Press and News StartLife and CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) sign a Memorandum of Understanding

StartLife and CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner for the implementation of joint initiatives which will support the transition to a more climate positive and diverse food system. 

Agrifoodtech systems are resource-intensive and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.  

Capacity sharing and collaboration between partners will be crucial to strengthen agrifood and climate tech innovation ecosystems and thus accelerate transformational change in food, land, and water systems. To this end, StartLife and CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform are entering a strategic partnership to implement joint initiatives to advance knowledge and mobilize public and private innovation and investments, recognizing the importance of talented and ambitious entrepreneurial scientists in achieving this goal. 

“The Accelerate for Impact Platform is thrilled to join forces with Startlife in our shared mission to drive food systems impact through innovation. This collaboration will leverage our respective strengths to bridge science and entrepreneurship and bring impactful solutions to the market,” said Gianpiero Menza, Senior Manager of Partnerships & Innovative Finance at the Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT | CGIAR. 

StartLife and the CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform both support early-stage high-tech innovations that address complex problems in agriculture and climate change, including nanotechnologies, robotics, genetic innovations, big data, precision farming, biotechnologies, remote sensing technologies, software, and smart irrigation tools. The connection of the networks of scientists and industry experts that will be established through this partnership will be a valuable resource for innovators in both ecosystems.  

Activities including the co-development of venture-focused research programs, support with ongoing innovation challenges and acceleration programs, and matchmaking with relevant technical and scientific experts, will empower innovators to learn from one another and develop innovative solutions that are more effective and efficient. 

"StartLife is delighted to partner with CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform in accelerating innovations for a sustainable food system. This collaboration will enable us to leverage our expertise and networks to support startups in developing solutions that address the global challenges of food security and nutrition." Loet Rummenie, Program Director at StartLife