https://agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/agri-business/start%20ups start ups https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4867/japanese-food-tech-startup-kinish-raises-3-1-million-for-rice-based-dairy-innovation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4867/japanese-food-tech-startup-kinish-raises-3-1-million-for-rice-based-dairy-innovation.html Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:14:49 +0530 Tokyo-based food-tech startup Kinish has raised JPY490 million (approximately $3.1 million) in the first close of its Series A funding round, backing a dual-track strategy that combines commercial expansion of rice-based ice cream with research into plant-produced milk proteins. Announced on October 20, the financing will support the growth of The Rice Creamery brand, research into molecular farming and indoor rice cultivation, and recruitment for management and business development roles in Japan and the US. The funding round attracted INSPiRE Mutualistic Symbiosis Fund 1, Shimadzu Future Innovation Fund, Obayashi and Canada-based Love Veggies Holding. Shimadzu is also expected to collaborate with Kinish on analytical evaluation, quality control and measurement technologies for indoor cultivation. Commercial traction meets biotechnology ambition Kinish has established an initial retail presence for The Rice Creamery, with its products available in approximately 500 stores across Japan. The company also reported sales through retailers in Washington, DC, and at Meta’s Washington office in October 2025. It has opened a New York office to support its US expansion, including production planning, distribution and brand development. The current ice cream range uses conventional Japanese rice grown outdoors. It does not contain casein produced through Kinish’s biotechnology programme, which remains under development. This distinction is central to the company’s strategy. While the existing business generates commercial traction through rice-based frozen desserts, its longer-term ambition is to develop rice plants capable of producing casein, a key milk protein used in dairy products. Kinish has reported successfully expressing casein in rice. Its next research phase will focus on increasing protein content through improvements to the rice varieties. The company has not disclosed current casein concentrations or a commercial launch timeline for products containing the plant-produced protein. Molecular farming targets dairy applications Molecular farming uses plants as production systems for valuable compounds, including proteins that are traditionally sourced from animals or produced through other industrial processes. Kinish is combining this approach with indoor cultivation to develop a controlled production system for specially engineered rice. The company is using dwarf rice plants approximately 20 centimetres tall, a format suited to cultivation across multiple vertical levels. The approach is intended to support indoor production while enabling greater control over growing conditions. Shimadzu has identified ice cream, cheese and yoghurt as potential applications for the casein-producing rice. However, these remain development targets rather than commercially available products. The company’s contribution will include analytical assessment and quality control of raw materials, finished products and cultivation environments, as well as measurement technologies for plant factories. The partnership brings together Kinish’s food-technology platform and Shimadzu’s expertise in analytical measurement across food, life sciences and environmental applications. Such capabilities will be important as Kinish works to establish consistent protein production and assess the quality of ingredients intended for food use. Global Brain, which manages the Shimadzu fund, said its investment decision reflected Kinish’s combination of molecular farming and vertical farming, its emphasis on taste, and the breadth of expertise within its management team. The investor also sees potential in combining milk proteins with sweetness derived from rice starch to develop dairy alternatives with creamy textures. These possibilities remain prospective applications as the company advances its research. Indoor rice cultivation moves towards scale-up Kinish’s indoor cultivation programme predates the latest financing. In February 2025, the company raised JPY120 million, then reported at approximately $800,000, in a seed round involving Genesia Ventures, Lifetime Ventures, Full Commit Partners and Mitsubishi UFJ Capital. The earlier funding supported research into casein-producing rice, indoor cultivation systems and the introduction of conventional rice-based ice cream. Kinish also disclosed a collaboration with Shizuoka University to develop plant factories suited to dwarf rice cultivation. In its latest indoor cultivation trial, the company reported harvesting 2,079.7 grams of brown rice per square metre over three months. The figure measures rice harvested, not casein output, and therefore does not establish the quantity or commercial productivity of the milk protein produced. The next phase will focus on expanding cultivation trials, developing methods for mass production and using growing data to refine cultivation conditions. Scaling the system will require progress not only in plant growth and protein concentration but also in consistency, quality control and the economics of indoor production. For Kinish, the Series A funding provides capital to advance both sides of its business: expanding a consumer-facing rice-based ice cream brand and developing a biotechnology platform that could eventually supply dairy proteins from plants. The commercial opportunity will depend on whether the company can translate successful research-stage protein expression into reliable, scalable production and food ingredients that meet performance and quality requirements.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4868/ground-up-investing-expands-smallholder-finance-with-6-million-fund-close.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4868/ground-up-investing-expands-smallholder-finance-with-6-million-fund-close.html Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:32:54 +0530 Ground Up Investing, the impact investment arm of Corus International, has secured $6 million in the first close of its second fund, which aims to raise $20 million to finance agricultural businesses across Africa and Latin America. With Corus International serving as the anchor investor, the fund will provide two-year working capital loans to small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. The initiative aims to improve land management across more than 20,000 acres of farmland and generate $200 million in additional income for farmers. The fund targets agricultural businesses that purchase crops directly from smallholder farmers, connect producers with markets and generate local employment. These enterprises typically require loans ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, a financing segment often underserved by both microfinance institutions and conventional commercial investors. By addressing this funding gap, the initiative seeks to strengthen agricultural supply chains, support rural entrepreneurship and improve the resilience of local food systems. Building on the First Fund's Results The second fund builds on the performance of Ground Up Investing's first fund, launched in 2017. The initial $5 million fund invested in 15 agricultural businesses that have collectively paid farmers more than $50 million, generated over 800 local jobs and improved land management across more than 50,000 acres. One of the portfolio businesses, Ugandan coffee company Mountain Harvest, sources coffee from more than 3,000 farming families and pays them a 30 per cent premium. The results underpin the investment platform's strategy of directing capital towards agricultural enterprises that can expand market access and improve smallholder incomes while building commercially viable businesses. "This milestone reflects much more than dollars raised," said Mark Muckerheide, CEO of Ground Up Investing. "It reflects growing confidence in the farmers, entrepreneurs and rural businesses that power local economies every day. Over the past several years, we've seen firsthand that when agricultural enterprises gain access to capital, farmers earn more income, businesses grow and communities become stronger." Fund 2 aims to generate $10 in additional farmer income for every $1 invested. The organisation has also set a longer-term goal of creating $1 billion in farmer income over the next decade. Targeting the Agricultural Finance Gap Founded by Corus International in 2017, Ground Up Investing was established to channel patient, impact-focused capital towards promising agricultural businesses that often struggle to secure financing through traditional channels. Corus International, a Washington, D.C.-based humanitarian assistance and development organisation, established the investment platform as an extension of its work with rural communities and farming populations. The model seeks to demonstrate how investment returns can align with measurable economic and social outcomes. "Corus has spent decades working alongside farmers and rural communities around the world," said Ambassador Daniel Speckhard, president and CEO of Corus International. "Ground Up Investing has shown that when capital reaches local entrepreneurs, it creates opportunities that extend throughout entire communities." He added that the response from investors reflects growing recognition of rural businesses as drivers of economic growth and partners in building more resilient and prosperous communities. With its second fund, Ground Up Investing plans to expand financing for agricultural enterprises that link smallholder farmers to reliable buyers, strengthen local markets and create income-generating opportunities across its target countries. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4844/neela-biotech-raises-2-1-million-to-scale-waste-to-saf-technology.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4844/neela-biotech-raises-2-1-million-to-scale-waste-to-saf-technology.html Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:30:00 +0530 Neela Biotech has raised £2.1 million in pre-seed funding to advance its technology for converting food, agricultural and forestry waste into feedstocks for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The Cambridge-based startup plans to use the capital to move from laboratory development towards a pilot-scale trial at a biogas plant over the next two years. The funding comes as airlines and fuel producers face a persistent challenge in scaling SAF: the limited availability of suitable feedstocks and the high cost of producing alternatives to conventional jet fuel. Neela is developing a microbial process designed to turn a broader range of waste materials into fatty acids that can be used in hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA)-based SAF production. The round was led by climate investor Elbow Beach, which invested £1.5 million. Ascension, Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, Ventures Together and strategic angel investors also participated. Neela has additionally received grant funding from Innovate UK and the Henry Royce Institute and is part of the IAG Innovation programme. SAF’s feedstock problem SAF is a central component of the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce lifecycle emissions, but its commercial expansion remains constrained by cost and feedstock availability. HEFA, which converts waste oils, fats and other eligible lipid feedstocks into fuel, is the most established SAF production pathway. Its dependence on limited supplies of these materials, however, restricts the potential for expansion. Neela estimates that around 95 per cent of current SAF production uses the HEFA pathway. While HEFA is generally among the less expensive SAF options, it remains more costly than conventional jet fuel. Emerging alternatives, including electricity-based e-SAF, face their own cost and infrastructure challenges. Neela’s strategy is to broaden the pool of materials available to HEFA producers rather than replace the downstream production process. Its technology uses an AI-guided, controlled microbial process to convert waste streams from food, agriculture and forestry into fatty acids that can serve as HEFA-compatible feedstocks. The approach seeks to address a structural bottleneck in the SAF market: even if production capacity expands, the industry cannot scale indefinitely if it relies on waste oils and fats in limited supply. “Most SAF today is made from waste oils and fats through HEFA. But the world burns 300 million tons of jet fuel every year, and there is simply nowhere near enough waste oil and fat to meet this demand,” said Dr Deepanshu Singh, CEO and co-founder of Neela Biotech. “When Friederike and I founded Neela Biotech, we set out to make HEFA-SAF cheaper and scalable,” Singh said. Repurposing existing biogas infrastructure Neela’s second proposition is to use existing infrastructure to reduce the capital costs associated with bringing new fuel technologies to market. The company’s process builds on anaerobic digestion, a biological process already used commercially at biogas plants. Neela aims to adapt this established infrastructure to support its microbial upcycling technology, creating a route to decentralised feedstock production without requiring an entirely new network of industrial facilities. For biogas operators, the model could offer an additional revenue stream by enabling them to process waste into higher-value SAF precursors. Neela also intends to use a lower-energy biological approach rather than rely on more energy-intensive processing routes. The commercial case will ultimately depend on whether the technology can deliver consistent yields, meet feedstock specifications, operate reliably at pilot and commercial scale, and produce fatty acids at a competitive cost. The upcoming pilot phase is expected to help establish the process’s performance beyond laboratory conditions. “Our Controlled Microbial Upcycling process leverages recent advances in AI-driven synthetic biology to convert diverse waste streams like food and agriculture waste into HEFA-compatible feedstocks,” Singh said. “By integrating our technology with existing biogas plants, we can reduce capital requirements, accelerate deployment, and enable distributed, local production.” The funding, he added, would support the company’s scale-up towards a pilot and bring it closer to its goal of making locally produced SAF competitive with fossil fuel. Energy security adds urgency The search for alternative aviation fuels is also linked to energy security. Countries and airlines that depend on imported jet fuel remain exposed to geopolitical disruptions, shipping constraints and price volatility. The UK imports a substantial share of its jet fuel, making supply diversification an important consideration for the aviation and energy sectors. More locally produced SAF feedstocks could eventually help diversify supply, although the extent of that benefit will depend on the availability of waste materials, conversion economics and the capacity to scale production. Neela argues that using diverse waste streams and existing biogas plants could reduce reliance on conventional fuel supply chains while creating a more distributed production model. The company sees the combination of broader feedstock availability and lower infrastructure requirements as a potential route towards cost competitiveness. That ambition remains a development target, rather than a demonstrated commercial outcome. Neela’s pilot-scale work will be a key test of whether the technology can deliver the performance and economics needed for wider deployment. Investors back the path to pilot scale Elbow Beach led the funding round with a £1.5 million investment, citing the combination of feedstock flexibility, existing infrastructure and the potential to reduce production costs. “Aviation’s fuel bill is only going one way, and the industry urgently needs alternatives that can scale commercially,” said Jonathan Pollock, CEO of Elbow Beach. He said many SAF technologies remained dependent on constrained feedstocks such as waste cooking oil. “Neela’s approach is different as it builds on infrastructure that already exists across Europe, avoiding the capital costs that have held back other SAF players, while its low-energy process gives it a credible route to cost parity with fossil jet fuel,” Pollock said. The £2.1 million raise will support Neela’s transition from laboratory research towards a pilot-scale demonstration, an important step for a technology that must prove its process economics and operational reliability before commercial expansion. From Cambridge research to climate technology Neela’s technology builds on research from the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. Singh and co-founder and CTO Friederike Nintzel met through Founders at the University of Cambridge programmes and subsequently joined the START 3.0 cohort in May. The founders’ focus is on addressing aviation’s climate impact while developing a more scalable route to sustainable fuel production. The company’s latest funding milestone coincides with an Investor Day at Google London, following months of customer discussions and work on its commercial model. “This raise is the culmination of six months of quiet, relentless execution,” said Winny Sanchita, accelerator manager at Founders at the University of Cambridge. She noted that the team had continued developing customer relationships and refining its long-term business model while the funding round was being assembled. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4845/cropx-to-supply-digital-agronomy-technology-for-8-year-regenerative-potato-farming-study-in-new-zealand.