DEADLINE TO APPLY EXENTED TO JULY 31ST
Bayer and First Flight Venture Center (FFVC) are looking to accelerate novel startups thinking about food security in developing future crops using CRISPR technology.
Propeller Early-Stage Accelerator
Background
First Flight Venture Center, the premier science and technology incubator in North Carolina, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Bayer to host the latest cohort of the Propeller Program. This collaboration aims to accelerate novel startups focused on issues like “food security” in agriculture and crop science using scientific innovations, like CRISPR technology and other agriculture innovations. For founders, having access to strategic partners like Bayer is a game-changer for their entrepreneurial journey to success.
Propeller is a 8-week entrepreneurial design thinking program which helps founders, innovators and entrepreneurs determine the highest value for a product or service idea. This early-stage accelerator program helps entrepreneurs identify potential markets, develop a path to market strategy, and learn how to communicate the value of the idea to early stakeholders and adopters.
Over eight weeks of instruction, Propeller enables innovators to utilize the tools provided and peer interaction to consider angles from the business problem, customer value, and competitive edge--resulting in a clear understanding about the business direction and value of their idea and how to present this value in an investor-ready pitch. Companies will also practice their elevator pitches at the beginning of the sessions. We also leverage our phenomenal mentor network – we call them Navigators – to supplement the curriculum with real world insights.
Propeller serves as a first-step program for early-stage science and technology innovators by helping them bridge the gap between a brilliant idea and the business value it represents. It is based in part on the Wendy Kennedy Institute (WKI) methodology but tailored to science and technology-focused companies.
What we're looking for
Areas of interest
We're interested in startups focused on:
CRISPR technologies to develop or enhance crop species to improve food security and/or resilience
Startup location
Accepting applications from startups based in all countries
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL)
We're looking for startups with solutions in the following TRL range:
Levels 1-4
1. Basic principles observed
2. Concept development
3. Experimental proof of concept
4. Validated in lab conditions
5. Validated in relevant environment
6. Demonstrated in relevant environment
7. Regulatory approval
8. Product in production
9. Product in market
What we can offer you
Benefits:
Expertise
Connectivity to Bayer experts and mentors within its global innovation network.
Facilities and Services
Selected startups will receive a spot in this dedicated FFVC Propellor cohort that will run this August and September.