Plug and Play Partners with Cargill to Launch Innovation Platform in Topeka, KS
Plug and Play, a global innovation platform and accelerator, today announced that Cargill will serve as a founding partner for its newest location in Topeka, Kan. focused on animal health and agriculture technology. Through this partnership, Plug and Play and Cargill will work with startups that are creating new technologies and products to build successful food and agricultural businesses and communities.
“Cargill is partnering with Plug and Play to bring together some of the brightest minds and boldest ideas in agriculture and protein production,” said Rob Stewart, president of growth ventures and emerging markets in Cargill’s North America protein business. “Together we will leverage our unique expertise to help new companies across the food supply chain identify market opportunities, attract customers and accelerate growth.”
This partnership will incubate global innovation around Animal Health and Agtech from the heart of cattle country and the Kansas City animal health corridor, making the most of both companies’ strengths. Plug and Play’s global reach will help startups enter new geographic locations, find new customers and grow. Cargill will bring scale, a broad expertise and the strength of a global supply chain.
“Plug and Play is incredibly excited to launch this program in partnership with Cargill as our first founding partner. 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 Plug and Play.
Plug and Play will bring eight to 10 startups to the city every six months. Later this fall, the company will run their first virtual accelerator out of the Topeka location. Those startups will go through three-month accelerator programs aimed at helping the businesses get off the ground, providing mentorship, resources and office space. There is a 70 percent average success rate for companies that go through a Plug and Play accelerator program, measured in follow-on capital raised.
“Topeka proudly welcomes Cargill as the first founding partner of the Plug and Play Platform. This investment is a vital step, it will propel our community forward as we work to become a hub for Animal Science and Agtech research. 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,” commented Mayor Michelle De La Isla.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cargill as the first founding member of the Topeka Animal Health and Agtech focused innovation platform powered by Plug and Play. Cargill has made significant investments in innovation throughout Kansas over the last decade and we are proud to collaborate with this organization and help shape the future of agriculture for our State. Plug and Play’s proven innovation platform will create substantial economic impact for the entire region,” said Katrin Bridges, Senior Vice President of Innovation for Greater Topeka Partnership.
Corporations and startups interested in Plug and Play’s Animal Health and Agtech program in Topeka can apply here: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/join/
