Innova Memphis

AMES, Iowa, September 22, 2021 – Ag Startup Engine, in the Iowa State University (ISU) Research Park, has announced an initial investment in Herman, Nebraska-based Birds Eye Robotics Birds Eye Robotics designs broiler house solutions to improve facility upkeep and bird welfare, and to address labor market pressure on poultry farmers

“Birds Eye Robots supports commercial poultry operations through cutting edge technologyand farmer common sense,” says Scott Niewohner, CEO “Our autonomous caretaker robot focuses on animal welfare by removing mortality, stimulating birds, and tilling up caked bedding ” “Birds Eye Robotics was specifically designed at the request of poultry growers to reduce labor demand and cost,” adds Niewohner “Our commitment is to help with the growing labor shortage that we hear about every day from growers Partnering with Ag Startup Engine and other ag-centric organizations makes that a reality, quicker ” They are currently partnering with select poultry growers and operators across the Midwest as part of their pilot test program Those interested can go to their website to learn more

Ag Startup Engine was launched four years ago to help address two fundamental gaps thatprevent agricultural startups and entrepreneurs from being more successful: early seed-stage investment and organized mentorship from successful entrepreneurs With the program’s second fund, their goal is to accept and invest in 45 agriculture and animal health startups in the next five years

Congratulations to Jared Meyers of Augment Health (ZT5 2021 Cohort) for winning the audience choice "Pitch of the Day" at the @LifeSciTN Conference! Great job, @jaredigms! #LSTCon #ZeroTo510 #Memphis #MedicalDevices #Innovation #Startups https://twitter com/LifeSciTN/status/1509620997351170052 At Life Science Tennessee's 2022 Venture Forum, Franklin-based Augment Health was awarded the inaugural People's Choice Award presented by @UTRF Augment Health's CEO/Co-founder Jared Meyers received a $1,000 prize and was recognized as the audience determined pitch of the day

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