In preparation for the upcoming START AgriTech Scale-Up Program, Utah Tech University is co-hosting an opening webinar to discuss how technology transforms into real-world agricultural innovation.
The webinar, “Scaling AgriTech in the U.S.,” is set to take place at 8 a.m. on Nov. 11. Registration, which is free and available to the community, is now open at https://luma.com/amnawa73.
“Utah Tech University is proud to help advance the future of desert agriculture through innovation and collaboration,” Dr. Michael Lacourse, special projects lead for Innovation at Utah Tech, said. “The START AgriTech Program reflects our polytechnic mission — bringing together applied research, invention, innovation and entrepreneurship to solve real-world challenges to our food supply. By connecting global innovators with our regional ecosystem, we’re helping shape a more sustainable and technologically driven future for desert agriculture.”
The START AgriTech Scale-Up Program, an international initiative designed to accelerate AgriTech innovation and foster commercial success in the arid regions of the Southwest, will be held May 10-15, 2026, across St. George and Las Vegas.
The program is a gateway for early-growth AgriTech startups ready to scale their solutions. Participants engage in strategic sessions, pitch events and partnership opportunities designed to drive commercial traction in desert and dryland agriculture. START AgriTech Scale-Up Program allows startups to meet with global investors, pilot research and development opportunities, make industry connection and gain commercial farm access. The program welcomes early-growth AgriTech startups with validated products, solid funding and strong teams ready to expand into new markets and scale commercially.
The START AgriTech collaborative initiative is led by the Frontier Innovation Center, a global desert agriculture hub, and powered by Arieli Innovate. This strategic alliance unites partners who aim to strengthen the desert innovation ecosystem, accelerate global AgriTech growth and advance sustainable agricultural solutions for the future.
Applications to participate in the START AgriTech Scale-Up Program will be accepted through Dec. 31 and are available at academics.utahtech.edu/start-agritech.