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4845/cropx-to-supply-digital-agronomy-technology-for-8-year-regenerative-potato-farming-study-in-new-zealand.html Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:05:00 +0530 CropX Technologies will provide digital agronomy and soil-monitoring technology for an eight-year research programme at the Lincoln University McCain Foods NextGen Regenerative Farm in New Zealand, supporting a long-term comparison of regenerative and conventional farming practices. The project will examine how different approaches to cultivation affect soil health, crop performance, water and nutrient use, climate resilience and long-term productivity under New Zealand growing conditions. By combining commercial farming experience with scientific research and continuous field data, the programme aims to build an evidence base for assessing the performance of regenerative agriculture across a complete potato rotation. CropX will contribute its AI-powered digital agronomy platform, soil-moisture monitoring equipment, actual evapotranspiration and weather-monitoring capabilities, alongside ongoing technical and agronomic support. Continuous field data to measure farming outcomes Long-term studies can help distinguish the effects of farming practices from seasonal variation and local growing conditions. At the Lincoln University McCain Foods NextGen Regenerative Farm, researchers will compare regenerative and conventional systems over eight years, using continuous field intelligence to assess how the approaches perform across the potato rotation. CropX’s latest soil-moisture monitoring Apex probes, installed at depths of 60 or 90 centimetres depending on the crop, will be deployed across the crops in the rotation. Measurements will be complemented by weather information and satellite imagery, allowing researchers to assess soil-moisture differences between treatments and examine the relationship between field conditions and crop performance. The CropX platform will integrate and analyse the resulting data to help researchers evaluate changes in water use, irrigation requirements and other agronomic indicators over time. For growers, the potential value lies in understanding how regenerative practices perform under commercial conditions—not simply whether they improve selected sustainability measures, but whether those gains can be achieved alongside reliable yields and crop quality. Professor Alison Bailey, head of department, Farms, at Lincoln University, said research of this scale depended on continuous, high-quality data collected over many years. She said the programme would combine scientific rigour, commercial relevance and digital innovation to improve understanding of regenerative farming under New Zealand conditions. Irrigation efficiency and crop protection Water management will be a key area of focus. Soil-moisture monitoring can help growers understand variations in field conditions and make irrigation decisions based on crop requirements rather than relying solely on fixed schedules. CropX technology will support variable-rate irrigation management and provide real-time insights into soil-moisture differences between research treatments. The platform’s disease-warning capabilities will also support decisions on spray timing. Together, these tools are intended to help researchers and farm operators assess how digital agronomy can improve input-use efficiency while maintaining crop performance. McCain Foods said the collaboration would help strengthen its work on irrigation efficiency, crop quality and environmental stewardship. The research programme also aligns with McCain’s commitment to implement regenerative agriculture practices across all acreage used to grow potatoes for the company by 2030. Long-term demonstration sites can help test practices under local conditions and share findings with growers, although the effectiveness of individual interventions will depend on the farming system, soil characteristics and seasonal conditions. Building evidence for regenerative agriculture Regenerative agriculture has attracted growing interest as food companies and farmers seek to improve soil health, use inputs more efficiently and strengthen resilience. Its results, however, can vary with climate, soil type, crop rotation and management practices. Long-duration, side-by-side trials offer a way to evaluate those outcomes across changing seasons. Eitan Dan, chief revenue officer at CropX Technologies, said long-term commitment and credible evidence from real farming conditions would be essential to advancing regenerative agriculture. The company will provide the digital agronomy infrastructure needed to turn continuous field measurements into insights for researchers, growers and the wider agricultural industry. Beyond the Lincoln University McCain Foods NextGen Regenerative Farm, the programme is expected to contribute evidence to broader discussions about the role of digital agriculture in sustainability initiatives. Its findings could help inform future decisions on irrigation, input management and regenerative practices in potato production and other cropping systems. The central test will be whether long-term field data can identify which practices deliver measurable improvements in resource efficiency and resilience without compromising productivity. For CropX, McCain Foods and Lincoln University, the eight-year programme offers an opportunity to connect digital monitoring with practical, science-based decisions on the farm. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4837/onego-bio-partners-with-zen-waffles-to-bring-precision-fermented-egg-protein-to-high-protein-breakfasts.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4837/onego-bio-partners-with-zen-waffles-to-bring-precision-fermented-egg-protein-to-high-protein-breakfasts.html Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:18:02 +0530 Onego Bio, a food ingredient company developing non-animal egg protein through precision fermentation, has entered a commercial partnership with Brooklyn-based Zen Waffles to supply its Bioalbumen ingredient for use in high-protein waffle products. The agreement expands the application of precision-fermented egg protein into the high-protein breakfast and convenience food category, marking another step in Onego Bio’s commercial expansion in the United States. It also reflects a broader shift in the protein market, where manufacturers are increasingly incorporating protein into everyday foods beyond traditional sports nutrition products. Zen Waffles has built its consumer business around convenient, protein-rich foods that combine nutrition, taste and simplicity. The company sells its high-protein waffles directly to consumers across all 50 US states and through retail and wholesale channels, including grocery stores, fitness centres and specialty retailers such as Citarella Gourmet Market. Bioalbumen is designed to deliver the protein quality and functional properties of conventional egg white protein without requiring animal-derived inputs. According to Onego Bio, the ingredient has an environmental impact approximately 90 per cent lower than conventional egg protein, based on research published in Nature Food in 2021. “At Zen Waffles, our goal is to make high-protein foods convenient and delicious. Bioalbumen offers a great source of high-quality protein, helping us make products consumers already love nutritious and satisfying. We’re excited to partner with Onego Bio as we continue to grow Zen Waffles and reach more customers across the country,” said Eugene Komissarov, co-founder of Zen Waffles. The partnership comes as protein gains prominence across mainstream packaged foods. US retail sales of high-protein packaged foods grew 25 per cent between 2021 and 2025, reaching nearly $24 billion in 2025. High-protein baked goods expanded by nearly 46 per cent over the same period, according to Euromonitor International. For food manufacturers, the opportunity extends beyond protein content. Egg white protein plays a critical role in the structure, texture and appearance of baked products, making functional performance a key consideration when developing alternative ingredients. “In a waffle, egg protein does a lot of work: it provides structure for a light, tender interior and supports browning for a golden, crisp exterior, all while delivering high-quality protein. Bioalbumen brings that multifunctionality together, giving food manufacturers a new way to meet growing demand for protein. Zen Waffles has built a brand with incredible customer loyalty by showing that high-protein foods can be both nutritious and delicious, and we’re thrilled to partner with them as they continue to grow nationwide,” said Maija Itkonen, co-founder and CEO of Onego Bio. Produced through precision fermentation, Bioalbumen is designed to replicate the taste, nutritional characteristics and functional properties of egg white protein without the need for animal-derived ingredients. Its potential applications extend across bakery products, snacks, nutrition products and other protein-rich foods. The partnership places precision-fermented egg protein in a consumer category where nutritional value must be matched by familiar taste and texture. For Onego Bio, the agreement represents a step towards integrating fermentation-derived ingredients into established food formats, while Zen Waffles gains access to an alternative source of functional egg protein for its growing product portfolio. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4814/bioconsortia-raises-15-million-to-scale-microbial-crop-technologies-globally.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4814/bioconsortia-raises-15-million-to-scale-microbial-crop-technologies-globally.html Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:38:07 +0530 US-based agricultural biotechnology company BioConsortia has raised $15 million in equity financing to accelerate the commercialisation and global expansion of its microbial crop technologies, including its nitrogen-fixing seed treatment Always N and biostimulant Zaffre. The investment comes from an entity affiliated with John Pasquesi, managing member of existing investor Otter Capital. The funding will support commercial launches and strengthen the manufacturing, regulatory and commercial infrastructure required to scale the company’s products across international markets. BioConsortia is positioning microbial technologies as tools to improve crop performance and reduce dependence on conventional agricultural inputs. Its portfolio spans biostimulants, biofertilisers and biological crop-protection products, targeting growing demand for more resource-efficient farming systems. “Always N is gaining momentum in New Zealand and beyond, while Zaffre biostimulant is progressing towards launch,” said Marcus Meadows-Smith, CEO of BioConsortia. He said the investment would help the company expand its capabilities and accelerate commercial growth. Nitrogen fixation and crop establishment Always N is designed to help crops fix nitrogen biologically, potentially reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilisers. The company offers wild-type and gene-edited versions to accommodate differing regulatory requirements across markets. Its formulation and seed-treatment compatibility are intended to support integration into industrial seed-treatment operations. New Zealand has emerged as an important market for the technology. According to BioConsortia, adoption of Always N seed treatment through its partner H&T rose from approximately 5 per cent in 2024 to 50 per cent in 2025, with adoption projected to reach around 80 per cent in 2026. These figures represent company-reported adoption estimates. The product is also expanding commercially across the Americas, the European Union, Asia and Australia. In the Americas, BioConsortia has a commercial partnership with fertiliser producer The Mosaic Company. Its second lead product, Zaffre, is a biostimulant intended to improve crop emergence, stand establishment and yield, including under temperature stress. BioConsortia reports an average yield gain of 4.4 bushels per acre across three seasons of corn trials. Expanding the biologicals pipeline Beyond its lead products, BioConsortia is advancing a foliar biofungicide through Nichino in selected markets. Its pipeline also includes seed-treatment biofungicides, bionematicides and bioinsecticides, which are progressing through expanded partner trials globally. The new capital is expected to support the transition of these technologies from development towards broader commercial deployment. Manufacturing capacity, regulatory approvals and distribution partnerships will be critical to translating product performance into sustained market adoption. John Pasquesi said the company had made progress in translating its research into products backed by its patent portfolio and offering commercial potential.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4787/cotierra-raises-3-million-to-scale-decentralised-biochar-systems.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4787/cotierra-raises-3-million-to-scale-decentralised-biochar-systems.html Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:04:59 +0530 Swiss biochar company Cotierra has raised $3 million in a new funding round as it looks to take its decentralised biochar systems from field deployments to commercial scale. The round was co-led by Carbon Removal Partners and PINC, the venture arm of international food and beverage company Paulig. Zürcher Kantonalbank, Carbon Drawdown Initiative, better ventures, GOTA Ventures, Hungry4Impact and Triple Impact Ventures, along with climate-focused angel investors, also participated. The latest funding brings Cotierra’s total capital raised to approximately $4.75 million. For Cotierra, the next phase is less about proving the concept of decentralised biochar production and more about making the system repeatable across agricultural operations. The Zurich-based company develops systems that allow agricultural businesses to convert biomass into biochar close to where that material is generated. Its model combines reactor hardware with a digital platform for operating, monitoring and verifying production. That decentralised approach is designed to reduce the distance biomass needs to travel while allowing agricultural businesses to return biochar to soils and track its production and use. Cotierra plans to use the new capital to optimise its technology and expand its field deployments into a more standardised commercial model. The company’s platform is intended to provide monitoring, traceability and reporting alongside the physical biochar production system. The combination of hardware and software is central to Cotierra’s pitch to agricultural businesses. Rather than treating biochar production as a standalone processing operation, the company is building an integrated system that links biomass sourcing, conversion, monitoring and reporting. Biochar has attracted growing interest as a potential carbon-removal and soil-management tool because it can lock carbon into a relatively stable form while creating a potential agricultural use for biomass residues. But scaling the economics of production remains a challenge, particularly where biomass is dispersed across farms and agricultural supply chains. Cotierra’s decentralised model is aimed at that logistical problem. By locating reactors closer to biomass sources, the company aims to make agricultural residue conversion more practical while creating a digital record of the resulting biochar. The latest investment gives Cotierra additional capital to test that proposition at commercial scale. Its focus now is on turning individual field deployments into a system that can be replicated across agricultural value chains.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4785/agrizeronz-raises-117-million-to-accelerate-farm-emissions-solutions.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4785/agrizeronz-raises-117-million-to-accelerate-farm-emissions-solutions.html Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:30:46 +0530 AgriZeroNZ has secured an additional $117 million from major agribusinesses, banks and the New Zealand Government, giving the public-private partnership a total funding pool of $308 million to accelerate technologies aimed at reducing agricultural emissions. The new funding comes on top of the $191 million previously committed to AgriZeroNZ, with the Government continuing to match private-sector contributions dollar for dollar. Red meat processor and exporter Alliance and rural supplies co-operative Farmlands have also joined the partnership, broadening its reach across New Zealand’s farming and food supply chains. The new capital comes as pressure grows on agricultural producers to reduce emissions while maintaining the productivity and export competitiveness that underpin New Zealand’s food economy. “Many of our major export customers expect progress on emissions reductions across their supply chains, through to New Zealand farms,” said Rob Hewett, chair of AgriZeroNZ. “If we want to maintain New Zealand’s competitive advantage and reputation as a trusted supplier of premium food products to discerning customers around the world, we’d be wise to listen to them.” AgriZeroNZ was established in 2023 to identify and support technologies that could give New Zealand farmers practical ways to reduce emissions. It has so far invested more than $80 million across 21 ventures, research projects and trials, with its portfolio spanning methane inhibitors, probiotics, genetics, pasture technologies, vaccines and wearable devices. The focus is increasingly shifting from research to deployment. AgriZeroNZ says sustained funding is needed to take technologies through development, testing and regulatory approvals before they can be adopted widely on farms. “Getting tools into farmers’ hands is critical to shift the dial on our emissions footprint,” Hewett said. Chief Executive Wayne McNee said the additional funding would allow AgriZeroNZ to maintain its support for technologies as they move closer to commercial use. The organisation's first backed technology likely to reach farmers is a methane-inhibiting bolus developed by New Zealand company Ruminant Biotech. AgriZeroNZ has invested $5.8 million in the company, with the product currently undergoing regulatory approval. The broader portfolio reflects the uncertainty inherent in developing new agricultural technologies. Some projects will fail, but AgriZeroNZ expects continued investment to result in a wider choice of emissions-reduction tools for farmers by 2030. “We’re backing some of the world’s best innovators and scientists and they need sustained support to get these new technologies through development, testing and approvals so farmers can trust they’re proven, safe and effective,” McNee said. Alliance and Farmlands bring additional reach into the farming sector. Farmlands, New Zealand’s largest rural supplies co-operative, has more than 80,000 shareholders, while Alliance is one of the country’s leading red meat processors and exporters. Their participation adds greater representation from the dairy, livestock and rural supply chains at a time when emissions requirements are increasingly being shaped not only by domestic policy but also by international food markets. “Together, the AgriZeroNZ partners represent the vast majority of New Zealand’s dairy and red meat sectors, with strong links right through the supply chain,” Hewett said. For AgriZeroNZ, the bigger challenge is no longer simply finding promising technologies. It is getting those technologies through the costly and time-consuming stages of validation, regulatory approval and commercial deployment—and ensuring farmers have solutions that can reduce emissions without undermining profitability. The partnership is betting that deeper collaboration across government, agribusiness, finance and the food supply chain can accelerate that transition. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4784/believer-meats-gea-team-up-to-tackle-cultivated-meats-biggest-challenge-scale.