innovation grants to support technology development, field trials or relocation to California.
"VINE Connect is all about bridging the gap between innovative ideas and the real-world challenges facing agriculture," said Hannah Johnson, industry lead at UCANR Innovate. "We're helping great technologies find their place in California's farms and fields, creating solutions that work for farmers and the entire food system."
"Programs like VINE Connect are critical for supporting entrepreneurs as they adapt their technologies to the unique needs of California's agriculture industry," said Connie Bowen, Founder of Farmhand Ventures. "It's about building solutions that are both impactful and sustainable while ensuring they have the potential to grow and attract future investment."
The VINE Connect program is part of UCANR Innovate's broader initiative, The VINE, which is dedicated to advancing agricultural innovation across California. Through a market-driven approach, The VINE collaborates with farmers, industry leaders and community groups to identify practical challenges and develop targeted solutions specifically for California.
The initiative operates through two complementary tracks: VINE Build and VINE Connect. VINE Build focuses on transforming early-stage University of California prototypes into viable startups, while VINE Connect supports the market adaptation of any proven technologies to meet California's unique agricultural needs. Together, these programs promote collaboration, sustainability and inclusive growth across one of the world's most essential agricultural regions.
"The VINE is about connecting the dots between innovation and agriculture,” said Gabe Youtsey, chief innovation officer at UC ANR and head of UCANR Innovate. “Together, these programs form a complete ecosystem for transforming agricultural challenges into opportunities, helping farmers, startups and communities thrive in California's dynamic landscape."
Applications for the VINE Connect program are open now and will close on Jan. 8, 2025. For more information or to apply, visit https://thevine.io.
UCANR Innovate is the innovation arm of University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, dedicated to driving agriculture, food, and biotechnology innovation in California. We connect people, ideas, and resources to tackle real-world challenges and drive progress that empowers entrepreneurs, strengthens industries, and secures a thriving, inclusive future for California's agriculture, its workers and its communities.
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