THE VALLEY VENTURES ACCELERATOR PROGRAM COHORT 8 IS UNDERWAY

The Valley Ventures accelerator program has begun at Fresno State’s  Water, Energy and Technology (WET) Center. Over the past 7 cohorts, the WET Center has accelerated 79 companies that have cumulatively raised $164 million in private funding post-program. These companies have also had a significant impact on the Central Valley economy with their $40 million in recurring revenue.

We plan to continue this momentum with this next group of hungry entrepreneurs and their groundbreaking innovations. We are thrilled to reintroduce the in-person element of Valley Ventures this year, and this achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support from the University and the local community. The program is structured around sales mastery with industry leader(s), trial/demonstration site tours, investor insights and mentorship, and culminating with an Industry Showcase/Pitch Contest in May. This year's cohort consists of start-up companies from all across the country split into two tracts. Group One will specialize in ag-tech, while Group Two will focus on energy. Congratulations to Cohort 8!

Agriculture Group:

•  Entein -At ENTEIN, we're not just producing protein; we're revolutionizing the way we think about food sustainability. Our commitment to reducing food waste and enhancing the nutritional value of animal feeds has earned us recognition as a pioneer in the field.

• Thermoshade -ThermoShade is a cooling panel that can be retrofitted onto outdoor structures, creating a shady space that feels up to 20°F cooler than under a basic shade awning, without using any electricity or water.

• GroundUp Data -Shaping the future of environmental data collection by empowering our customers with access to high-quality environmental data from the hardest-to-reach places. GroundUp Data is a digital monitoring application for agriculture sensors

• Terra Rossa -Terra Rossa is committed to supporting farmers by offering natural and sustainable solutions for pest and nutrition management in both organic and conventional agriculture. The ultimate organic weed control for farms, gardens, and roadways. Trusted by professionals and eco-conscious gardeners alike, it delivers unparalleled safety and effectiveness. Keep landscapes weed-free, naturally.

•  Working Trees -Growing trees at the intersection of land stewardship and climate resilience. Working Trees is a mobile app to seamlessly measures carbon stored in trees.

Energy Group:

• Nexstera Tech -At Nexstera Tech, we are pioneering the non-invasive realm of deep detection and material differentiation using our AI-enhanced radar technology. Our flagship product, Pyrotack, empowers waste collection companies to identify batteries within curbside bins before they are emptied, enabling them to proactively eliminate this risk.

• Argyle Earth -Argyle Earth is developing a system for converting low-grade waste heat into electricity. Kristina and her team are helping food processors adopt renewable energy by recycling their waste heat. 

•  DMAX Plasma -DMAX Plasma’s innovative approach based on electrical discharge plasma makes it possible to use the technology in the field for any remediation effort. The plasma process produces no residual waste and is one of the most efficient and cost-friendly PFAS destructive methods currently available.

Throughout this program, these companies will receive unparalleled support, mentorship, and resources, propelling them toward success and meaningful contributions to the region's economic and technological advancement. Stay tuned as these trailblazers embark on their journey, poised to redefine the future of agriculture and energy in the heart of California's Central Valley.

You can learn more about the Valley Ventures program and the WET Center here.