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4784/believer-meats-gea-team-up-to-tackle-cultivated-meats-biggest-challenge-scale.html Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:15:11 +0530 Believer Meats, a pioneer in the cultivated meat industry, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with GEA, one of the world’s largest suppliers of production scale equipment and systems to the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. The partnership focuses on co-developing technologies and processes to improve the unit economics and sustainability of cultivated meat production. The companies will focus on optimizing the performance, efficiency, and environmental impact of cultivated meat production, starting with chicken and expanding to other products. This collaboration will drive advancements in bioreactor technology, perfusion systems, and media rejuvenation while reducing environmental impact through optimized water usage, power consumption, and circular economy initiatives like waste stream utilization. Together, Believer and GEA aim to lower production costs, streamline technology transfer, and scale operations efficiently to make cultivated meat more affordable and accessible. “Believer is on track to overcome the biggest obstacles to scalability. By partnering with GEA—one of the world's foremost engineering and biotech equipment manufacturers—we are taking the next step in innovating state-of-the-art technology and process engineering capabilities needed to produce cultivated meat products at the right cost,” said Gustavo Burger, CEO of Believer. “The partnership with GEA will help maximize production yields efficiently and sustainably, which are top priorities for Believer. The cultivated meat industry is forging a new path that has never been traveled. We are thrilled to partner with GEA and are very optimistic about the future.” “With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, there is a clear need to feed more people using fewer resources,” said Stefan Klebert, CEO of GEA. “We share Believer’s vision that cell cultivation technology is the key to making safe, healthy meat broadly available and affordable. We are excited to partner with Believer in the development and scale-up of their operations—a collaboration aligned with our purpose: ‘Engineering for a better world.’” Believer Meats and GEA aim to enhance the cultivated meat ecosystem and bring the industry closer to full scale. Their strategic partnership also seeks to establish joint commercial ventures that will leverage the strengths and resources of both companies, expand market reach, and accelerate the growth of the cultivated meat industry globally. As a leader in the rapidly expanding cultivated meat industry, Believer is focused on developing efficient and scalable cell-cultivation technology to produce safe, healthy, and delicious cultivated meat products. The company is currently constructing the world’s largest cultivated meat production facility in Wilson, N.C., featuring a state-of-the-art innovation center and tasting kitchen. Set to be operational at the beginning of 2025, the facility will have the capacity to produce at least 12,000 metric tons (26 million pounds) of cultivated chicken annually—without slaughtering a single animal in the production process. GEA will develop and commission proprietary bioreactors for Believer’s cell-cultivation technology, designed to achieve high cell densities and yields. Central to this collaboration is Believer’s centrifuge-based perfusion and cell media rejuvenation process for its cell lines, which optimizes cell performance while saving water, nutrients, and resources. This process reduces production costs by removing byproducts and enabling media reuse. The companies will further collaborate on process improvements, equipment optimization, and scaling innovations to support the large-scale production of cultivated meat. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4763/danforth-startup-raises-1-62m-to-accelerate-next-generation-crop-breeding.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4763/danforth-startup-raises-1-62m-to-accelerate-next-generation-crop-breeding.html Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:23:10 +0530 Spearhead Bio, a startup spun out of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, has raised $1.62 million in an oversubscribed seed SAFE round to accelerate the development and commercial deployment of its patented TAHITI genome engineering technology. Founded in 2024 by Danforth Center Principal Investigator Dr Keith Slotkin, Spearhead Bio is developing TAHITI as a platform for large-scale DNA replacement using CRISPR across agricultural crops. The company says the technology is designed to support both GMO and non-GMO gene replacement, potentially expanding the range of crop traits that can be engineered. The funding round was led by BioGenerator Ventures and Danforth Technology Company (DTC), with participation from QRM Capital, Grit Road Partners, St. Louis County Port Authority Helix Fund, SDH Capital and other investors. The latest financing follows an initial 2024 SAFE round that the company says helped demonstrate TAHITI's functionality across multiple crops. Spearhead Bio now plans to use the new capital to expand the number of crops being engineered with the technology and deepen partnerships with agricultural industry players. “Our initial 2024 SAFE round enabled us to prove that TAHITI works in multiple crops, and we now know that industry sees the immediate value,” said Dr Slotkin. “This second round gives us the runway to demonstrate how TAHITI saves our partners years of development time and millions of dollars in crop improvement.” At the heart of Spearhead Bio's proposition is the ability to move large DNA cargo with greater precision and efficiency. CEO Mike Bielski said this capability could change how genome engineering is applied in agriculture. “TAHITI will fundamentally change genome engineering in agriculture. By enabling the precise and efficient movement of large DNA cargo, it provides a transformative new platform for developing both GMO and non-GMO crops,” Bielski said. The company’s development has been closely tied to the Danforth Center's research ecosystem. TAHITI emerged from Dr Slotkin’s research and was described in a 2024 publication in Nature. The underlying research was supported by multiple National Science Foundation grants, while Spearhead Bio also secured a competitive Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant in 2025. The company has subsequently built a broad intellectual property portfolio around the technology and signed multiple industry licences, providing a commercial pathway beyond the laboratory. Spearhead Bio is the third spinout established by DTC, the wholly owned subsidiary of the Danforth Center responsible for helping create and invest in startups based on intellectual property developed by the centre's scientists. It is part of the Danforth Center Startup Initiative, which aims to move plant-science innovations from research into commercial applications. The initiative supports early-stage companies working in areas linked to food security and environmental sustainability through entrepreneurship support, business development and early-stage capital. Other companies to emerge from the initiative include Metablify, Peptyde Bio, Agrela Ecosystems and RNAissance Ag. The financing also underscores the Danforth Center's broader effort to build St. Louis as a hub for agricultural technology innovation. “The Danforth Center is doubling down on our commitment to growing St. Louis as a global center for agtech innovation,” said Danforth Center President Giles Oldroyd. “Spearhead Bio's oversubscribed raise shows investors agree: the science coming out of the Danforth Center is market-leading, and this region is the right place to build it.” With the new capital, Spearhead Bio plans to broaden its crop portfolio and increase the number of agricultural species being engineered using TAHITI. The company also expects to expand collaborations with industry partners developing new crop-improvement technologies. Early applications are already extending beyond conventional major crops. Dr Nigel Taylor’s laboratory at the Danforth Center has reported early success using TAHITI in cassava, an important food-security crop in Africa. Spearhead Bio's strategy centres on turning a genome-engineering capability into a platform that can be deployed across multiple crops. If the technology performs at scale as intended, its commercial value will depend not only on the underlying engineering capability but also on how quickly it can be adapted across crop species and integrated into breeding programmes. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4749/genomines-wants-to-grow-nickel-not-mine-it.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4749/genomines-wants-to-grow-nickel-not-mine-it.html Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:36:31 +0530 French deeptech startup Genomines has raised $45 million in Series A funding to scale its plant-based approach to nickel extraction, betting that agriculture and biotechnology could open up new sources of a metal increasingly important to the global battery and industrial economy. The Paris-based company’s latest funding round comprises $37 million in equity and $8 million in debt. It was led by US-based VC Engine Ventures and European biotech investor Forbion BioEconomy, with participation from Deeptech & Climate Fonds, Wind Capital, Lowercarbon Capital, AlphaTech Investment Group and Entrepreneurs First. Carmaker Hyundai and mining-focused investor Prospect Innovation also joined the round. Genomines is developing genetically enhanced plants that can absorb and concentrate nickel from soil. The approach is designed for deposits where nickel exists close to the surface but at concentrations too low for conventional mining to be economically viable. Turning Plants into Nickel Collectors The technology builds on a natural phenomenon known as phytomining, in which certain plants absorb metals through their roots and accumulate them in their tissues. Genomines is modifying plants to increase their capacity to capture nickel, including by increasing plant height and leaf size. The startup has also developed a specialised soil designed to improve nickel uptake. The resulting process is intended to access shallow deposits without the large-scale infrastructure typically associated with conventional mining. Genomines co-founder Fabien Koutchekian estimates that between 30 million and 40 million hectares of deposits globally could potentially be exploited using the technology. Once scaled, he says, the approach could increase annual nickel production by seven- to 14-fold. The company is positioning the technology not as a substitute for nickel itself, but as an alternative route to producing the same industrial commodity. Nickel Supply Meets the Energy Transition Nickel is widely used in stainless steel and has gained strategic importance in the automotive industry because of its role in some battery chemistries. Global nickel production is also geographically concentrated, with Indonesia accounting for more than half of global output, according to the startup. That concentration has increased interest among industrial users and automakers in securing alternative supply sources. Genomines argues that its model could offer a different economics from conventional mining. Traditional mines can require billions of dollars of upfront investment and take more than a decade before production begins, while the company believes its process could be economically viable across a roughly 200-hectare surface area. The model is deliberately framed around the convergence of agriculture and mineral extraction: grow plants, harvest the nickel-rich biomass and then recover the metal through a comparatively simple extraction process. From Kilograms to Tonnes The technology remains at an early commercial stage. Genomines is currently developing its process on experimental land in South Africa and has produced only a few hundred kilograms of nickel so far. The new capital will be used to scale production towards several hundred tonnes of nickel in the coming years. The startup is also working with automakers including Hyundai and Jaguar Land Rover, whose supply chains require access to nickel. Revenue remains limited at present, with Genomines expecting the business to reach several million dollars in annual revenue over the next three to five years. Scaling Will Test the Business Model The central commercial challenge is no longer simply demonstrating that plants can accumulate nickel. Genomines must show that the resulting metal can be produced at a cost that is competitive with conventional sources and in volumes large enough for industrial customers. That will require the startup to move from experimental production measured in kilograms to an industrial model capable of delivering hundreds of tonnes and eventually much larger volumes. Genomines is not alone in pursuing plant-based metal extraction. French startup Econick, for example, entered a joint venture with stainless steel producer Aperam in 2023 to develop plant-based nickel production. Its proposition is therefore less about creating a new nickel product than changing how and where nickel can be extracted. If the technology can achieve commercial scale, it could turn marginal mineral deposits into agricultural production systems—and add biotechnology and farming to the toolbox for securing critical mineral supply. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4750/hortiya-brings-generative-ai-to-greenhouse.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4750/hortiya-brings-generative-ai-to-greenhouse.html Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:44:30 +0530 Generative AI is moving into an unexpected domain: plant biology. German agtech startup Hortiya, founded in Duisburg in 2020, is developing a generative AI model designed to understand how plants respond to environmental conditions and production inputs. The ambition is to give growers a new way to interpret plant signals and make decisions on energy, lighting, nutrients and other costly resources. The company’s approach applies principles associated with large language models to biological data. Instead of learning patterns in human language, Hortiya wants its model to learn relationships between plant conditions, environmental variables and growth outcomes. If successful, the technology could help food producers make controlled-environment agriculture more resource-efficient, particularly in greenhouses where lighting and climate control can account for a significant share of production costs. Teaching AI to Read Plant Signals Hortiya is building a dataset that will allow its model to understand how different inputs and climatic conditions affect the internal systems and growth of plants. The data is expected to come partly from greenhouse sensors monitoring factors such as light, temperature and soil conditions. The company is also exploring less conventional biological signals, including electrical communication between plant roots and leaves and ultrasonic sounds associated with plant stress. Adding market and weather information could eventually allow the system to move beyond monitoring plants to predicting how external events affect production decisions. For example, growers could use the model to assess how a period of drought or a change in electricity prices might alter the optimal allocation of light and nutrients. From Sensors to Smarter Lighting Hortiya has already developed a system combining greenhouse sensors and AI to improve the timing and efficiency of artificial lighting. The underlying idea is that plants do not continuously process energy at the same rate. Their physiological state changes, including periods of rest and stress, and neighbouring plants affected by disease can also influence performance. Hortiya’s technology therefore aims to provide energy when plants are most receptive to using it rather than applying lighting according to a fixed schedule. The system is being used in two research pilots and by one commercial customer operating a 54,000 sq ft greenhouse. According to CEO Marc Weimer-Hablitzel, laboratory testing has shown that the existing technology can reduce energy consumption by as much as 30 per cent while maintaining the same yield. He cautions that savings in commercial environments are likely to be lower. Even a 5–10 per cent reduction could have meaningful implications for greenhouse operators, given the large amounts of electricity required to produce crops such as tomatoes during periods when natural light is limited. A Foundation Model for Food Production The next stage for Hortiya is considerably more ambitious. The startup wants to develop a general-purpose model that could allow growers to test different production scenarios before making operational decisions. A grower could potentially provide information about expected weather conditions and ask the system how to manage lighting and nutrients under different scenarios, such as a prolonged period of drought or changes in electricity availability and cost. That would shift the role of AI from automating individual greenhouse functions to supporting longer-term production strategy. The value proposition is particularly relevant as controlled-environment agriculture faces pressure to reduce its energy and resource intensity while maintaining reliable yields. Funding and Data Remain the Hurdles Hortiya had raised around $1 million in pre-seed funding, combining grants and convertible loan notes, as it worked towards developing its foundation model. The company sees growing investor interest in both foundation-model technology and climate-focused innovation as potential tailwinds. At the same time, building a biological foundation model presents a fundamentally different data challenge from training conventional language models. The system requires large volumes of high-quality information connecting environmental conditions with plant physiology and growth. Collecting, standardising and interpreting that data can be expensive and technically demanding. Hortiya believes advances in AI infrastructure could make model training more efficient by the time its dataset is sufficiently mature. Agriculture’s Next Data Layer The company's proposition points to a broader evolution in digital agriculture. Sensors are already generating increasing volumes of information about crops and growing environments; the next challenge is turning those streams into decisions that growers can act on. If that ambition can be translated into a commercially scalable model, the technology could give greenhouse operators a more dynamic way to manage energy and inputs—moving controlled-environment farming another step towards data-driven resource optimisation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4744/velocity-agri-capital-raises-150-million-to-back-canadian-agri-food-expansion-in-southeast-asia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4744/velocity-agri-capital-raises-150-million-to-back-canadian-agri-food-expansion-in-southeast-asia.html Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:02:54 +0530 A new growth-equity fund is targeting $500 million to help Canadian agriculture and food companies expand into Southeast Asia, with Farm Credit Canada committing $150 million as the lead investor. Velocity Agri-Capital has secured the initial commitment as it seeks to close the remaining $350 million from Canadian and international investors. The fund will focus on middle-market companies across the agriculture and food value chain, with plans to invest in about 12 businesses through initial cheques of at least $25 million each. Its investment mandate spans emerging and established segments of the food economy, including vertical farming, aquaculture, food processing and packaging. The strategy is designed to provide growth capital to companies moving beyond domestic markets and build commercial links between Canadian businesses and Southeast Asian markets. The fund will also consider investments in Southeast Asian companies establishing operations in Canada, provided those businesses contribute to domestic job creation. Closing the agri-food growth capital gap Velocity Agri-Capital is positioning itself around a financing gap between early-stage venture capital and larger institutional capital. The fund will focus on companies that have moved beyond the start-up phase but require substantial capital to expand production, develop new markets and build international operations. The strategy comes against a broader push to increase the economic value captured within Canada’s agriculture and food system. Canada has historically been a major exporter of agricultural commodities and ingredients, while a larger share of processing and manufacturing value is captured further along the supply chain. Greater investment in domestic food processing could create additional value before products enter international markets, while giving Canadian companies greater control over branded and processed food exports. Farm Credit Canada estimated in a June report that stronger growth in Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing sector could add C$40 billion to the country’s GDP over the next decade and create 217,000 jobs, assuming annual sector growth of 3 per cent. The report identified investment, infrastructure, skills and trade as key requirements for achieving that expansion. Southeast Asia becomes the growth market Velocity’s geographic strategy reflects the growing importance of Southeast Asia as a destination for food, agriculture and technology companies seeking new markets. The fund plans to maintain a presence in the region to support portfolio companies with market entry, commercial relationships and local business development. Its investment thesis is built around the region’s large consumer base, rising food-security requirements and existing trade links with Canada. Southeast Asia offers an alternative growth pathway at a time when businesses and policymakers are looking to diversify export markets and reduce exposure to the US. The fund’s approach extends beyond traditional commodity exports, focusing instead on companies capable of exporting higher-value products, technologies and processing capabilities. From commodities to higher-value agriculture The launch comes as Canada looks to strengthen domestic investment across its agriculture and food economy and capture more value within the country. Velocity Agri-Capital will operate independently of District Ventures Capital, an earlier-stage venture capital fund focused primarily on consumer businesses across food, beverage, health and wellness and beauty. The new vehicle represents a later-stage investment model, with substantially larger individual commitments aimed at businesses with established operations and ambitions for international expansion. Its $500 million target therefore places the focus not simply on financing Canadian agriculture, but on building companies that can compete across international food and agriculture markets while creating additional economic activity at home. