The Agrifood Tech Incubator drives innovation and growth within Phoenix’s sustainable food systems and across its agricultural landscape. It is designed to enhance the broader ecosystem of support for ongoing venture development while generating awareness, fostering economic impact and promoting sustainability and equity for people and planet.
Outcomes
In less than a year, almost 250 people engaged with the educational workshops and technical assistance offered through CultivatePHX. 55 community stakeholders actively supported the program and of the 26 venture applicants, over 80% were women or other minorities. All of the participants reported using the new skills gained from the workshops. Collaborations with the City of Phoenix have led to co-developed pilot programs where ventures can test their products and services, connect with potential customers and conduct risk analysis.
Agoge, an alternative-protein-based venture in the program, received support from ASU teams and was awarded a $5 million grant from the USDA to expand market opportunities for their product.
Quotes
This process has helped us identify where we are, and what we need to get where we’re going. We hope to continue participating in the Agrifood Tech Incubator program as we solidify our design, grow our team, and launch into prototyping! Your help has been instrumental in our development.
Olivia Forish and Susannah Montgomery, So We Grow
Project partners
● J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute
● City of Phoenix, Office of Environmental Programs
Cultivate PHX in the media
New ASU incubator provides support, funding for sustainable food-system ventures
November 02, 2023 | ASU News
Arizona State University has started a new entrepreneurship initiative called Cultivate PHX to grow innovation in sustainable food systems and agriculture.
The Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service is home to a number of projects that address the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. Familiarize yourself with our ongoing work by taking a look at our full projects list.