AgTEC Innovation Center
The Reedley College (RC) AgTEC Innovation Center will house Agriculture Technology startups providing students throughout the region with critical hands on work experience through internships, job-shadows, and part-time employment. The Center provides opportunity for startups to develop relationships and network with local agriculture leaders driving innovations for agriculture, manufacturing, industrial maintenance, and logistics.
The Center will provide a “sandbox” for entrepreneurs and researchers to demonstrate innovative practices, technologies and automation solutions on 20 acres of farmland. Once built, the “Ag Innovation Center” building will serve as a resource for joint ventures to launch and test experimental technologies. This building will utilize traditional shop and automated manufacturing equipment in a “makerspace” environment.
Additionally, Reedley College’s innovation center will contribute to the creation of a standardized regional curriculum, with courses that can be offered through any of the participating eight community colleges.
The vision is that the center will facilitate collaboration between university researchers, entrepreneurs and industry members. Creating a continuous cycle of innovation, technology adoption and curriculum development that will better inform and utilize local educational programs and services resulting in a progressive agriculture workforce.