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4739/lilac-agriculture-closes-oversubscribed-2-3-million-series-seed-to-advance-next-generation-rhizobium-inoculants-for-pulse-growers.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4739/lilac-agriculture-closes-oversubscribed-2-3-million-series-seed-to-advance-next-generation-rhizobium-inoculants-for-pulse-growers.html Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:25:58 +0530 Lilac Agriculture, a company bringing modern biological innovation to rhizobial strains farmers already rely on, today announced the close of an oversubscribed $2.3 million Series Seed financing. Innova led the round, which was targeted at $1.5 million and closed more than 50 percent above that figure. 701 Fund, Ag Ventures Alliance, Evergreen Climate Innovations, North Dakota Development Fund, Pathway Ventures, Tall Grass Ventures, and others also participated. “This is Innova’s first investment in agricultural biologicals, and we didn’t make it lightly - we’ve looked hard at this category. We like that Lilac brings biological innovation to strains farmers already know and use, applying modern science in a practical way that doesn’t ask farmers to take on unproven risk. That, paired with a product already in growers’ hands and a platform with a credible path beyond pulses into other row crops, is exactly the kind of business we wanted to back,” said Dean Didato, Partner at Innova. Peas, lentils, and dry beans fix their own nitrogen through a symbiosis with rhizobia, the soil bacteria that colonize their roots, and inoculating seed with those bacteria each spring is standard practice for pulse growers. The persistent challenge is competitiveness: native rhizobial populations already established in the soil often out-compete the strains in the purchased inoculant for nodule occupancy, resulting in limited and inconsistent yield benefit. Lilac’s Guided Adaptation platform is built to optimize two traits at once - nitrogen-fixing efficiency and competitiveness. Applying plant-breeding logic to the microbe, Lilac starts with a broad diversity of rhizobial strains licensed on an exclusive basis from North Dakota State University and systematically improves them for the specific soils where they’ll be used. An elite strain that fixes more nitrogen and holds the nodule against native competition can support higher yield potential and reduce reliance on costly synthetic fertilizer. Lilac is starting in pulses, but the same platform is designed to extend to other crops, including row crops, over time. “A better strain doesn’t help a grower if it can’t win the nodule in their own soil - that’s the gap we built Lilac to close,” said Dr. Natalie DiNicola, CEO of Lilac Agriculture. “Growers have relied on inoculants for generations, but rarely with real visibility into how they’re performing in their own fields. This round funds our expanded field trial and R&D pipeline, gets PL11 into more farmers’ hands across the region, and supports preparation for the Canadian market.” “Having grown up as a farmer, the black-box claims in this category always frustrated me - you put an inoculant in the ground and just have to trust that it works. As a scientist, I want to fix that. There’s a huge amount of untapped variation in rhizobial bacteria that’s gone largely unexplored since most commercial strains were selected decades ago. Adapting strains to the crop and soil they’ll actually encounter, and measuring nodulation that happens in the field, is how we aim to deliver the efficacy and consistency growers are asking for,” said Dr. Barney Geddes, Chief Scientific Officer at Lilac Agriculture, who grew up farming before building his career as a global rhizobium expert with an extensive lab at NDSU. Lilac’s lead product, PL11, is already on the ground with pea and lentil growers across the Northern Plains. Early trial results have shown strong strain colonization at multiple sites, and expanded field trials are underway to validate performance more broadly ahead of the next commercial season. Registration is also underway for the Canadian market, as Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of both peas and lentils. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/features/135/4706/indian-agritech-enters-its-capital-efficiency-era-as-investors-shift-from-growth-to-value-creation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/features/135/4706/indian-agritech-enters-its-capital-efficiency-era-as-investors-shift-from-growth-to-value-creation.html Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:07:45 +0530 India’s agritech sector is entering a more disciplined investment cycle, with investors moving beyond growth-at-all-costs to focus on capital efficiency, sustainable revenues and measurable value creation. As global agrifoodtech funding moderates, the emphasis is shifting towards businesses with stronger unit economics, predictable cash flows, proven technology and a credible path to profitability. In India, this reset is reshaping funding strategies, business models and exit expectations, directing capital towards supply-chain infrastructure, precision agriculture, biologicals, post-harvest solutions and B2B market linkages. The next phase will be defined not by how much capital agritech companies raise, but by how effectively they convert it into enterprise value and measurable outcomes for farmers. The global agrifoodtech market did not retreat in 2025; it merely changed course. Funding slipped from $16.75 billion in 2024 to $16.2 billion, while deal count fell by 12 per cent, according to the latest report from AgFunder. Investors were, in effect, placing almost the same amount of capital behind fewer companies, marking a sharp departure from the exuberance of 2021, when startups raised about $51.7 billion and the largest deal alone approached $3 billion. In 2025, Wonder’s $600 million Series D emerged as the biggest financing—nearly 80 per cent smaller. During the boom years, capital chased customer acquisition, geographic expansion and market share, often long before profitability entered the picture. Harsh Deodhar, Principal, Enrission India Capital, therefore believes India is entering a post-narrative, value-creation cycle. “Capital isn't leaving Indian agriculture; it is moving deeper into the value chain – look at the recent positive movements we have seen with impressive backings for Superplum — Series A, Arboreal Bioinnovations — Series A, KisaanSay — Series A, Pehle Jaisa — Pre-Series A and Milky Mist — IPO + institutional capital,” he says. Investors, perhaps, are now seeking reliable revenues, controlled costs, proven technology and a credible path to break-even. “Indian agritech is certainly moving into a more mature and disciplined phase,” says Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. “Investors are now looking beyond growth narratives and placing greater emphasis on the ability to create sustainable, measurable value.” The shift was clearest in upstream agrifoodtech. The AgFunder report found that global companies working on farms, food production and biological systems attracted about $9 billion, up 7 per cent from the previous year, even as deal count fell 12 per cent. Late-stage and debt funding rose 72.7 per cent to $3.8 billion, suggesting that more businesses now have revenues, assets, receivables or predictable cash flows. Prem Kumar Vislawath, Founder and CEO of Marut Drones, describes the shift as a move from “growth at all costs to sustainable growth”. Agriculture’s longer operating cycles, fragmented customers, seasonal demand and working-capital needs make this discipline particularly important, he says. Other segments, however, came under pressure. The AgFunder report found that Midstream technology investment fell from $1.85 billion to $1.5 billion, while downstream businesses such as food retail and marketplaces declined from $6.5 billion to $5.8 billion. eGrocery remained the largest category, attracting $2.1 billion across only 86 deals, as investors backed established leaders rather than another wave of challengers. Capital also shifted towards science-led agriculture. Bioenergy & Biomaterials raised $1.8 billion, while Agricultural Biotechnology, Farm Management Software, Sensing & IoT, Midstream Technologies, and In-store Retail & Restaurant Technology each drew $1.4 billion. Agricultural Biotechnology led deal activity with 256 financings. Deeptech accounted for 32 per cent of agrifoodtech funding, a ten-year high, while climate-tech investment recovered to $3.9 billion. The United States led investment with $5.9 billion, followed by India at $2.2 billion, China at $1.2 billion, the Netherlands at $900 million and the United Kingdom at $700 million. India took a more practical route: only 9 per cent of its funding went into deeptech, with most capital supporting eGrocery, digital marketplaces and agrifintech. Sonali Singh, Head of Strategy and Planning at Annam.ai, IIT Ropar, says that investors are focusing on scalable models, operational execution and measurable value creation. “Investors have become more selective, with greater emphasis on demonstrated execution in areas such as precision agriculture with measurable ROI, supply-chain infrastructure, embedded finance and B2B agricultural commerce,” she says. Vinay Nair, Co-founder and CEO of KhetiBuddy, sees a more mature relationship between capital and agriculture. Five years ago, investors focused on farmers onboarded, districts covered and growth rates. Today, they are asking what value a product creates, what it costs to deliver and whether the economics improve over time. “That shift is healthy,” he says. “It is pushing the sector towards building things that genuinely work rather than things that look good in a pitch deck.” That scrutiny is reshaping business models. Marketplaces may handle large transaction volumes and still lose money after logistics, fulfilment, credit and support costs. Software businesses can offer recurring revenue, but agritech SaaS companies often carry the cost of sensors, field agents, agronomists and hardware installation. Deepak Pareek, Founder of HnyB Tech-Incubations, says that investors are moving beyond digital reach and transaction volumes. “Gross merchandise value and top-line growth were the primary proxies for scale,” he says. “Today, contribution margin and net unit economics per transaction or per acre take precedence.” The test, ultimately, is whether capital produces durable value. As Dr Prithwi Singh, Co-founder and CEO of Khetika, puts it: “If farmers are not becoming more profitable, if quality isn’t improving, and if supply chains aren’t becoming more transparent, then scale alone has very little meaning.” From Funding to Enterprise Value India’s agritech funding cycle is entering a more exacting phase. The opportunity remains large, spanning supply-chain modernisation, farm productivity, post-harvest infrastructure and formal credit. Investors, however, are asking whether companies can convert that opportunity into sustainable businesses. India ranked second globally in agrifoodtech funding in 2025, attracting $2.2 billion. During FY22 and FY23, Indian agritech companies raised about $1.8 billion across 189 deals, averaging roughly $10 million. Ninjacart raised $145 million, DeHaat $115 million and FreshToHome $104 million. The focus was on building customer networks, expanding distribution and increasing transaction volumes before prioritising profitability. That model became harder to sustain as global liquidity tightened and valuations came under pressure. “For founders, the right balance is not necessarily between growth and profitability, but between growth and responsible capital deployment,” says Agnishwar Jayaprakash. “Businesses should invest in expansion where there is clear demand and a viable path to sustainable returns. At the same time, they should maintain financial discipline, strengthen governance and build capabilities that can support long-term growth.” In FY24, funding fell to about $380 million across 83 deals, with the average deal size dropping to roughly $5 million. Around 70 per cent went to B2B market-linkage platforms, farm analytics, advisory services and agri-inputs. LeadsConnect raised $60 million and Vegrow $46 million, with both rounds focused on specific commercial capabilities. FY25 reinforced the shift. Funding held broadly steady at $383 million, but deals fell to 68 and the average cheque rose to roughly $6 million. Nearly 70 per cent went to B2B market linkage, precision agriculture and Farm-as-a-Service models. Sahyadri Farms raised $46 million, while Ecozen Solutions secured $30 million. The change is not simply about deal size, but about the purpose of capital. Earlier funding was largely aimed at capturing markets; recent rounds are supporting procurement networks, productivity tools, advisory services, input distribution and climate-linked infrastructure. Investors are examining repeat revenue, post-logistics margins, customer-acquisition recovery and the effect of growth on cash generation and working capital. “The market is increasingly distinguishing between valuation and actual enterprise value creation,” says Pravin Patel, Founder, Brio Hydroponics. “During the earlier funding cycle, companies could sometimes command significant valuations based primarily on growth expectations. Today, investors are looking more closely at revenue quality, margins, cash flows, governance and the capital required to generate incremental growth.” The economics vary by model. Produce marketplaces require capital for inventory, logistics and receivables. Farm-management software companies face longer sales cycles and costly implementations, while precision-agriculture platforms may need sensors, field teams and agronomists before recurring revenue takes hold. A company can process large volumes and still lose money. “Every funding round should create measurable business milestones rather than simply extending runway,” says Sonali. Founders, she adds, should focus on markets where they have a competitive advantage, stronger-margin business lines, operational efficiency and predictable revenue. Debt is becoming part of this discipline. Companies with revenues, assets or predictable deployment models can expand without repeated dilution, while lenders impose a repayment test that venture capital can defer. Valuations are consequently shifting towards revenue quality, gross margins, retention, capital efficiency and the path to break-even. “Valuations are undergoing a necessary alignment with ground-level economics,” says Deepak Pareek. “During the funding boom, many agritech companies were priced like enterprise SaaS or hyper-growth consumer platforms, despite operating in low-margin, high-touch supply-chain environments. Modern valuations are anchored around sustainable EBITDA multiples and real net revenues.” The FY25 operating numbers help explain this scrutiny. Poshn generated Rs 923 crore in gross revenue on Rs 66 crore of funding, a revenue-to-funding ratio of 14.07. BigHaat reported Rs 1,100 crore on Rs 200 crore, while FarMart generated Rs 1,961 crore on Rs 491 crore. Their revenue-to-funding ratios were 5.50 and 4.00, respectively. Samunnati recorded 1.73, DeHaat 1.57, Ninjacart 0.60, Stellapps 0.41 and Arya.ag 0.21. These ratios should not be read as a direct measure of capital efficiency or profitability, as business models have very different capital requirements. Asset-light companies may naturally generate higher revenue relative to funding, while businesses investing in inventory, logistics, credit or physical infrastructure require more capital upfront. A marketplace facilitating Rs 100 crore of transactions at a 5 per cent commission earns only Rs 5 crore before logistics, payments, credit, fulfilment and support costs. Profitability provides another lens. Ergos reported Rs 6 crore in profit on Rs 223 crore in revenue. Nutrifresh generated Rs 14 crore on Rs 145 crore, while Arya.ag recorded Rs 34 crore on Rs 436 crore. Ninjacart reported a loss of Rs 256 crore, followed by DeHaat at Rs 207 crore, Samunnati at Rs 74 crore and Stellapps at Rs 55 crore. Capital efficiency will also shape exits. Over the next three to five years, strategic acquisitions, private equity buyouts, secondary transactions and selective IPOs are likely. Strategic M&A could lead as agribusinesses, global input companies, FMCG groups and logistics players seek farmgate access, technology and stronger supply chains. “Strategic acquisitions will be the most natural and most value-creating exit path over the next several years,” Vinay Nair says. Public listings will remain selective. “Only a smaller group of full-stack, profitable agribusinesses with transparent governance and robust revenue scale will successfully list,” Deepak Pareek says. Agnishwar Jayaprakash sees IPOs as one possible route. “IPOs may emerge as a viable option for a smaller number of mature companies with strong governance, predictable revenue and sustainable profitability,” he