Your partner for innovation programming
We design and deliver custom programs
and access to innovation ecosystems in
agtech, foodtech, biotech, and climatetech
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS
&
CORPORATIONS
Access cutting-edge innovations to tackle critical industry challenges. We develop and implement programs that identify and evaluate innovations and establish structured collaboration models for engaging with innovators.
STARTUPS
Prove your ROI for customers with technical storytelling and clearly define your market value proposition with a third-party verified case study.
International cohorts can access US customers and investors through our curated programs that provide training on scaling in the US market.
GOVERNMENT
&
INNOVATION HUBS
The Opengate platform captures real-time information on food & ag growth stage technology companies for easy, time-efficient, cost-effective access to innovation.
Getting access to valuable information on global food and ag growth-stage technology companies is resource-heavy and time-consuming for corporate open innovation initiatives. The pipeline is limited and the filtering process is challenging.
THE OPENGATE EXPERIENCE
Opengate Partners offers a tailored approach to innovation strategy and programs in agtech, foodtech, biotech and climatetech sectors. Our approach is to guide and empower your team to run a scalable and repeatable process to meet your innovation needs.
Our unparalleled reputation and network with professionals in the technology industry brings our clients time-efficient and impactful access to innovation and markets.
Services:
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Innovation program design
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Program delivery and mentoring
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Global innovation landscape mapping
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Technology scouting and evaluation
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Market research
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Customer engagement and investment
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Return on Investment (ROI) validation and technical storytelling
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Industry collaboration and network building
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Keynote speaker
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Advisory board and Board of Directors
“The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.”
Stephen Covey
(author of “The 7 Strategies of Highly Successful People”)
Western Growers Association
Validating technology through data-driven case studies
Opengate, in collaboration with the Western Growers Association, presented compelling case studies on field automation, highlighting the real costs and benefits. These practical, data-driven insights helped WGA members to make informed decisions about the future of automation, focusing on ROI.
Canadian Government
Accelerating Canadian Startups
Opengate partners with the Canadian Consulate in San Francisco to design and deliver high-impact programs in agtech, foodtech, and climatetech—connecting startups with customers, investors, and expert mentors to drive growth, as well as providing mentorship for go to market strategies.
British Columbia
Trade and Invest
Bridging BC Startups to Silicon Valley
Opengate connects British Columbian cleantech and agtech startups with Silicon Valley’s investor ecosystem, providing strategic market insights and matchmaking to drive growth.
Migros
External Innovation
Program Design
Opengate identified emerging trends in the retail sector for Migros, evaluating new technologies to enhance operations and product offerings. They assisted Migros executives in building an innovation culture and creating an innovation roadmap. For the launch of the Migros Up pilot program, Opengate organized the launch event and provided mentorship and training to startup finalists.
IFPA Fresh Field Catalyst
Building a Sustainable agtech Accelerator
Over 3 years, Opengate worked with IFPA to design and deliver an agtech accelerator to connect IFPA members with technology. Each year, Opengate stepped back a little allowing IFPA to take more ownership of the program process.
University of California,
Ag & Natural Resources
Innovation Maps
Opengate designed innovation landscape maps for the dairy and perennial crops industries. These maps were backed by an interactive database that allowed users to evaluate use cases and impact of different innovations. These information helps farmers to identify innovation gaps and opportunities.
Speaking Engagements
Global Though Leadership
Opengate leaders have spoken at leading international conferences, including Rethink Animal Agtech Summit, Kisaco Research Animal Health Innovation, South Summit, and Foodtech Congress. We’ve also shared insights through industry podcasts and led workshops on innovation best practices for global hubs and industry groups. Our reach spans the USA, Brazil, UK, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Turkey and Israel.
Strategic Leadership &
High-Value Connections
Opengate team members serve on Boards of Directors and Advisory Boards for startups, and on Investment Advisory Committees for investors. We provide strategic guidance, operational insight, and leverage our network to drive growth and opportunity.
Aker
Customer ROI
Opengate worked with Aker to identify product-market fit and explore opportunities for market expansion through conversations with existing and new customers.Opengate also acted as a CSO to define, communicate, and execute strategic initiatives to increase ROI on its operations
Maxitech
Market Research & Network
Opengate facilitated strategic networking in Silicon Valley to support Maxitech’s Corporate Innovation Services. They also collaborated with Maxitech’s corporate clients to advance their innovation initiatives.
Elif Ceylan
Founder | Business Matchmaker | Strategic Growth Architect
Elif has over 16 years of experience developing and directing strategic engagements that lead to the commercialization of new technologies and the expansion and adaptation of technology for new markets. She has designed and run an international acceleration program that served technology startups with a 60% successful market expansion rate into the US. Elif has worked in Turkey, Europe, and Israel before settling down in Silicon Valley where she remains deeply immersed in the tech innovation ecosystem as an ecosystem matchmaker, innovation scout and partnership builder. She cofounded Opengate Partners with Mareese Keane where her skill-set as a business matchmaker has served 100s of startups and visionary corporations.
Elif has a Master's degree in Agriculture Engineering and Plant Sciences, focusing particularly on Soil Sciences and Biotech.
Mareese Keane
Founder | Innovation Strategist | Startup Mentor
Mareese has over 20 years of experience in designing new approaches for enterprises that deliver time & cost saving outcomes. Most recently Mareese has designed and delivered unique corporate innovation services for agriculture and food corporations. She developed and ran an award-winning acceleration program for AgTech startups. Previously in her career she was responsible for strategic planning projects at a variety of businesses and governments. Her unique approach to creating, building and launching new methodologies, based on the specific needs of the client, drives them to success.
Mareese has degrees from Ireland and the UK in Geology and Environmental Sciences and a certificate in Design Thinking from IdeoU.
FOUNDING TEAM
