When you lift the lid on the nine companies selected for the latest Sprout cohort, you get an overwhelming sense of a shared purpose. All these companies are striving to achieve the same thing - the improved health of our people, flora & fauna.

The diverse range of companies selected for Cohort IX really display the growth of the ag & foodtech ecosystem over the last 5 - 7 years. The technology is becoming more advanced and the solutions are becoming more innovative. From using mycelium as a leather replacement to 3D printed scaffolds for seafood analogues this Cohort really flexes it's innovation muscle.

To find this cohort we held a two-day Selection Event, which bought together over 30 selectors to analyse a shortlist of 16 pitches from over 60 applicants.

Accelerator Manager Victoria Kennedy says "The Sprout selection event is quite a unique experience. The room has such a buzz about it, full of innovative minds from some of New Zealand’s most progressive agribusinesses who we are lucky to have as our partners.

"Being able to get LIC, Fonterra, Gallagher, PGG Wrightson and Zespri together in the same room, to share their knowledge and expertise, while offering them exposure to some incredibly inspirational entrepreneurs really is energetic."

Sprout Lead Mentor Jonathan Good summarised the event well, "Imagining pieces of the future and how humanity can overcome some of our biggest challenges is awesome." A sentiment shared by all in the room.

Let us introduce you to Cohort IX.