12 September 2023, Calgary: SVG Ventures|THRIVE, a leading global agrifood innovation and investment platform is excited to announce it’s third academy cohort, set to commence on September 11, 2023. The THRIVE Academy is an innovative pre-accelerator program designed to nurture agrifood tech entrepreneurs during their foundational stages. Building on the success of their two prior cohorts, THRIVE is gearing up to welcome a diverse group of 15 companies, hailing from across Canada, United States and the United Kingdom.
This distinctive 12-week pre-accelerator program offers entrepreneurs tailored guidance and expert advice through a synergistic blend of insightful mentorship and unparalleled access to THRIVE’s expansive global ecosystem, enriched by cutting-edge resources including the esteemed Old’s College Smart Farm. Moreover, participants of the program gain exclusive access to THRIVE’s extensive network of corporates and investors, providing unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and growth.
John Cassidy, Managing Director of SVG Ventures|THRIVE Canada, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming cohort, stating, “We are thrilled to once again roll out this exceptional program on a global scale. The diversity and innovation demonstrated by the participants in the THRIVE Academy’s third cohort mirror the immense talent within the agrifood value chain, not only in Alberta but across Canada and around the world”.
Founder and CEO of SVG Ventures|THRIVE, John Hartnett, emphasized the Academy’s role in bolstering early-stage companies. He said, “By providing a strong foundation and guidance in the crucial early phases of their journey, THRIVE Academy equips founders to scale their ventures more effectively, driving innovation in response to agriculture’s most significant challenges.”
Alberta Innovates CEO Laura Kilcrease highlighted the strategic alignment of the program with Alberta’s agricultural prowess and innovation leadership. She noted, “The THRIVE Academy is not only a testament to the strength of Alberta’s innovation ecosystem but also a bridge that connects our province’s innovators with global investors and collaborators.”
The third cohort comprises a robust representation of companies, with seven hailing from Alberta, Canada, one from British Columbia, Canada, one from Winnipeg, MB and the remaining participants coming from the United States and United Kingdom.
The THRIVE III Academy program is comprised of Algi, Bactery, Beekeeping Innovations Ltd., CarbonOxy Tech, CropMind, ForageSoft, Green Feed Solutions, Pikassist, ReEnvision Ag, rZero Labs, Thinai, Threshold UAV, Typha Co., Uproot Food Collective, and Wild Genomics.
The THRIVE Academy program will culminate with an in-person Demo Day in Calgary, Alberta on November 16, where all the participating companies will showcase their companies and technology solutions. Beyond the program, these companies will have the opportunity to participate in additional THRIVE initiatives, engage with investors, and refine their strategies based on valuable feedback received throughout the program.
The THRIVE Academy’s successful execution is made possible through the generous support of the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program, managed by Alberta Innovates. This initiative is further supported by a consortium including the Alberta Ministry of Technology & Innovation, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), Alberta Innovates, and Olds College.
