A Huntsville nonprofit is working to give north Alabama’s agriculture technology sector a shot in the arm as it welcomes six new startups into a business accelerator program.

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in partnership with global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, recently announced the fourth group of its AgTech Accelerator. The program, now in its fourth round, aims to spur local economic diversity and job growth by nurturing early stage agtech companies through investment of up to $100,000, along with networking and coaching on growth strategies.

“Innovation in the agriculture industry is deeply important to the state of Alabama, our country and the world,” said Alex Cate, director of Entrepreneurship Programs at HudsonAlpha. “HudsonAlpha is invested in supporting advancements that help feed and fuel Alabamians.”