#United States #Frontier RNG #AgriTech #START Program #St. George, Nevada

Great Forces Unite to Strengthen Desert Agriculture

As the world faces the dual challenges of climate change and an increasing population, the agricultural sector is under immense pressure to adopt innovative technologies that can transform traditional practices. In response, Frontier RNG has announced the expansion of its START AgriTech Scale-Up program into Nevada. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between leading AgriTech startups and global agricultural leaders to drive innovation and sustainability.

Expansion of the START AgriTech Scale-Up Program

Scheduled events for the third iteration of the START AgriTech program will take place from March 31 to April 1 at Atwood Plaza in St. George, Utah, followed by a meeting at UNLV’s Blackfire from April 2 to 3, 2025. The goal is to create synergies between innovators and key stakeholders while addressing pressing issues in agriculture, particularly in arid regions.

Since its inception, the START program has successfully facilitated over 14 commercial partnerships across borders, linking 19 startups from 12 countries with more than 120 international experts and investors. This program stands out as a vital resource for developing solutions in areas like DeserTech, precision farming, plant health, regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and WaterTech—all of which are crucial for navigating global food security challenges.

Urgent Need for Agricultural Innovation

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food production must increase by 60% by 2050 to keep pace with rising demand. Traditional farming practices are no longer sufficient; innovative solutions are urgently needed to address this reality. The global precision farming market, which reached $8.7 billion in 2022, is on track to grow to $21.4 billion by 2030. Yet, many agricultural enterprises, especially small to mid-sized farms, have yet to embrace advanced technologies.

This now includes GPS-guided systems, drones, and predictive analytics, all of which promise greater efficiency and sustainability in agricultural practices.

Voices from the Leaders

Yariv Erez, CEO of Frontier RNG, emphasized the program's importance by stating, "The START AgriTech program bridges the gap between innovation and global opportunities, connecting startups with engaged partners. It creates substantial value for all stakeholders involved.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Schwartz from UNLV's Office of Economic Development remarked on the exciting prospects this collaboration presents in fostering transformative change in food security and agriculture.

Michael Lacourse, from Utah Tech University, highlighted Utah’s position as a hub for innovation in sustainability and conservation, reiterating the program’s significance in showcasing local capabilities to a global audience.

A Call to Action for Startups

The START AgriTech program welcomes seed to Series A startups, offering them a platform for collaboration with investors and industry leaders. Participants will have the chance to pitch their ideas and conduct pilot projects at the Black Fire Innovation center. Startups interested in applying should be mindful of the application deadline, set for January 31, 2025.

For more details, potential participants can visit Frontier's official website.

About Frontier RNG

Frontier RNG is at the forefront of AgriTech innovation focused on enhancing desert agriculture and improving food security. Located in Ramat Negev, Israel, the organization collaborates with global partners to deliver innovative solutions to modern agricultural challenges. With expansive research facilities and a growing network of globally distributed startups, Frontier RNG seeks to empower farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. Interested individuals can learn more at their website.