Ag giant Cargill teams with Plug and Play for new Topeka accelerator

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Corporate food and agriculture giant Cargill has inked a deal with Plug and Play to serve as founding partner for its animal health and agtech accelerator program in Topeka.

The companies announced the news Wednesday, firming up details surrounding the launch of the long-awaited accelerator — first announced in September 2019 and originally slated to begin this summer.

“Their support and dedication will lay the foundation for entrepreneurs and startups to access the best resources available, beginning with industries such as animal health and agtech,” said Saeed Amidi, founder and CEO of Sunnyvale, California-based Plug and Play.

The three-month program is scheduled to debut virtually in the fall, Plug and Play told Startland News, expecting to draw 10 animal health companies to Topeka every six months.

“… This investment is a vital step; it will propel our community forward as we work to become a hub for animal science and ag-tech research,” added Topeka mayor, Michelle De La Isla. “I am grateful to our partners in GOTopeka for making this possible and am excited to watch a new generation of startups and entrepreneurs find their success in our great city.”