says. “However, public listings should be viewed as one of several possible outcomes rather than the only measure of success.” Harsh Deodhar expects India to see a combination of strategic acquisitions, IPOs and secondary transactions, rather than one dominant exit route. “Large FMCG companies, food processors, agricultural-input companies, logistics companies, financial institutions and global corporations have strong reasons to acquire technology, distribution networks, brands and intellectual property. We are already seeing how strategic capital is entering food and agriculture. For example, Temasek invested in Milky Mist ahead of its IPO, while the company has built a large-scale value-added dairy business with significant profitability and distribution,” he says. According to Harsh Deodhar, India’s agricultural exports rose from $34.5 billion in FY20 to $51.1 billion in FY25, while processed food’s share reached 20.4 per cent, underscoring the shift from commodity production towards processing, branding and export-led value creation. The exit ecosystem is expected to deepen as more Indian agribusinesses achieve institutional scale and strategic buyers increasingly view startups as acquisition targets rather than merely technology vendors. However, a deeper exit ecosystem will require more than headline valuations. It will depend on deeper late-stage capital, stronger governance, greater M&A participation and predictable regulation. As Pravin Patel points out, “The objective should not be to achieve the highest possible valuation in every funding round. The objective should be to build a company whose fundamentals continuously justify a higher valuation over time.” For Indian agritech, therefore, capital efficiency is emerging as the critical link between growth, profitability and long-term exit value. Making Agritech Investable India’s agricultural economy offers enormous scale. What it lacks is a sufficiently predictable investment environment. For Deepak Pareek, moving from boutique venture bets to large pools of institutional and sovereign capital will require structural and policy changes. Trade policy is a key concern: sudden export bans, stocking limits and duty changes create uncertainty for institutional investors. Stable, long-term trade policies, modernised spot markets and stronger contract-farming enforcement would reduce that risk. India also needs institutionalised testing, assaying and block-level traceability to ensure commodities consistently meet stringent overseas maximum residue limit (MRL) standards. Open, privacy-compliant data systems linking land records, soil health, crop signatures and weather data could simplify risk assessment for insurers and lenders while reducing customer-acquisition and servicing costs. He also sees a role for blended finance, with risk-sharing facilities, credit guarantees and parametric weather insurance backed by multilateral agencies helping reduce risks for private equity and institutional debt funds investing in agricultural infrastructure. The next requirement is a stronger market and data infrastructure. Vinay Nair points to interoperability as foundational. “Platforms like AgriStack and Bharat-VISTAAR are building important layers, but the ecosystem needs open standards that allow enterprise platforms and government data systems to exchange verified information seamlessly,” he says. Better price discovery and contract enforcement are equally important, particularly as institutional investors demand transparent supply chains and independently verifiable sustainability claims. The transition to regenerative or organic farming can itself carry significant costs, including input changes, certification timelines and early-season yield variability. “If policy frameworks and blended finance instruments can help absorb some of that switching cost, it would unlock a significant wave of investment into the practices and platforms that support sustainable agriculture at scale,” he says. Agnishwar Jayaprakash believes the investment case will depend on progress across policy, infrastructure, technology adoption and market access. “Stable and supportive regulations can provide greater confidence to investors, while improved rural infrastructure can help technology-led businesses scale more efficiently,” he says. Reliable agricultural data, stronger digital connectivity and wider technology adoption could improve decision-making, while investors will increasingly expect strong governance, transparent reporting and scalable operating models. Greater collaboration among government, industry, financial institutions, technology companies and farmer communities, he argues, can help translate agriculture’s scale and diversity into productivity, sustainability and long-term value. For Pravin Patel, the larger transformation will come when agriculture is treated not merely as an activity shaped by seasons and subsidies, but as a professionally managed, technology-enabled and investable economic sector. That requires stronger infrastructure, long-term finance, better crop and market data, insurance, predictable policies, contract enforcement, post-harvest systems, cold chains and faster adoption of precision and climate-resilient technologies. Financing structures must also reflect agriculture’s longer gestation periods and different cash-flow patterns. Pravin Patel sees an opportunity for a new generation of “agripreneurs”—professionals, investors and entrepreneurs willing to enter agriculture when infrastructure, technology, professional farm management and market linkages are in place. “The future of agricultural investment, therefore, may not be capital simply funding agritech companies; it will increasingly be capital funding productive agricultural ecosystems,” he says. Sonali says Indian agribusiness must move from being viewed as a fragmented, high-risk sector to a scalable, technology-enabled industry with more predictable returns. Greater market formalisation, supply-chain modernisation and digital infrastructure could turn India’s fragmented agricultural landscape into greater scale and efficiency. But data access must be balanced with farmer protection. “The ecosystem requires responsible data-sharing frameworks that allow agribusinesses to build solutions around input optimisation, advisory services, insurance, credit and supply-chain efficiency while protecting farmer interests,” Sonali says. Technology adoption, meanwhile, will depend less on headline adoption numbers than on demonstrable economic value. Lower input costs, higher productivity, reduced risk and better market access will determine whether technologies become embedded in farmers’ workflows. Policy consistency remains equally critical because state-level market regulations, food-safety rules, export policies, land regulations and commodity-movement controls can materially affect agribusiness economics. Harsh Deodhar believes India’s biggest agricultural opportunity lies in formalising and connecting its fragmented value chain through stronger FPOs, digital systems, institutional credit, warehousing, cold chains and modern processing. He sees investments such as KiVi, Fishmongers and Loopworm as examples of businesses addressing structural inefficiencies across finance, distribution, aquaculture and biological production, signalling a broader shift from agritech investing towards agricultural infrastructure and value creation. For Prem Kumar Vislawath, policy consistency is the first priority, followed by technology adoption at scale and stronger institutional financing. Agricultural technology businesses often require equipment finance, working capital and structured debt alongside venture capital. Better digital land records, farm data, weather intelligence, storage, logistics and traceability could unlock new business models. The final requirement is linking capital to outcomes. “Capital should increasingly be directed towards companies that can demonstrate measurable outcomes—higher farm productivity, lower input costs, improved resource efficiency, greater farmer income and climate resilience,” he says. The dairy industry illustrates why such investment may need to be patient. Tamal Chatterjee, Chief Growth Officer of Sid’s Farm, says success by 2030 should not be measured by annual recurring revenue or customer numbers alone, but by whether “safe, trustworthy milk” becomes the default expectation for Indian consumers. That means making traceability the norm, ensuring more value flows to farmers, expanding quality-led operations and building an Indian dairy brand capable of representing the country’s dairy quality globally. Investment, he says, requires patient capital to build infrastructure, farmer ecosystems and quality systems. “Ultimately, an investment is more than working capital—it’s a commitment to building the things that genuinely make a difference,” he says. The requirements are closely linked. Policy certainty supports infrastructure investment; better data improves credit and insurance; stronger markets improve price discovery; and clear economic benefits accelerate technology adoption. India has the scale, entrepreneurial talent and technology capability to build globally relevant agricultural businesses. The next task is creating conditions that make those businesses easier to assess, finance and scale. As Prem Kumar Vislawath puts it, “The next decade of Indian agritech will not be defined by how much capital the sector raises, but by how effectively that capital is converted into productive assets, sustainable businesses and measurable value for farmers.” -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4697/swen-terra-reaches-125-million-one-year-after-launch-as-regenerative-agriculture-strategy-gathers-momentum.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4697/swen-terra-reaches-125-million-one-year-after-launch-as-regenerative-agriculture-strategy-gathers-momentum.html Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:44:28 +0530 The SWEN Terra fund, which is targeting €200 million, has attracted strong interest from institutional investors, notably COFIDES, the Spanish public fund manager, investing through the Social Impact Fund (FIS), seeking exposure to regenerative agriculture through a strategy that combines environmental impact with long-term financial performance. Classified as an Article 9 fund under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), SWEN Terra is an agriculture impact strategy dedicated to ecosystem restoration through regenerative agriculture in Europe. The fund invests in developers and operators of agricultural assets (annual crops and orchards) and transformation projects for logistics assets, processing units and distribution networks that support regenerative agriculture assets. The fundraising milestone comes as SWEN Terra announces its second investment in Horizom, a French company developing bamboo plantations to support a domestic biomaterials value chain. The €10 million investment will help establish bamboo plantations on farmers' land, diversifying farm incomes while supplying low-carbon materials for the construction sector, including insulation and building materials. This follows the fund’s first investment in GreenPods, a French developer of regenerative agriculture farms specialising in nut production, in September 2025. Emmanuel Simon, Managing Director who leads the SWEN Terra strategy, said: "Reaching €125 million in commitments in one year of fundraising is a strong endorsement of our investment thesis. Investors increasingly recognise that regenerative agriculture is not only essential for restoring natural capital and strengthening food systems but can also deliver attractive long-term financial returns. “As we continue deploying capital, we are building a diversified portfolio of businesses that demonstrates environmental impact and attractive financial returns can go hand in hand. We are proud to be supporting Horizom as it invests to promote biodiversity on farmers’ land and increase supply of sustainable construction materials." The fund's investment pipeline continues to develop across several agricultural sectors, reflecting a broader evolution in the market. SWEN Terra is actively engaging with established agricultural businesses and experienced entrepreneurs seeking growth capital to accelerate the transition towards more regenerative production models. The fund is targeting around 12 investments in total and plans to complete a number of additional investments by end 2026/early 2027. The strategy is also strengthening its investment capabilities with the appointment of Loïse Desailly, who joins SWEN Terra as Senior Analyst on 1 September, bringing the dedicated investment team to four professionals. Emmanuel added: "There is a wealth of investment opportunities across Europe as established players and entrepreneurs embrace the benefits of regenerative agriculture. This reinforces our conviction that this is becoming an increasingly attractive investment opportunity. The emergence of additional specialist investors is also a positive sign for the asset class and highlights the need for specialist expertise to finance the transition towards more resilient agricultural systems." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4672/siig-and-unibio-to-build-worlds-largest-single-cell-protein-plant-in-saudi-arabia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4672/siig-and-unibio-to-build-worlds-largest-single-cell-protein-plant-in-saudi-arabia.html Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:39:31 +0530 Saudi Industrial Investment Group (SIIG) and biofermentation company Unibio International PLC are joining forces to build what they describe as the world’s largest single-cell protein plant in Saudi Arabia, marking a major push to develop domestic alternative feed production and strengthen food security. The partners will develop the facility through an 80:20 joint venture between SIIG and Unibio. The plant, to be located in Al Jubail, will initially produce 50,000 tonnes of Uniprotein annually, with plans to scale capacity beyond 300,000 tonnes in the coming years. The project builds on SIIG’s $70 million investment in Unibio in 2023. Since then, the companies have advanced preparations for commercial-scale production using Unibio’s patented vertical loop bioreactor technology, which uses natural gas as a feedstock to produce single-cell protein through continuous-flow fermentation. For Saudi Arabia, the project aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts under Vision 2030 to diversify its industrial base and develop new technology-driven sectors. The availability of natural gas also provides the feedstock base for Unibio’s fermentation technology, allowing the project to convert methane into a protein ingredient for animal feed. The facility is expected to reduce Saudi Arabia’s reliance on imported animal feed while creating a production base that can serve both domestic and international markets. The project also brings industrial-scale fermentation technology into the Kingdom, connecting its petrochemical and energy infrastructure with the emerging alternative-protein economy. Uniprotein is produced through a fermentation process designed to convert methane into a high-quality single-cell protein. According to the companies, the product is non-GMO, pesticide-free and fully traceable, and has been tested across multiple animal species. It is approved for aquaculture in Saudi Arabia, authorised for feed use in the European Union and has additional registrations in other markets. The project has already cleared several development milestones. Front-end engineering design was completed in 2025, while a gas allocation has been received from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy. The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu has also nominated a site for the facility, with support from several Saudi government entities. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2026, with commercial production targeted for 2028. Once expanded beyond its initial 50,000-tonne capacity, the facility is expected to produce more than 300,000 tonnes of single-cell protein annually. “The world needs innovators who collectively want to find a solution to providing food stability for future generations. We believe that our fermentation technology, which incorporates the most efficient reactor of its kind in gas fermentation, is ideal for Saudi Arabia,” said David Henstrom, CEO of Unibio. “We are delighted to join with SIIG as a JV partner to bring industrial scale fermentation to the Kingdom and look forward to working together to address an authentic problem - how to feed a growing population with minimal impact on the planet.” Abdulrahman Alismail of Saudi Industrial Investment Group said the project would support the development of sustainable protein production in Saudi Arabia and beyond. “We are excited to work on developing this project alongside our partner Unibio, and look forward to bringing sustainable protein production to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, our region, and the rest of the world,” Alismail said. “We see this as a strategic investment for our company and the long-term growth in shareholder value. Using Unibio’s technology, we aim to make Saudi Arabia the leader in single-cell protein production and improve food security for both Saudi Arabia and the world’s growing population.” The project represents a convergence of Saudi Arabia’s natural-gas resources, industrial infrastructure and food-security ambitions. For SIIG, the investment also expands its exposure beyond conventional chemical-industry operations into biotechnology and alternative feed production, while giving Unibio a platform to scale its fermentation technology in one of the world’s largest industrial hubs. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4671/xfarm-technologies-adds-8-mn-hectares-with-sibium-analytics-deal.