Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Agriculture Innovation

The first edition of the AgTech Accelerator Program, promoted by IICA and Endeavor, comes to a successful close

Tiempo de lectura: 3 mins.
The program offered participants mentorship opportunities with leaders of global tech companies affiliated with the Endeavor network, as well as with prominent agtech entrepreneurs from IICA’s AgTech Network.

San José, 17 June 2025 (IICA) — The AgTech Accelerator Program, an initiative promoted by IICA’s Digitalization of Agri-food Systems Program in partnership with Endeavor, wrapped up with a final session that marked the end of a highly enriching experience for agtech startups from across the region.
Over several weeks, 20 technology-based ventures from the agri-food sector, representing 12 countries in the Americas, took part in an intensive acceleration process.

The program offered access to mentorship from leaders of global tech companies affiliated with the Endeavor network, as well as top agtech entrepreneurs from IICA’s AgTech Network. More information on the program: https://www.endeavor.org.ar/blog-article-novedades-endeavor-iica-programa-aceleracion-AgTech-emrpendendores/.

The outcome was highly positive. Participating agtech startups especially valued the quality of the content, the practical approach, and the opportunity to build lasting connections with peers and key players in the innovation ecosystem. As a result, these ventures are now interconnected and linked to a community of mentors and partners that will continue to support their growth.

IICA Director General Manuel Otero, who participated in the final session and delivered closing remarks, stated: “This program is part of IICA’s commitment to strengthening the regional agtech ecosystem as a driver of transformation in agri-food systems.”

María José Soler, head of Endeavor Rosario and present at the closing session, added: “At Endeavor, we are especially grateful to IICA for trusting us to carry out this joint initiative. It was a true honor to co-create this space with an institution that shares our vision of boosting agtech talent and innovation. We are convinced that the growth of Latin American economies is driven by entrepreneurs.”

Finally, Nicolás Castellón, founder and CEO of MIIDO — a promising Chilean AgTech that participated in the program (and previously in the 2024 Digital Agriculture Week) — offered a clear endorsement of the experience: “An amazing program! It really pushed us to challenge our business model with the help of industry experts we had been following for a while but hadn’t had the chance to speak with directly. This will undoubtedly take MIIDO to the next level.”

The partnership with Endeavor — the world’s leading network of high-impact entrepreneurs — was announced in January of this year (https://iica.int/en/press/news/iica-and-endeavor-the-worlds-leading-network-of-high-impact-entrepreneurs-join-forces-to-spur-agtech-development-in-the-americas/) and marks a milestone in efforts to connect innovative entrepreneurs with top-tier strategic support networks.

Through its Digitalization Program, IICA reaffirms its commitment to continue creating opportunities for innovation to drive more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agriculture in the Americas.

As part of IICA’s broader efforts to promote agricultural digitalization and the development of digital technologies, the fourth edition of Digital Agriculture Week (September 22–25) was announced on May 6. This flagship event brings together key players from the digital innovation ecosystem.

Currently — and until June 30 — the call is open for agtech startups interested in participating in person. Selected startups will have their travel expenses covered to attend the event in Costa Rica. We invite all agtech entrepreneurs from the region to apply and be part of this unique event for regional innovation and collaboration.

More information: www.semanaad.iica.int

IICA Director General Manuel Otero emphasized during the closing session that this program is part of the Institute’s commitment to boosting the regional agtech ecosystem as a driver of transformation in agri-food systems.

More information:
Institutional Communication Division.
comunicacion.institucional@iica.int

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