RootCamp, Hannover’s Innovation Hub, launches its third program with seven international AgriTech startups focused on livestock and carbon farming

More than 250 applications from over 58 countries were received by the AgriFood Tech Accelerator for the call for Batch #3. In cooperation with the renowned partners K+S, KWS, SKW Piesteritz, hannoverimpuls and the Leipzig SpinLab Accelerator, seven startups were selected. In addition, the program is supported by IP specialist Eisenführ & Speiser and EUROTIER.

The following startups will be part of the Batch #3:

AgriCircle makes sustainable food production measurable. Together with farmers and food processors the startup fights for more soil vitality, biodiversity and a more  sustainable use of resources in agriculture.

Bialtec designs and produces microencapsulated precision microbiomes capable of reconfiguring the intestinal microbiome into a more efficient and healthy one.

Biorefic is a next-generation zero-waste biorefinery manufacturing prebiotics, alternative lipids and proteins for animal feed and aquaculture without using food inputs.

Climate Farmers enables an effective carbon market for agriculture through the development of soil carbon monitoring systems.

Cynomys works on IoT solutions for environmental monitoring for sustainable business management.

Seqana harnesses insights from satellite imagery to quantify global carbon sequestration in soils. 

VetVise – the local startup from Hannover – leverages deep learning technology and veterinary knowledge to improve animal health in livestock farming.

The RootCamp network, consisting of well known corporate partners, mentors from the field as well as international and national investors, are available to the startups during and also after completion of the program. In addition, the startups have access to Learnworlds, the Accelerator ecosystem’s own online learning platform, with which the founders can intensively educate themselves in the areas of financing, marketing, sales, etc. The hybrid format allows national as well as international startups and partners to participate in the three-month program and benefit from both virtual and face-to-face interaction. In addition to the educational component, RootCamp promotes collaboration between startups and industry-known corporate partners.

The founders can launch first-class pilot projects with a fixed budget and schedule within the framework of the RootCamp. The advantages are obvious: on the one hand, the innovative startups bring specific expertise and rapid development capabilities. On the other hand, the partner companies contribute years of market experience and specific resources.

RootCamp’s program timeline

• Start of the program: 16.05.2022

• End of the program and Demo Day: 17.08.2022 (save-the-date)

Boosting innovation for livestock farming in Europe

RootCamp launches the “BLIVE” project to promote innovation in animal husbandry in Europe. The environmental impact of livestock farming is enormous. As part of this project, RootCamp plans to work closely with the German Agrifood Society to collect and document best practices and success stories in animal husbandry. It will also promote learning and networking events between technology providers, farmers and other relevant stakeholders in the livestock sector to match real needs with potential innovations. The project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement No. 818182).

BLIVE timeline

Events series (both physical and virtual): 

• Preparational Event in person 9.06.22

• Virtual Kick off for scouting best practices 23.06.22

• Final in person event to define the best examples 30.08.22

• Digital expert talk September 2022

About RootCamp

RootCamp is a multi-partner innovation-hub for technology-oriented startups and intrapreneurs from the agri-food tech and bioeconomy sector. RootCamp is part of the SpinLab Family based in Leipzig and was initiated by K+S AG. It maintains a vibrant ecosystem and can count as partners on KWS, SKWP, SmartAgriHub, German AgriFood Society, hannoverimpuls as well as Agritechnica, Eurotier.

RootCamp offers different startup programs which run up to twelve months and startups are supported by a grant of up to €50.000 per team. A fundamental part of the programs is the collaboration between startups and corporate partners to develop new ideas and implement suitable solutions, in the form of pilot projects. The “Acceleration Program” addresses young startups and provides assistance as well as a network of mentors, industry experts and investors. Established startups are taking advantage of the “Fast Track” to rapidly enter collaboration projects with our partners.