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4671/xfarm-technologies-adds-8-mn-hectares-with-sibium-analytics-deal.html Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:21:50 +0530 xFarm Technologies is expanding deeper into Brazil’s sugarcane and bioenergy economy through a strategic combination with Sibium Analytics, adding 8 million tracked hectares to its global agricultural data ecosystem and marking the company’s sixth strategic transaction worldwide and second in Brazil in the past year. The Lugano-based agtech company said the transaction will broaden its presence across Brazil’s sugarcane value chain, combining Sibium Analytics’ expertise in geospatial intelligence, business intelligence, ESG compliance and planning with xFarm Technologies’ digital farming, IoT and decision-support capabilities. The deal follows xFarm’s integration with Brazilian agritech company Checkplant and was supported by existing and new investors, including a new partnership with BlackRock. The transaction gives xFarm access to one of Brazil’s most strategically important agricultural value chains. Sugarcane sits at the intersection of food, agriculture and renewable energy in the country, supporting a large ethanol and bioelectricity industry. Brazil produces roughly 36.8 billion litres of ethanol annually from sugarcane, alongside 21,218 GWh of bioelectricity, making the crop an important component of the country’s low-carbon energy system. Sibium Analytics brings 8 million tracked hectares into xFarm’s platform, extending its coverage across Brazil’s major crops, including sugarcane, corn, soybeans, cotton, coffee, citrus and grapes. The combined platform is designed to connect farm-level data with processing, traceability, sustainability and supply-chain intelligence. “Our vision has always been to support farmers and ag-innovators with world class data-driven decision making across entire agricultural value chains,” said Matteo Vanotti, CEO of xFarm Technologies. “Following our successful integration with Checkplant, this operation represents another massive leap in our growth trajectory. By bringing Sibium Analytics’ deep geospatial intelligence and ESG audit capabilities into our group and introducing our existing offering to sugarcane producers, we are creating an unprecedented, data-driven platform for farmers and processors alike.” The deal also creates a two-way technology exchange between the companies. Sibium’s existing customers, which include sugarcane mills and biofuel processors, will gain access to xFarm’s IoT ecosystem, including hyper-local weather stations, field sensors and AI-powered decision-support systems. These tools are expected to support field operations, production planning, crop monitoring and supply-chain forecasting. At the same time, xFarm customers will gain access to Sibium’s Sigma Digital remote-sensing platform and Ambium Digital ESG and traceability solution. The technologies will be extended across crops covered by xFarm, with applications spanning sustainability certification, risk monitoring and traceability across Latin American agricultural supply chains. For food, finance and insurance companies, the combined offering is positioned as a single data infrastructure layer capable of providing transparent and auditable information across multi-crop supply chains. That could become increasingly important as agricultural businesses face growing requirements around ESG reporting, traceability and climate-related risk. “Joining the xFarm Technologies group is a natural evolution for Sibium Analytics,” said Ronaldo Marani, Director of Sibium Analytics. “We will be able to deliver even greater value to our customers and expand our solutions to new crops. Together, we are broadening the possibilities for using data and technology to support more efficient decision-making in agribusiness. Together, we are setting a new standard for intelligence in agribusiness.” The Brazilian expansion comes as xFarm scales its international footprint. The company now supports more than 600,000 farms covering a combined 24 million hectares globally. Its investor base includes Partech, Mouro Capital and United Ventures, while the company raised €36 million in a Series C funding round in October 2024. The Sibium transaction strengthens xFarm’s position at a time when agricultural technology is moving beyond farm-management software towards integrated data infrastructure linking growers, processors, financiers and downstream supply chains. By adding sugarcane and bioenergy to its existing crop portfolio, xFarm is seeking to make that integration relevant across a broader portion of the agricultural economy. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4665/gravity-gardens-raises-2-6-million-to-scale-dry-seed-activation-technology-across-european-crops.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4665/gravity-gardens-raises-2-6-million-to-scale-dry-seed-activation-technology-across-european-crops.html Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:44:53 +0530 Gravity Gardens, a Nijmegen-based AgTech startup developing chemical-free seed activation technology, has raised €2.6 million in a Seed round as it moves towards commercialising a dry process designed to improve seed establishment without adding water, chemicals or coatings to the seed. The financing combines equity investment with European Regional Development Fund (EFRO) regional development funding and was backed by VP Capital, Brightlands Venture Partners, Graduate Ventures and a group of private investors. The latest round follows earlier support from StartLife and a Rabobank innovation loan, taking Gravity Gardens' total funding raised to more than €3 million. Founded in 2024 by Founder and CEO Paulino Valdés and co-founder and CTO Robin Le Vigouroux, Gravity Gardens is targeting a part of the seed industry where technical performance has long been established but economics and processing complexity have limited adoption. Seed activation is not a new concept. Seed companies have used treatments for decades to improve the speed and uniformity of emergence and help seeds perform under difficult establishment conditions. The commercial challenge, however, has been the process required to achieve those benefits. Conventional priming is typically a wet process. Seeds are hydrated under controlled conditions and subsequently dried before they can be handled, stored and planted. That adds processing steps, infrastructure requirements, capacity constraints and costs. As a result, seed activation has largely been economically viable in higher-value vegetable and flower crops, while remaining out of reach for many broad-acre crops where seed volumes are substantially higher and margins per unit of seed are lower. Gravity Gardens is attempting to change that equation by removing water from the process altogether. Its technology is designed as a dry seed activation process that requires no hydration stage, does not add chemicals and leaves no coating on the seed. The company argues that eliminating the need to hydrate and subsequently dry seed could simplify processing and reduce the cost barriers that have restricted seed activation to a relatively narrow segment of the market. The company is also positioning the technology around seed vigour rather than germination alone. While germination measures whether a seed can successfully produce a seedling under defined test conditions, vigour is more closely linked to how rapidly and robustly a seed establishes under variable field conditions. “Every seed company in Europe has a seed lot sitting in storage that germinates at grade A quality on the bench and then disappoints in the field,” Valdés said. “Germination matters, but it is not the number that decides your season. Vigour is, and vigour is the first thing you lose as a lot ages or as the spring turns against you.” He said conventional priming has remained effective but its wet processing requirements have limited where its economics work. “Priming has been the industry’s answer for forty years and it is a good answer, but it is a wet one, and the cost and complications that come with that are why it only ever made sense for a handful of high-value crops,” Valdés said. “What we have is dry, which takes those costs out. Cheap enough for field crops, and aimed at the thing that actually decides the season. That combination is what has not existed before.” The proposition is attracting investors looking for technologies that can improve agricultural productivity while reducing dependence on inputs and natural resources. Erica van Eeghen, Senior Manager Ventures at VP Capital, said the company's focus on seeds addresses what she described as the foundation of the agricultural production system. “The most impactful innovations are often the ones that improve the foundations of a system. Seeds are exactly that foundation,” van Eeghen said. “Gravity Gardens has developed a technology that could make stronger crop establishment accessible to many more farmers while using fewer natural resources. That is what makes this investment so compelling.” Gravity Gardens says its technology has already undergone seven external trials, including validation experiments conducted by Vertify. The company has its own research, development and production facility in Nijmegen and is running programmes with Vertify, HLB, Oost NL and Foodvalley. Through Foodvalley, Gravity Gardens has also accessed an SME Innovation Voucher. The technology was developed with support from the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre Noordwijk, adding an unusual technology-development pathway to a company focused on one of agriculture's most basic inputs. For investors, the potential lies not only in improving establishment but in expanding the addressable market for seed activation. If a dry process can materially reduce the cost and operational complexity associated with conventional priming, activation could potentially move from a specialist treatment for high-value seeds towards a broader agricultural input technology applicable to field crops and horticultural production. Marcel Zijp, Senior Investment Manager at Brightlands Venture Partners, said the platform combines biological performance with the potential for wider commercial deployment. “Germination is the most critical phase in plant development. Gravity Gardens’ platform stimulates the plant’s natural power, and its cost competitive technology can be applied in a wide variety of crops,” Zijp said. “We believe this is an important step towards less chemical use and the natural strengthening of plant germination.” The new funding will now shift Gravity Gardens from technology validation towards industrialisation. The company plans to invest in industrial-scale equipment development and expand trial programmes across additional crops, with market readiness targeted for 2027. Gravity Gardens is working with Dutch engineering group Demcon on the development of industrial-scale equipment while continuing field and research programmes in parallel. The combination of equipment scale-up and expanded crop trials will be critical to determining whether the technology can move from a promising seed-treatment platform into a commercially deployable solution for large-volume agricultural markets. The timing also reflects a broader shift in agriculture towards technologies that can improve crop performance before plants enter the field. Seed treatment is increasingly viewed as an opportunity to build resilience into crop production at the earliest stage, particularly as growers face variable weather, pressure to reduce chemical inputs and tighter resource constraints.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4650/p101-leads-5-2-mn-round-in-biorsaf-as-food-regtech-consolidation-accelerates.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4650/p101-leads-5-2-mn-round-in-biorsaf-as-food-regtech-consolidation-accelerates.html Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:15:22 +0530 Italy’s food industry is becoming the next frontier for RegTech as Biorsaf raises €5.2 million in a round led by P101 SGR and acquires Cooki, bringing together two complementary platforms to build what the companies describe as Italy’s first integrated digital solution for food compliance and data management. The transaction marks a shift in how food businesses manage increasingly complex regulatory and operational requirements. Rather than digitising individual functions, the combined platform aims to connect the full compliance chain — from food safety and HACCP to quality, traceability, nutritional information, food costs and labelling. The new capital will support a three-year expansion programme centred on artificial intelligence, product development and market consolidation. Biorsaf plans to grow its team from 40 employees to 120 within the next 18 months, while targeting exponential annual revenue growth. The opportunity is substantial but remains largely untapped. The Italian food, work and water safety market comprises around 3.4 million businesses and generates more than €12 billion in revenue, yet the sector’s digitalisation rate remains at just 3 per cent, according to the company. At the centre of Biorsaf’s expansion is the development of an AI-powered platform designed to automate quality, safety and operational processes. The ambition is not simply to replace paper-based procedures, but to turn compliance data into an operating layer for food businesses. Founded in 2021 in Castell'Azzara, Grosseto, by a team with more than four decades of experience in food safety, Biorsaf has developed BS-Safe, a vertical platform that digitises food safety, workplace safety and water-quality management. It enables businesses to automate controls, improve traceability and manage regulatory compliance and documentation centrally. The company says it has become Italy’s leading operator in the segment within three years, with more than 10,000 active users across customers ranging from independent operators to large restaurant chains, HORECA businesses and grocery retailers. Its customer base includes Gruppo Cigierre, which operates brands including Old Wild West, American Graffiti, Pizzikotto, Wiener Haus and Shi's, as well as GDO operator Conad. The economics of digitisation are also becoming increasingly tangible. By eliminating paper-based processes and automating traditionally manual controls, Biorsaf estimates that its platform saves around 30 minutes of work per user each day. Across its active user base, the company estimates that this translated into more than €30 million in potential operating-cost savings in 2025, while also improving efficiency, sustainability and workplace safety. Biorsaf has also moved beyond software towards specialised AI tools. It has developed what it describes as the first professional AI agent dedicated to digital food-safety management, designed to automate monitoring, compliance checks, control activities and document management for companies and specialist consultants. Cooki Adds the Missing Operational Layer The acquisition of Cooki expands that proposition from compliance into the day-to-day management of food information and operations. Founded by Giuseppe Grammatico in 2017, Cooki operates across more than 450 Italian cities, with over 1,000 active users and a database containing more than 35,000 coded products. Its platform supports traceability, labelling, food-cost management, inventory and allergen-risk management. Bringing the two businesses together creates a broader digital architecture covering the principal data and compliance processes across the food chain. For Biorsaf, the strategic value extends beyond product integration. The acquisition is the first step in a broader consolidation strategy targeting an Italian market that remains highly fragmented. “With the new round and the acquisition of Cooki we are accelerating Biorsaf’s growth. In just three years we have built the reference platform for food compliance automation in Italy and are now ready for the next phase of development. The integration with Cooki completes our offering and represents the first step in a strategy to consolidate a still highly fragmented market. Our objective is to grow rapidly, both organically and through market consolidation and technological innovation, putting artificial intelligence at the service of safety and efficiency for food-sector businesses,” said Marco Papalini, CEO, Biorsaf. For P101, the investment fits a broader thesis around technology serving highly regulated industries. “Biorsaf has all the characteristics we look for in RegTech: a strong technology component, deep vertical expertise and leadership in a highly regulated market. We will support the company in this significant new phase of growth, working alongside the team to create, including through buy-and-build strategies, a platform capable of accelerating the digital transformation of an entire industrial sector,” said Giuseppe Donvito, Partner, P101. From Food Compliance to Food Infrastructure The round also brings together investors with established interests in agrifood technology and regional innovation. Maia Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on agrifoodtech, and Farming Future – the National AgrifoodTech Technology Transfer Hub – participated in the round. Farming Future originated and supported the company’s first investment round in November 2024, promoted by CDP Venture Capital SGR in partnership with ToSeed & Partners. Toscana Next, the co-investment fund established and managed by CDP Venture Capital and backed by leading Tuscan banking foundations, also participated. Existing investors are therefore continuing to back the company as it moves into its next stage. The transaction further strengthens P101’s position in RegTech, which accounts for around 20 per cent of investments made through Programma 103. Its portfolio in the segment includes Aptus.AI and A-Cube, while its food-sector investments have included Cortilia, Soplaya and Tannico. The investment is P101’s 15th transaction through Programma 103, Azimut ELTIF Venture Capital P103 and Programma 103R Digital. Programma 103 is also supported by the European Union through the InvestEU Fund. Programma 103R Digital is supported by CDP Venture Capital through the Digital Transition Fund under Italy’s PNRR, using European Union resources under NextGenerationEU to accelerate digital transformation across supply chains and SMEs.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4639/sunshiki-raises-80-mn-to-turn-seaweed-into-scalable-cattle-feed-solution.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4639/sunshiki-raises-80-mn-to-turn-seaweed-into-scalable-cattle-feed-solution.html Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:00:54 +0530 Japanese climate-tech start-up Sunshiki has raised ¥80 million in pre-seed funding to scale production and advance the commercialisation of a seaweed-based cattle feed additive designed to significantly reduce methane emissions. The Kochi University spin-out, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is developing a cattle feed supplement using kagikenori (Asparagopsis taxiformis), a seaweed that has been associated with methane reductions of 49 to 77 per cent in cattle. The funding comes as the livestock industry faces growing pressure to reduce methane emissions without compromising productivity. For Sunshiki, however, the next challenge is less about demonstrating the technology and more about producing the seaweed consistently and economically at commercial scale. The funding will support increased production capacity, research and development for commercialisation and new hiring. The round was structured as convertible preferred stock and was led by the Circular Economy Nature Positive No. 1 Fund, co-managed by SBI Shinsei Corporate Investment and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Investment, with Hazama Ando also participating. The Real Test Is Scaling Supply Seaweed-based methane reduction has attracted significant attention because of its potential to address one of livestock agriculture’s most difficult climate challenges. But turning laboratory and pilot results into a dependable feed ingredient requires a reliable supply of the underlying seaweed. Sunshiki says its key challenge is developing low-cost, stable cultivation methods that preserve the active compounds responsible for methane reduction. The company has already moved beyond small-scale experimentation, reporting stable output in commercial-scale test tanks, including 7,000-litre land-based systems. That transition is critical. A cattle feed additive cannot become a meaningful emissions-reduction tool if its supply is too expensive, inconsistent or difficult to integrate into existing feed chains. Sunshiki is therefore building capabilities across the production chain, from seaweed seed production to cultivation and optimisation. Its broader Seaweed Platform Initiative also incorporates artificial intelligence-based optimisation, reflecting the company’s effort to make cultivation more predictable and commercially scalable. Japan’s Seaweed Economy Adds Another Dimension The start-up’s ambitions also intersect with Japan’s broader interest in expanding the economic and environmental value of seaweed cultivation. Research and commercial initiatives are increasingly looking at seaweed not only as a source of food and industrial materials but also as a potential tool for carbon management, marine ecosystem restoration and livestock emissions reduction. A related Japanese initiative is testing marine cultivation in Yamakawa Bay, with trials running from August through March 2028. The project is examining the cultivation of seaweed while also linking the activity to fisheries and blue-carbon objectives. For coastal communities, that creates the possibility of an additional revenue stream alongside environmental benefits. For livestock producers, meanwhile, a locally developed seaweed supply chain could eventually support the availability of methane-reducing feed ingredients. From Climate Science To Farm Economics Sunshiki’s investment comes at a point when methane reduction is increasingly moving from a climate-policy discussion towards a commercial question for livestock businesses. The opportunity is significant, but adoption will ultimately depend on more than the headline emissions reduction. Feed manufacturers and cattle producers will need products that can be supplied reliably, incorporated into feeding systems and justified economically. That makes production efficiency a decisive factor. Sunshiki’s move towards larger cultivation tanks and an integrated production platform suggests that the company sees cultivation technology as its core competitive advantage. If it can maintain the active compounds in Asparagopsis taxiformis while bringing production costs down, the business could move from a promising climate technology towards a scalable livestock-input model.