Wilson, North Carolina – OsRostrum, an innovative ag-tech startup based in Wilson, has taken the top prize at this year’s Small Towns, Big Ideas pitch event, a celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in rural America. Led by Catie McVey, OsRostrum’s mobile platform, which helps farmers improve cow health and longevity through precision breeding plans, was named the winner among a competitive group of startups from across the country. The win earned them the $10,000 cash prize and recognition as a leader in rural tech innovation.
Shining a Light on Rural Innovation
Rural entrepreneurs like OsRostrum often face barriers to accessing investment and resources due to their geography. Small Towns, Big Ideas not only provides a platform for these startups to connect with investors but also underscores the role of rural tech in driving economic growth and creating jobs in overlooked communities.
Now in its fourth year, Small Towns, Big Ideas is organized by the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) in partnership with Dartmouth College’s Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship. The event spotlights scalable, investor-ready startups from CORI’s Rural Innovation Network, showcasing the potential of small-town entrepreneurs to tackle big challenges.
OsRostrum is an alumnus of the RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP), a nationally recognized initiative that supports startups leveraging data and emerging technologies to drive innovation. During their time in RAP, OsRostrum honed their business model, refined their technology, and built valuable connections within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program provided them with mentorship, resources, and exposure to industry leaders, enabling them to scale their low-cost mobile platform for precision cattle breeding.
OsRostrum’s victory not only highlights the importance of tech innovation in agriculture but also serves as a reminder that transformative ideas can come from anywhere – even small towns. With this recognition, OsRostrum is poised to expand its impact and continue empowering farmers to innovate and thrive. Congratulations, Catie and OsRostrum!