Ag Innovation Showcase Goes Virtual
As was the norm for many events and showcases that normally host hundreds to thousands of people, the 12th annual Ag Innovation Showcase went virtual for the first time. The premier agricultural industry event was held on August 27-28, 2020, and explored new and evolving business models in agriculture and food production, highlighted new approaches to waste management and environmental mitigation, and identified new economic and governance concerns around farm and farmers’ health. Several thought-leading companies and entrepreneurs joined us for the event to present the next wave of innovation and technology in the agricultural industry.
Larta x OCP Challenge
Larta Institute and long-time partners OCP Group launched the OCP Innovation Challenge in February 2020. The Challenge was designed to solicit solutions from early-stage AgTech companies developing innovative data-driven solutions that address farmers’ challenges and support them in improving agricultural practices. Seven finalists from over 100 applicants across the world were selected to participate in a custom-built mentoring program with industry experts in Larta’s network, along with mentors chosen by OCP. Each finalist presented their pitch presentations in a virtual “Demo Day” on June 17, 2020, introducing innovative solutions using sensors, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, Internet of Things (IoT and wearables), and more. Finalists were judged by a panel composed of venture investment executive, Craig Herron of iSelect Fund, Trey Hill, owner of Harborview Farms, and OCP executives. Aspiring Universe was announced as the winner of the $25,000 grand prize at the conclusion of the Demo Day
Selling EdTech Innovations in 2020 and Beyond
Larta Panel: Growing Into Adjacent Markets at TechConnect Innovation Conference
This year, we had the chance to host a panel at the TechConnect Virtual Innovation Conference on November 18, 2020. The panel was titled “How to Grow Into Adjacent Markets” and focused on practical ways to uncover, assess, and pursue new revenue opportunities and customers for your product/technology. We featured speakers Han Chen, CFA, CEO of ZeaKal, Inc, Gavin McIntyre, Co-founder of Ecovative Design, Farida Fotouhi, President of Reality2, Ingrid Fung, Investment Director of Finistere Ventures, and Salime Boucher, CEO of RadiaBeam Technologies. Watch the three-part panel on our Youtube.
Larta Places in Top Three as an AMC Connector
Larta placed third in the AMC Solar Prize Accelerator Challenge for recruiting efforts! The Solar Prize encourages the rapid development of innovative solar energy solutions capable of addressing the tough challenges facing the solar industry. Solar Prize competitors participate in three contests—the Ready! Set! and Go! Contests to transform their ideas into concepts and then early-stage prototypes ready for industry testing. Competitors have the chance to win $3 million in cash prizes and other resources to help them advance in the competition and accelerate the development of their solution.
