By Anna Hrushka, Pacific Business News
Posted on June 8, 2017
Honolulu-based Smart Yields has made the first round of the Vatican’s inaugural accelerator program, called the Laudato Si’ Challenge.
The ag-tech company was selected to participate in the first part of the two-part program, called the Fellowship. Companies participating in the first round are paired with a mentor to speak with weekly.
A set of companies from the Fellowship will then be selected to receive funding and go to Rome for the full accelerator.
The Smart Yields team, from left, Isar Mostafanezhad, Vincent Kimura, Justin Hedani and Michael Rogers.
Credit Tina Yuen PBN.
According to the program’s website, companies selected for the accelerator in Rome will receive mentorship and equity funding over a two-month period.
“Companies will provide participating startups expert advice and support on their business strategy, communications and marketing strategy,” the accelerator’s website said, adding top companies from Silicon Valley will support the startups.
“Companies receive mentorship from tech-centric professors, entrepreneurs and investors to set and reach milestones,” the website continues. “Experts in community leadership, business and environmental stewardship evaluate all of the applicants and select 12 startups which are the most transformative, impactful, scalable, sustainable, feasible and profitable.”
The 12 startups selected for the program will head to Rome to participate in the accelerator from July 13 to September 9.