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4617/dyadic-expands-non-animal-dairy-pipeline-with-new-strategic-development-agreement.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4617/dyadic-expands-non-animal-dairy-pipeline-with-new-strategic-development-agreement.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:48:24 +0530 Dyadic International is expanding its presence in the emerging non-animal dairy market through a new development and commercial license agreement with a European biotechnology company, adding another precision-fermented dairy protein program to a portfolio that already includes recombinant chymosin and alpha-lactalbumin. The Florida-based biotechnology company said the agreement will broaden its food and nutrition pipeline while creating additional opportunities for revenue through development payments, licensing and commercial participation. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal is the latest example of Dyadic’s strategy of using its proprietary Dapibus precision fermentation platform to develop recombinant proteins for commercial partners rather than relying solely on internally developed products. Under the agreement, the European biotechnology partner will work with Dyadic on additional precision-fermented dairy proteins. The program will move through strain optimization, process development and commercial scale-up, with Dyadic eligible for development and commercial payments, licensing-related revenues and other economic participation if the products reach the market. “This agreement represents another important step in expanding Dyadic’s commercial food and nutrition pipeline,” said Joe Hazelton, president and chief operating officer of Dyadic Applied BioSolutions. The company’s approach reflects a broader shift in the alternative protein industry. Precision fermentation is increasingly being used to produce individual proteins found in conventional dairy without relying on cows as the production source. For food manufacturers, the technology offers a potential way to reproduce specific functions associated with dairy proteins, including texture, processing performance and nutritional characteristics. Dyadic already has commercial and development relationships covering several dairy proteins. Its portfolio includes recombinant bovine chymosin, which is being commercialized through its partnership with Inzymes ApS, and recombinant bovine alpha-lactalbumin, which is under development with BRIG BIO. The new agreement gives Dyadic another opportunity to apply the same underlying fermentation platform to a different protein and market application. Dapibus is designed to produce recombinant food proteins and enzymes through microbial fermentation. By using established fermentation processes and industrial infrastructure, Dyadic is seeking to shorten development timelines and provide a route to larger-scale manufacturing without building a separate production system for every protein. That scalability is becoming increasingly important as precision fermentation companies move beyond laboratory demonstrations toward commercial production. The technology’s long-term economics will depend not only on whether individual proteins can be produced successfully, but also on fermentation yields, downstream processing costs, manufacturing capacity and the ability to secure customers at commercially viable prices. For Dyadic, partnerships provide a way to share those commercialization risks while maintaining potential participation in future product revenues. “Together with the commercialization of recombinant bovine chymosin through our partnership with Inzymes ApS and our ongoing bovine alpha-lactalbumin collaboration with BRIG BIO, we are building a diversified pipeline of precision-fermented dairy proteins and enzymes,” Hazelton said. The company is targeting applications across food and nutrition, including ingredients designed to improve functionality, texture and nutritional performance. Its broader pipeline spans dairy processing as well as higher-value nutrition applications. The new agreement also highlights the potential for precision fermentation platforms to become multi-product businesses. Rather than depending on a single flagship ingredient, companies such as Dyadic are attempting to build platforms that can be adapted to produce multiple proteins for different customers and end markets. For Dyadic, that model could create several potential sources of revenue, ranging from upfront development payments and licensing income to commercial manufacturing and product-related revenues. The company is also applying its recombinant protein technology beyond food and nutrition, with programs spanning bioindustrial and biopharmaceutical applications. That diversification is intended to reduce reliance on any single market while increasing the commercial value of its underlying microbial expression technology. The immediate focus of the new dairy program will be technical development and scale-up. Whether the agreement ultimately becomes a meaningful commercial revenue stream will depend on the successful development of the protein, regulatory requirements, manufacturing economics and market adoption. Still, the expansion gives Dyadic another foothold in a market where food manufacturers are looking for ways to reproduce the functionality of conventional dairy ingredients without depending entirely on traditional animal-based supply chains. As precision fermentation moves deeper into commercial food production, the competitive question is increasingly shifting from whether the technology works to who can produce the right proteins at the right cost and scale. Dyadic is positioning its Dapibus platform around that next stage of the market. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4616/all-g-raises-xeraya-capital-backing-as-precision-fermented-milk-proteins-move-toward-southeast-asia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4616/all-g-raises-xeraya-capital-backing-as-precision-fermented-milk-proteins-move-toward-southeast-asia.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:41:24 +0530 Australian precision fermentation company All G has secured investment from Malaysian life sciences investor Xeraya Capital, adding Southeast Asian financial and strategic backing as the company moves closer to commercialising its recombinant milk proteins. The investment forms part of All G’s pre-Series B convertible note round, which also includes Savencia, Döhler Ventures, Agronomics and Ellerston Capital. The amount invested by Xeraya was not disclosed. For All G, the investment comes at a pivotal point. The company is moving from technology development and regulatory validation toward commercial-scale production of its recombinant bovine and human milk proteins, with Southeast Asia emerging as a priority market for applications in nutrition and infant formula. Xeraya’s regional network is expected to help All G identify and develop commercial opportunities across Southeast Asian markets. The Malaysian investor focuses on life sciences and invests internationally in biotechnology and human health. “It is wonderful to have an investor like Xeraya onboard. The decision to back All G is a powerful endorsement of our science and our mission,” said Jan Pacas, CEO of All G. Fares Zahir, CEO of Xeraya Capital, said the investment reflected the firm’s focus on biotechnology with applications in human health and its interest in supporting All G’s expansion into Southeast Asia and other markets. The latest investment adds to a funding base that includes investors from the food, dairy and biotechnology sectors. Agronomics, one of All G’s existing investors, committed a further AU$3 million (US$2 million) to the company in January 2026 as part of a funding round that was then described as having a minimum target of AU$10 million. The financing was structured as a convertible note with a 24-month maturity and a 6 per cent annual coupon. All G has said the capital will support commercial-scale production, regulatory submissions, patent development and expansion across Asia and Europe. Following its January investment, Agronomics’ total investment in All G stood at approximately £8.9 million. The company’s latest fundraising comes after a series of regulatory advances that have strengthened the commercial case for its precision-fermented proteins. In April 2026, All G received a “no questions” letter from the US Food and Drug Administration under the Generally Recognized as Safe, or GRAS, process for its precision-fermented bovine lactoferrin, marketed as LFX. The FDA’s response confirmed that it had no questions regarding All G’s conclusion that its recombinant lactoferrin is GRAS for its intended uses in food. The decision opens the way for the ingredient to be used in US food, beverage and supplement applications. All G produces LFX through precision fermentation rather than extracting lactoferrin from conventional dairy sources. The company has reported purity levels above 99.5 per cent for the ingredient. Lactoferrin is a high-value milk protein used in infant formula, dietary supplements and functional foods. Conventional lactoferrin production depends on dairy-derived sources, where supply is constrained by the relatively small amount of the protein naturally present in milk. The regulatory milestone also brought All G closer to commercial launches in the US. Pacas previously said the company expected its first products to enter the market within months as production capacity increased, with customers already waiting for supply. The FDA decision followed earlier regulatory progress. All G secured self-affirmed GRAS status for its bovine lactoferrin in the US in January 2025 and became the first company to receive regulatory clearance in China for recombinant bovine lactoferrin in November 2024. At the same time, All G has been building the manufacturing partnerships needed to move from laboratory development to commercial production. In December 2025, the company announced a joint venture with French dairy group Armor Protéines to scale production of animal-free lactoferrin. The partnership combines All G’s precision fermentation technology with Armor Protéines’ manufacturing expertise and distribution capabilities. Earlier in 2025, All G worked with the University of Queensland and the Food and Beverage Accelerator to transfer its fermentation process from laboratory-scale production to industrial systems. Lactoferrin remains the most commercially advanced product in All G’s pipeline, but the company is developing a broader portfolio of recombinant bovine and human milk proteins using precision fermentation. The addition of Xeraya could therefore prove significant beyond the immediate capital injection. Southeast Asia is a major market for infant nutrition and food ingredients, while demand for specialised milk proteins creates potential opportunities for fermentation-based alternatives to conventional dairy-derived supply. All G has not disclosed a timetable for completing its pre-Series B round or indicated when it expects to launch a subsequent Series B financing. For the company, the next phase will be less about proving that precision fermentation can produce milk proteins and more about demonstrating that those proteins can be manufactured at commercial scale, navigate multiple regulatory markets and secure customers at a price that supports a viable business. With regulatory milestones in the US and China, manufacturing partnerships in place and new capital from a Southeast Asian life sciences investor, All G is positioning its lactoferrin platform for the transition from biotechnology development to global commercialisation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4614/bindbridge-targets-black-grass-with-ai-discovered-molecular-glues.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4614/bindbridge-targets-black-grass-with-ai-discovered-molecular-glues.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:24:07 +0530 Bindbridge, an AI-driven molecular discovery company developing novel crop-protection technologies, has secured public funding of approximately £400,000 through Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme to advance its internal pipeline of molecular glues for agriculture. The 24-month programme, undertaken in collaboration with Niab, will apply Bindbridge’s proprietary BRIDGE discovery platform to develop novel molecules targeting black-grass, one of the most economically damaging and herbicide-resistant weeds affecting English wheat production. BRIDGE uses AI to discover molecular glues, small molecule chemistry, that selectively trigger the degradation of plant proteins essential for weed survival, offering a potential new mode of action for crop protection. The programme will progress candidates from computational discovery through laboratory and in-plant studies, with the objective of generating experimentally validated molecules. Additionally, the project will use targeted wheat transformation to confer resistance to the novel herbicide, supporting crop selectivity and future product development. “This award accelerates two important parts of our strategy: continuing to build BRIDGE as a differentiated computational discovery platform, while generating and advancing proprietary crop-protection assets within our own pipeline”, said Dr George Crane, CEO and co-founder of Bindbridge. “Black-grass is an important application for targeted protein degradation in agriculture and a strong starting point for developing differentiated herbicide assets with broader relevance across economically important weeds.” Working with Niab, the programme will advance Bindbridge’s black-grass programme through molecular optimisation, biological characterisation and whole-plant studies, while also developing herbicide-resistant wheat to support crop selectivity and future product development. Together, these activities will strengthen the asset package for future development with leading crop-protection partners.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4611/reservoir-announces-10-mn-multi-year-partnership-with-john-deere-to-accelerate-rugged-ai-for-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4611/reservoir-announces-10-mn-multi-year-partnership-with-john-deere-to-accelerate-rugged-ai-for-agriculture.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 13:25:40 +0530 At its inaugural Ruggedize conference, Reservoir announced a $10 million, three-year R&D partnership with John Deere to accelerate real-world development and commercialization of rugged AI technologies for high-value crop agriculture. The partnership builds on a relationship that began when Reservoir was founded in 2024 and reflects Deere’s commitment to an innovation ecosystem that moves faster from prototype to grower impact. “John Deere is committed to helping high-value crop growers do more with less, and that requires strong innovation built in the field, not just in the lab,” said Jason Brantley, vice president of production systems, small ag & turf at John Deere. “Real-world validation is a key part of Deere’s mission and helps ensure new solutions are addressing real challenges farmers are facing. Automation on the farm is addressing the immediate labor and efficiency needs of the industry, and Reservoir is also helping explore what innovations come next across data, connectivity and other emerging agtech solutions.” The partnership helps Reservoir broaden access to its on-farm technical community by subsidizing startup participation and lowering barriers for founders entering the ecosystem. It will also expand opportunities for innovation in rural communities by connecting entrepreneurs and deep-tech engineers more directly with growers, farm operations and industry partners across California, Arizona and soon other key agricultural regions. Since opening its Salinas and Sonoma sites in spring of 2026, Reservoir Farms has already welcomed more than 20 startups, underscoring early traction for its field-based model. “We’ve been able to manifest our vision for Reservoir thanks in no small part to the generous partnership of John Deere,” said Danny Bernstein, CEO of Reservoir. “This multi-year commitment gives startups greater access to the infrastructure, field conditions and strategic relationships they need to prove the value of rugged AI for commercial agriculture faster.” Earlier this year, Western Growers announced its own three-year commitment to Reservoir. Together, the Deere and Western Growers commitments give Reservoir the strategic backing and grower relationships needed to advance its field-based model for rugged AI innovation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4605/zenatechs-zenadrone-begins-testing-autonomous-drone-for-precision-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4605/zenatechs-zenadrone-begins-testing-autonomous-drone-for-precision-agriculture.