Fresh Field Catalyst: An IFPA Technology Accelerator

Congratulations to Our Winners

The winners of the Fresh Field Catalyst are:

Provision - Calgary, Canada
Routeique Inc – Calgary, Canada
Nexus Robotics - Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Canada
Ten Carbon Chemistry Pty Ltd – Melbourne, Australia
Morphix Technologies – Virginia Beach, United States
Netled – Prikkala, Finland
Clarifruit – Rishon Le’zion, Israel
DiMuto - Singapore
The Yield Technology Solutions Pty Ltd – Sydney, Australia
Vitiport – Bratislava, Slovakia
SoundAg – Emeryville, United States
CarbonSpaceTech – Dublin, Ireland

What is Fresh Field Catalyst?

The produce and floral industry needs innovative solutions to major sector challenges including labor shortages, the climate crisis, and water and resource scarcity. Startups and companies outside of produce may have solutions to these critical problems.

The accelerator is a six month program for global companies to bring in innovative technical solutions. The program will recruit 10-12 startup companies at the scale-up phase along with corporates interested in entering the produce market from around the world.

Fresh Field Catalyst Supporters

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply to this program?

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is looking for technologies to solve problems for our members in the fresh produce industry. We are inviting companies outside the produce industry with applicable technology to apply. We also invite companies with produce industry solutions currently outside the U.S. market, as well as start-ups looking to scale to apply.

What does the program look like?

The program is a unique opportunity for start-ups, scale-ups, and corporations to learn about the produce industry and how to enter this market. The program includes:

One week immersion program on the U.S. West Coast (field visits, corporate visits)
Bi-weekly virtual meet-ups with industry experts (growers, shippers, IFPA staff) on topics relating to industry statistics, tech success and failure stories, challenges and access to funding
Access to IFPA proprietary data and analytics
Support to translate technology to agriculture or U.S. market
1-1 mentoring from IFPA members
Shared exhibit space with other members of the cohort and introductions to industry leaders at the Global Produce and Floral Show, Orlando Florida, October 27-29.
For companies eligible for SBIR funding, IFPA subject matter experts will offer guidance on the application process

What are the benefits of participation?

The Fresh Fields Catalyst Accelerator is a unique opportunity to connect and engage with relevant members of the fresh produce industry and learn directly from them how technology solutions can work best.

How does the application process work?

You can apply to the program by filling in the application form. Once received, your application will be reviewed by our team and a selection committee.
Shortlisted companies will attend a video conference meeting to discuss their goals and objectives of participation in the program.
10-12 companies will be selected and notified by April 29, 2022 and will be expected to attend the immersion week program in California starting on May 9, 2022.

What am I committing to if I join this program?

You are committing to a senior team member from your company traveling to the U.S. West Coast for a one-week immersion program, on the week of May 9, 2022.
You are committing to a senior team member participating in video conference meetings twice per month for the duration of the six-month program.
You are committing to a senior team member participating at the Global Fresh Produce Show in Florida on October 27-29, 2022.
No fees are required for any of these events but travel costs and associated expenses are the responsibility of the participating company.

Are there any travel funds?

No. If you are selected to participate in the Fresh Fields Catalyst Accelerator, you must be in a position to fund your own travel and accommodation for the key events you will be required to attend.

IFPA will assist by arranging blocks of hotel rooms to be available for participants in the program, but participants are expected to cover their own room and board.

Can I apply if our company and founders are not from the USA?

Yes, we welcome global applicants that are interested in engaging with the fresh produce industry in the U.S.

Will the information I submit be treated as confidential?

Please do not submit any business plans, trade secrets, or “secret sauce.” Your application must include only non-confidential information. All information disclosed to us in your application will be considered non-confidential public information. IFPA will only treat information as confidential if the information is covered by a formal, written confidentiality agreement signed by IFPA prior to disclosure.

Is IFPA going to invest in the participating companies?

IFPA will not invest in any of the companies participating in the company and does not require any commitment of equity. The network and connections from IFPA may open investment opportunities.

Questions?

Vonnie Estes

VP, Technology

International Fresh Produce Association

+1(650)666-9006 Email Vonnie Estes

Industry sponsorship opportunities

Peter S. Wilder

Sales and Engagement Manager

International Fresh Produce Association

+1(302)607-2115 Email Peter S. Wilder

Fresh Field Catalyst

an IFPA Technology Accelerator