Jim Baker
CEO Cultura Technologies (Volaris Group), Cultura Technologies, Volaris Group
AgriFood
For founders building solutions applicable throughout the entire AgriFood value chain—from producer to plate.
The CDL-Rockies’ AgriFood stream is based in Calgary and leverages the region’s vast pool of expertise in agricultural innovation to help founders rapidly scale and commercialize their science- or technology-based startup. CDL is an objectives-based program whereby founders work with and learn from experienced entrepreneurs, as well as world-class scientists, economists and business students with deep subject matter expertise. Companies enter the program through a competitive application process and, if accepted, will begin the nine-month program with a cohort of their peers.
CDL is a non-profit organization. There are no fees for participation and CDL does not take any equity. Learn more about the CDL program.
Who Should Apply?
The CDL-Rockies’ AgriFood stream is ideal for founders building scalable solutions that are applicable throughout the AgriFood value chain. Ideal candidates are well on their way to developing an MVP, or are already in market with their product. CDL AgriFood focuses on new technologies with the potential to significantly impact or improve current operations within the following areas:
Example Innovation Areas
- Sustainable Agriculture: soil carbon markets, biomass and waste innovations, circular economy, etc.
- Ag Biotechnology: novel crop inputs, soil microbiome, genomics, etc.
- Precision Farming: sensors, IoT, predictive analytics, automation, etc.
- Food Safety & Security: supply chain management, food borne pathogen testing & prevention, traceability innovations, etc.
- Food Technology: food processing & manufacturing, alternative proteins, cellular agriculture, process automation, etc.
- Livestock Health & Wellness: animal surveillance, disease prediction & prevention, increased productivity, etc.
- Agrifinance and e-commerce: agribusiness marketplaces, finance & insurance
Not sure if CDL AgriFood is right for you? Contact Dora Tamas (dora.tamas@creativedestructionlab.com), for more information or to speak with someone about the program.
Our Mentors
Mentors form the backbone of all CDL programs by providing the expert guidance early-stage companies need to improve their probability of success. Those participating in the AgriFood stream are industry leaders, including accomplished entrepreneurs, experienced operators, active angel and venture investors and world-class scientists and economists.
Below, you’ll find information about a few of our distinguished CDL AgriFood stream mentors.
For more information or to schedule an introduction meeting with the CDL team, email:
Dora Tamas
AgriFood Stream Manager, CDL-Rockies
dora.tamas@creativedestructionlab.com