Escondido is where opportunity is within reach. Two exciting economic sectors convene at our inaugural AgTech Innovation Hackathon and the exploration of a possible AgTech incubator.
Rich in Agriculture, Ripe in Technology
The City of Escondido supports Agriculture and AgTech through various policies and programs. Currently, the city is exploring the potential use of a vacant, city-owned building for an agtech incubator with UC ANR and other partners. Please submit your feedback and comments to us here.
Upcoming Events:
Next Quarterly Meetup Scheduled for August, date and registration link coming soon
Next AgTech Hackathon event in November 2023
Past Events:
May 2nd 3-6pm Quarterly AgTech Meetup at The Churchill House 140 West 3rd Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
January 19th 3-6pm Quarterly AgTech Meetup at The Churchill House 140 West 3rd Ave, Escondido, CA 92025; networking, fireside chat with founders and mentorship roundtables
October 21-23, 2022 Escondido AgTech Startup Hackathon Event Recap
The inaugural Escondido AgTech Startup Hackathon was held 10/21-10/23 and was honored by the County Supervisor's office with a proclamation presented by Supervisor Jim Desmond to the City and partner organization Fresh Brewed Tech declaring 10/21 through 10/23 as AgTech Startup Hackathon weekend throughout San Diego County. The proclamation will be added to the display case in the foyer of the council chambers.
The target number of registrants for the weekend was 100 total participants for any of the three events: Friday night social, weekend-long hackathon, and the Sunday pitch event. The final number of registrants was 201, exceeding our goal by double.
There were 12 ideas proposed at the beginning of the hackathon on Friday evening, and 3 teams pitched at the final event on Sunday. The winning team was Microbe Grow led by local farmer, Eddie Grangetto, and included Ying Sun of the Salk Institute, Cale Lackey of Fain Drilling, and Stuart Compton, a veteran and an avocado grower.
As the City explores the use of 455 N. Quince St. for the AgTech Incbutor, here is a vimeo video that features Dr. Oli Bachie from UC COOP and UC ANR talking about the possibilities of the space: https://vimeo.com/761197489/40014a75e4. At the event, the Mayor presented a proclamation to Dr. Bachie for his work and dedication to the agricultural community and for his volunteer time over the weekend and vision for exploring the possibility of an agtech incubator.
A full list of exhibitors, mentors, judges, food providers, speakers, and hackathon team winners can be found here: https://freshbrewedtech.com/microbe-grow-wins-first-escondido-agtech-hackathon/
The winning team was honored on Friday 10/28 at the San Diego Startup Week Startup Awards & Closing Reception/Expo 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at San Diego Tech Center by Alexandria, 9605 Scranton Rd, San Diego, CA 92121
Earned Media:
- Leading up to the event we have secured articles in several leading local business publications and in the ag community including:
Next Steps:
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We will continue to engage the community through quarterly agtech meetups in Escondido.
- City staff is in the process of a highest and best use study of the properties and adjacent properties in collaboration with NCTD. City staff is engaged in connecting the City of Escondido and Southern California with state and global networks to support local farmers and agriculture technologists
Virtual Tour and Visioning of 455 Quince St. by Dr. Oli Bachie: