Applications now open for the $250,000 AgSharks Pitch Competition

Western Growers and S2G Ventures are now accepting applications for the 2022 AgSharks Competition.

The event consists of startup companies pitching their innovations in front of a live audience of the world’s largest specialty crop producers to win a $250,000 minimum investment, according to a news release.

Entrepreneurs and startups developing technologies that promote a more healthy and sustainable food and agriculture system can apply for the AgSharks Competition at 2022agsharksevent.splashthat.com, with applications closing on Sept. 12.

“With a proven track record of rewarding cutting-edge ag-tech innovators and enabling them to grow their businesses, we look forward to this year’s competitors engaging in a live, spirited back-and-forth with our members on how best to use technology to solve the most pressing needs of our industry,” Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia said in the release. “With its real-world financial stakes for the startups and the potential long-term benefits for our members, the AgSharks Competition is one of the highlights of our Annual Meeting.” 

Three startups will be selected to pitch their inventions to a panel of growers, shippers, processors and venture capitalists in front of more than 300 fresh produce farmers and industry leaders during Western Growers' Annual Meeting, set for Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas.

The AgSharks finalists will be the only presenting startups featured on-stage. In addition to potential investment capital, the winner(s) will receive international recognition, mentoring from S2G and Western Growers, potential access to farm acreage to pilot their technologies, and access to Western Growers' expansive network of leading fresh produce companies.

“AgSharks leads as the only pitch competition that offers ag-tech startups an audience with the biggest agricultural companies across the globe,” Audre Kapacinskas, principal at S2G Ventures, said in the release. “The combination of exclusive access to hundreds of industry leaders, plus investment capital to fuel growth, are two elements that are crucial for a startup’s success in this industry.”

AgSharks was first held in 2017, and through the competition, past winners Hazel Technologies and Burro have since brought their products from development to market. 

Hazel Technologies has raised over $87.8 million in funding over six rounds and is advancing the industry with sachets that extend the shelf life of fresh produce by as much as three times. Burro raised a $10.9 million Series A round in September 2021 led by S2G Ventures and Toyota Ventures, and continues to help solve farmers’ labor woes with the expansion of its fleet of autonomous robots to farms across the west, according to the release.