ST. LOUIS – A technology incubator and platform funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory announced on Wednesday that BioSTL is one of 13 organizations to receive the IN2 Channel Partner Award for 2019.
The $100,000 grant will allow BioSTL to launch the first-of-its-kind solution for moving Agtech ideas from concept to production, directly connecting innovators with Missouri growers.
Donn Rubin, president and CEO of BioSTL, noted that one of the biggest problems Agtech startups face is proving their solutions work in the field.
“Success in growth chambers, greenhouses, or different geographies can be viewed skeptically by growers who have seen mixed results when that innovation is later applied to their fields,” Rubin said. “Find an early adopter pilot partner, who can test innovations directly in the field, can be invaluable to innovators.”
Through the Early Adopter Grower Innovation Community (EAGIC), BioSTL will bring together a community of Missouri growers to be the “voice of the customer” by testing, validating, and providing feedback on various innovative solutions that meet the needs of their land.