By Checkmate Capital
The Problem
The world grows 95% of its food in the uppermost layer of soil, making topsoil one of the most important components of our food system. But thanks to conventional farming practices, nearly half of the most productive soil has disappeared in the world in the last 150 years, threatening crop yields and contributing to nutrient pollution, dead zones and erosion.
In the US alone, soil on cropland is eroding 10 times faster than it can be replenished.
If we continue to degrade the soil at the rate we are now, the world could run out of topsoil in about 60 years, according to Maria-Helena Semedo of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.
Without topsoil, the earth’s ability to filter water, absorb carbon, and feed people plunges.
Our Solution
We are world's first dedicated agriculture technology accelerator focused on regenerating soil health.
The RE GEN Accelerator supports and invests in scientists, farmers and entrepreneurs with solutions that make our agricultural systems regenerative and resilient.
Our mission is to increase access to food, tools, land, and resources for farmers and local communities across the globe by improving their soil.
Applications for the RE GEN Accelerator Program open January 1st, 2022.
Accelerator Benefits
World Class Program
Our program, delivered by alumni from the top business schools and companies in the world, gives our start-ups the tools and frameworks needed to succeed in business and transition to scaling with support from institutional capital.
Corporate Connections
We connect start-ups with corporate partners from our high profile network, for technology validation, adoption and
potential investment opportunities.
Access to Fields and NGOs
Through our extensive partner network inclusive of over 100+ farmers, growers, and NGO agriculture partners, we aim to provide start-ups with opportunities to conduct active field trials and get the help they need to test their product in the real world.
$75K Investment with +$500K Follow On
We will invest $75K in each startup ($37,500K cash, $37,500K in program value), with the opportunity for additional follow-on investment.
Expert Mentorship
We provide access to expert mentors & advisors as well as access to our extensive global entrepreneur network.
Perks worth over $250K
Our program partners are world leaders in startup support and offer participants over 250K in perks.
Brand Exposure
Start-ups get a multitude of brand exposure opportunities & the opportunity for global press & media spotlight at Demo Day.
Accelerator Overview
10 Startups Selected
From hundreds of global applicants, we select 10 start-ups to participate
4 Month Program
Successful applicants will go through a rigorous 4 month program
$75K Investment
We will invest $75K in each startup ($37.5K cash, $37.5K in program value),
+$500K Follow On
Opportunity for significant additional follow-on investment
Technology Categories
We look for early to growth stage start-ups with technologies that support regenerative farming and/or improvement of soil health including (but not limited to):
Biology, Microbes and Biostimulants
Software, Sensing, and IOT
Big Data & Predictive Analytics
Innovative Crops, Food & Approaches
Regenerative Approaches
Applicant technologies typically support one or more of the following approaches to regenerative agriculture:
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Aquaculture
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Agroecology
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Agroforestry
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Biochar
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Compost
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Carbon Sequestration
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Holistic Planned Grazing
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No-till
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Pasture Cropping
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Perennial Crops
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Silvopasture
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Soil Health Improvement
