On October 3, a diverse group of ten innovative startups will take center stage in Argentina for the final pitch day of the GLOCAL Game Changers LatAm Series. These startups, selected from over 500 applicants, represent the forefront of agrifoodtech and climatetech solutions in Latin America, showcasing a range of technologies from gene editing to advanced farm management software. The event will take place at 2 PM local time and will attract investors, ecosystem enthusiasts, and partners from Boortmalt and Surcos.
The GLOCAL Game Changers initiative, spearheaded by Argentina-based GLOCAL, a certified B Corp and an agrifoodtech acceleration and investment fund, aims to connect startups at the pre-seed, seed, and pre-series A stages with experts and potential advisors. This program not only provides mentorship but also facilitates access to substantial investment opportunities—up to $500,000—enabling these startups to implement impactful innovations across the agrifoodtech and climatetech value chains.
Among the ten finalists, each startup brings a unique approach to addressing challenges in agriculture and food production. For instance, BemAgro, a Brazilian farm management software provider, utilizes artificial intelligence and computer vision to monitor crops throughout their growth cycle. This innovative software enables users to optimize planting, spraying, and harvesting routes, while also detecting weeds and plant failures—an essential tool for modern farmers looking to enhance productivity sustainably.
Bigtrade and Blooms, both ag fintech startups, are focused on improving financial access for rural producers. Bigtrade connects investors with agribusiness opportunities, streamlining credit access through a fully digital platform. Meanwhile, Blooms offers financing support to produce companies seeking to penetrate international markets, thereby expanding their reach and potential revenue streams.
The pitch day will also feature Calice, an Argentine startup leveraging CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to enhance crop resilience and quality. With a particular emphasis on developing cannabis varieties that do not produce THC, Calice is pushing the boundaries of agricultural biotechnology to address market demands while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Landprint, based in Brazil, is pioneering efforts to transition farmers to regenerative practices by measuring and monetizing environmental improvements. Their platform utilizes remote sensing technology and lab analyses to track critical factors like biodiversity and carbon sequestration, providing farmers with tangible incentives to adopt sustainable practices.
Sticta Biologicals from Chile is another notable contender, focusing on the cultivated meat industry by producing yeast-derived recombinant proteins and nutrients on-site. This approach not only meets the growing demand for alternative proteins but also reduces supply chain complexities.
The Brazilian startup Sensix has developed an integrated agronomic data management platform that connects various data sources—ranging from soil and satellites to drones and machinery—allowing farmers to make timely decisions that optimize crop profitability. Similarly, TRAG offers innovative insurance solutions tailored to agricultural risks, providing farmers with parametric insurance that pays out based on specific weather events.
Tropicarbon from Colombia tackles carbon removal through enhanced rock weathering, while Zavia Bio, an Argentine ag biotech firm, is creating designer biomolecules to help crops withstand drought and other stressors. Both startups exemplify the commitment to sustainability and innovation within the agricultural sector.
The jury for the pitch day includes notable figures such as Florencia Solari from GLOCAL and Agustín Zaffora from Boortmalt, who will assess the startups’ potential to disrupt the agrifoodtech landscape. As the event approaches, interest is growing, and aspiring attendees can register to witness firsthand the future of agritech innovation in Latin America.
As these startups prepare to pitch their solutions, the implications of their innovations extend beyond mere business success. They represent a crucial movement towards sustainable agriculture, enhanced food security, and climate resilience, aligning with the global push for a more sustainable food system. The GLOCAL Game Changers LatAm Series is not just a platform for investment; it is a catalyst for change in the agrifoodtech industry, fostering a new generation of solutions that could redefine how food is produced and consumed in the region.