OUR PROGRAMS
Structured Support for Agricultural Innovation
The VINE advances promising agricultural technologies through proven commercialization frameworks. Our Build and Connect programs provide stage-appropriate mentorship, field validation, and direct access to California’s agricultural community – helping innovations become market-ready solutions.
Developing Emerging Innovations and Scaling Proven Solutions
FOR EARLY STAGE TECHNOLOGIES
VINE Build
- VINE Build supports Pre-Seed to Seed stage technologies that are seeking product-market fit. It is intended for prototypes from California-based research labs, technologies from defunct companies, or concepts based on academic or government research that haven’t yet been turned into products.
- Selected projects receive assistance needed to advance commercial readiness and reach product-market fit. Assistance can include fractional executive resources, grants, or pilot project validation to guide them from prototype to product.
- VINE Build hosts commercialization workshops on campuses around California, to connect with groundbreaking research where it’s happening, inform researchers of the options to bring tech to market, and help them take the first step of creating a problem statement and user personas.
FOR MORE ESTABLISHED COMPANIES
VINE Connect
- VINE Connect is designed for Seed to Series A companies with established product-market fit who are seeking to scale in the California ag sector. These could be:
- companies who are active in other industries and seeking to enter the California market
- startups who are seeking to scale in California as their first go-to-market effort
- Selected participants will gain access to guided courses focused on pitching to farmers and be eligible for field trials after the program.
- The program culminates in a Field Day event where participants showcase their innovations to growers, researchers, and other industry experts.
Join an Expert Community of Founders
“For agrifood tech to reach its full potential, collaboration across the ecosystem is key.“
Gabe Youtsey
Chief Innovation Officer at UCANR
Chief Innovation Officer at UCANR