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:40:00 +0530 ZenaTech is taking its autonomous drone business deeper into agriculture, moving a new eight-motor aircraft from prototype development toward field testing as demand grows for faster and more precise ways to spray crops and distribute seed. The Vancouver-based technology company said its ZenaDrone subsidiary has completed the initial Version 1 prototype of the IQ Octo, a medium-sized autonomous drone designed specifically for precision spraying and seeding. The company expects field testing to begin at its Arizona facility in the coming weeks. The move expands ZenaDrone’s IQ Series beyond its existing applications and gives ZenaTech another potential market for its Drone as a Service, or DaaS, model. Rather than relying solely on equipment sales, the company is positioning autonomous drones as an ongoing service for agricultural operators and other commercial users. The opportunity is significant as farmers look for alternatives to conventional machinery for crop treatment and planting. Agricultural drones can operate in wet fields, difficult terrain and standing crops where tractors and other heavy equipment may be less practical. They can also reduce the need for fuel, labour and water while limiting soil compaction and physical crop damage. The IQ Octo is being developed around those operating advantages. Its octocopter configuration uses eight motors and is battery powered, with an expected flight time of approximately 20 to 25 minutes per charge. The Version 1 aircraft is designed to carry as much as 25 kilograms of either liquid or seed. Its agricultural configuration can be adapted for different jobs. For spraying, the aircraft will carry a liquid tank fitted with spray nozzles. For seeding, it will use a hopper and spreader. Once a flight path has been programmed, the drone is designed to fly at low altitude over fields and apply liquid treatments or distribute seed at controlled rates. That ability to deliver inputs in a targeted manner is central to the precision-agriculture proposition. Instead of treating an entire field with heavy machinery, drone-based application can allow farmers to reach specific areas and work around terrain or crop conditions that make conventional equipment difficult to deploy. For ZenaTech, however, agriculture is only part of the longer-term plan for the IQ Octo. The company expects a Version 2 of the aircraft to incorporate additional capabilities, including solar-panel maintenance, autonomous refilling, swarm operations and a folding design. The solar-maintenance application could broaden the addressable market beyond agriculture, particularly as large solar installations create a growing need for inspection and maintenance services. Combining agricultural and energy-related applications could also improve the utilisation of a drone fleet operating under a service-based model. The company is building the IQ Octo around the same broader shift that is reshaping the commercial drone market: moving autonomous aircraft from specialised equipment toward repeatable, service-based operations. For agriculture, that means the value proposition is not simply the drone itself but the ability to carry out planting and crop-treatment work with greater precision and potentially lower operating costs. ZenaTech has cited industry forecasts projecting more than 30% annual growth in the precision-agriculture drone market over the next five years. The company is seeking to position its IQ Series to participate in that expansion while creating recurring revenue opportunities through its DaaS business. The immediate focus, however, remains proving the aircraft in the field. The Version 1 prototype will need to demonstrate that it can safely handle payloads of up to 25 kilograms, maintain stable flight and deliver consistent application rates under real agricultural conditions. The Arizona testing programme will therefore be an important step for ZenaTech as it moves the IQ Octo from engineering development into practical deployment. Results from those trials are expected to shape further development of the aircraft and its planned Version 2 configuration. The company has not yet provided commercial launch timelines or detailed pricing for the agricultural service. For now, the strategy is centred on developing the aircraft, validating its performance and building out a broader autonomous-drone portfolio. The timing reflects a wider change in agriculture. Labour shortages, rising machinery costs, pressure to use farm inputs more efficiently and the need to operate across increasingly challenging field conditions are creating room for autonomous systems that can perform repetitive tasks with less dependence on conventional equipment. If the IQ Octo can translate its prototype specifications into reliable field performance, ZenaTech could have a platform capable of serving more than one market. Agriculture provides an immediate use case in spraying and seeding, while future solar-maintenance capabilities could extend the aircraft into another growing infrastructure market. For now, the next milestone is straightforward: getting the prototype into the field. The results of those tests will determine how quickly ZenaTech can move the IQ Octo toward commercial deployment and whether its DaaS model can turn autonomous agricultural operations into a scalable recurring business. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4604/aflabox-targets-africa-with-1-35-mn-to-scale-portable-aflatoxin-detection.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4604/aflabox-targets-africa-with-1-35-mn-to-scale-portable-aflatoxin-detection.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:31:10 +0530 Aflatoxin testing is often a race against time. Agricultural commodities can move from farms to collection centres and processors long before laboratory results are available, leaving farmers, traders and food companies to make quality and purchasing decisions with limited information. Italian AgTech startup Aflabox is trying to close that gap. The company has raised €1.35 million in a seed funding round to scale a portable system designed to detect mycotoxins, assess grain quality and generate field-level data in less than 90 seconds. The round was completed through FoodSeed, the agrifood startup programme within CDP Venture Capital’s National Accelerator Network and managed by Eatable Adventures. Farming Future, the National Agrifood Tech Technology Transfer Hub promoted by CDP Venture Capital SGR in partnership with ToSeed & Partners, also participated. Founded in July 2024 by Fabrizio Cardillo and Luca Alinovi, Aflabox is developing what it describes as a field intelligence platform rather than a conventional testing device. The system combines UV and white-light imaging with artificial intelligence, geolocated data collection and cloud-based dashboards to provide rapid assessments of agricultural samples. The underlying problem is particularly significant in regions where access to specialised laboratories is limited. Conventional mycotoxin testing can require laboratory equipment, qualified personnel and turnaround times ranging from several hours to several days. That makes frequent testing difficult at farms, collection points and other locations where crops first enter the commercial supply chain. Aflatoxins are among the most serious mycotoxin-related food-safety concerns. Contamination can affect human health, reduce the quality and value of agricultural commodities and prevent products from meeting requirements for domestic or international markets. For producers and buyers, the financial consequences can extend from rejected consignments to lost market opportunities. Aflabox is seeking to move at least part of that testing process out of the laboratory and into everyday agricultural operations. Its system captures sample information through UV and white-light imaging and processes those signals through AI models before producing a digital result. The company says each scan takes less than 90 seconds, while the associated geolocation data can be added to a growing database of information on quality, contamination and agricultural risk. That creates several potential use cases across the supply chain. Farmers can use the system to assess crop quality in the field. Aggregators and collection centres can use test results when purchasing or storing commodities, while traders can gain additional information before making commercial decisions. For food processors and exporters, the technology could support quality control, traceability and market-access requirements. At the institutional level, the same data could help governments, donors and international organisations identify areas with elevated contamination risks and target food-safety programmes more effectively. The business case therefore extends beyond faster testing. Aflabox is also building a data infrastructure around those tests, with the aim of turning individual field measurements into a broader picture of agricultural quality and contamination patterns. The company has already begun testing that proposition in the market. It has supplied 20 devices to the World Food Programme in Kenya and presented its technology at the Cereal Millers Association Annual Technical Conference in April 2026 as it began its commercial development. Aflabox has also completed an initial validation phase for its AI-based technology and filed a patent application covering its solution. Africa is a key part of the company’s expansion plans. Aflabox is headquartered in Italy and operates in Nairobi through Aflazero Ltd, giving it a base from which to develop its business in African agricultural markets while maintaining its European operations. The new funding will be used to complete validation and certification of the device, expand commercial activity in Kenya, Nigeria and Italy and begin development of a micro-factory dedicated to manufacturing Aflabox units. The company also plans to invest in its AI platform, improve detection accuracy, expand its distribution network across Africa and Europe and strengthen its team. For Aflabox, the move into Africa is not simply an expansion into another geographic market. It is closely tied to the problem the company is attempting to solve. In agricultural regions where laboratory infrastructure is uneven and supply chains are highly dispersed, the ability to generate quality information closer to the point of production could have a greater commercial value. The potential impact is also broader than the individual farmer. A rapid test at a collection centre, for example, could influence whether a commodity is purchased, stored, processed or rejected. At the exporter level, faster quality information could help determine whether a shipment meets market requirements. At the government level, aggregated data could provide a more detailed picture of contamination risks across producing regions. This gives Aflabox a potentially larger opportunity than the market for portable testing equipment alone. The more measurements the system generates, the more valuable its underlying data infrastructure could become for monitoring quality and risk across agricultural supply chains. However, scaling the model will require more than proving that rapid testing can be performed outside a laboratory. Aflabox will need to demonstrate consistent performance across different crops, environments and operating conditions while completing certification and establishing a reliable manufacturing and distribution network. The company is now entering that next stage. The €1.35 million round gives Aflabox capital to move from early technology validation toward commercial deployment, while its initial work with the World Food Programme and its presence in Kenya provide an early foothold in the market. The broader opportunity comes as food businesses and agricultural supply chains face growing pressure to improve food safety, traceability and quality assurance. Technologies that can produce reliable information at the point where commodities are produced and traded could become increasingly important as supply chains become more data-driven. Aflabox’s approach combines that trend with a specific food-safety problem. By bringing imaging and AI-based analysis closer to farms and collection centres, the company is attempting to make contamination data available when commercial decisions are still being made, rather than after commodities have already moved through the supply chain. The next test for the Italian startup will be whether it can turn that technical proposition into a scalable business across Africa and Europe. Its new funding will now support the certification, manufacturing, distribution and AI improvements needed to make that transition. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4591/bioscouts-next-growth-phase-starts-with-a6-75-mn-raise.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4591/bioscouts-next-growth-phase-starts-with-a6-75-mn-raise.html Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:57:40 +0530 Australian agtech company BioScout has raised A$6.75 million in fresh capital to accelerate international expansion of its crop disease-surveillance technology, as growers increasingly look for ways to identify fungal threats before they become costly outbreaks. The latest funding round marks another step in the evolution of the University of Sydney spinout, which has developed an in-field monitoring network designed to detect airborne agricultural pathogens in real time. BioScout says its technology is aimed at addressing a persistent problem in crop production: farmers often have to treat disease risks before they can see them. Fungal disease is estimated to account for around 20 per cent of global food losses each year, while growers collectively spend approximately $25 billion annually on fungicides. BioScout's approach is built around providing earlier information about disease pressure, allowing farmers to make more targeted decisions about when and where crop protection products are required. The company currently has more than 250 sensors operating across five continents. Designed and manufactured at BioScout's facility in Marrickville, Sydney, the units continuously analyse the air for more than 40 airborne agricultural threats. The company says the technology can help growers reduce fungicide spraying costs by up to 50 per cent, with potential savings running into thousands of dollars per hectare depending on the crop and disease pressure. The new capital will support BioScout's international growth and the expansion of its surveillance network to 1,000 sensors by 2029. The ambition is to establish coverage across major agricultural production regions worldwide, creating a larger disease-monitoring network capable of generating increasingly valuable real-time information for growers. The funding round was co-led by Demea Sustainable Investment and Astanor, with additional participation from GrainInnovate, on behalf of the Grains Research and Development Corporation, GrainCorp Ventures, Hort Innovation, Artesian and Division Q. For BioScout, the investment represents a transition from building and validating the technology to scaling its deployment across global agriculture. Its sensors are designed to provide growers with information that can complement conventional crop scouting and weather-based disease forecasting, potentially allowing crop protection decisions to become more precise. The expansion also reflects a broader shift in agriculture toward technologies that can reduce unnecessary input use while maintaining yields. As regulatory pressure, input costs and sustainability expectations reshape crop protection, the ability to identify disease risks earlier could become increasingly important. BioScout's growth illustrates how agricultural technology is moving from simply digitising farm records toward creating continuous streams of field-level biological data. By monitoring what is present in the air around crops, the company is seeking to give growers a clearer picture of disease risk before symptoms become visible in the field. With its latest funding, the company now faces the larger challenge of taking that proposition from hundreds of sensors to a truly global network. If it succeeds, BioScout could turn real-time airborne disease surveillance into a more standard part of crop-management decisions across major agricultural markets. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4580/moa-technology-secures-900000-defra-funding-to-develop-new-blackgrass-herbicides.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4580/moa-technology-secures-900000-defra-funding-to-develop-new-blackgrass-herbicides.html Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:45:11 +0530 Moa Technology has secured more than £900,000 in non-dilutive funding from the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) to accelerate the development of new herbicides for controlling blackgrass, one of the most persistent and costly weed problems facing English arable farmers. The funding comes through the Farming Innovation Investor Partnership (FIIP), delivered by Innovate UK in partnership with Defra. It will support Moa's advanced blackgrass control programmes as the company works to move several new herbicide candidates closer to commercialisation. The government funding has been matched by nearly £2 million from Oxford Science Enterprises, taking the combined investment behind the programmes to almost £3 million. For farmers, the timing is significant. Blackgrass has become increasingly difficult to control as populations resistant to existing herbicides have spread across parts of the UK. The weed competes aggressively with cereal crops, reducing yields while forcing farmers to spend more on crop protection and other control measures. Rothamsted Research estimates that blackgrass already costs UK agriculture hundreds of millions of pounds each year through lost production and higher input costs. If herbicide resistance continues to spread without effective new control options, annual losses could reach £1 billion. The problem is not simply the presence of blackgrass. It is the shrinking number of tools farmers can rely on to control it. Novel herbicide modes of action are widely regarded as an important part of the response to resistance. Yet no new herbicide mode of action has become available to English farmers in the past 35 years, according to Moa. That gap has created a difficult situation for cereal growers. Once weeds develop resistance to commonly used herbicides, farmers have fewer chemical options and must increasingly rely on combinations of cultural practices, crop rotations and existing chemistry to keep populations under control. Moa is attempting to address that problem by developing herbicides that work in different ways from existing products. The company was founded in 2017 as a spinout from the University of Oxford and has built its discovery platform around identifying previously unexplored herbicidal modes of action. It says several candidates have already demonstrated consistent performance over five seasons of field trials in England and international locations. One of the company's most advanced programmes is a post-emergence herbicide that has shown strong activity against English blackgrass in cereal crops during both glasshouse and field trials. The distinction between pre-emergence and post-emergence control is important for growers. A post-emergence product can be applied after weeds have emerged, potentially giving farmers another opportunity to control blackgrass during the growing season. The new Defra funding will allow Moa to accelerate development of its most advanced programmes and build a portfolio of potential products rather than relying on a single herbicide candidate. The objective is to produce new tools that can combine effective blackgrass control with safety, affordability and a practical fit within modern farming systems. Farming Minister Stephen Morgan said the government recognised the scale of the challenge facing arable farmers. "Blackgrass is one of the toughest challenges facing our arable farmers, reducing yields and making it harder to grow crops," Morgan said. He said government support for Moa's work formed part of a wider effort to increase investment in agricultural innovation, with farming innovation funding rising to £123 million this year. "By investing in innovation and backing the brilliant researchers and businesses developing solutions for farmers, we're helping to build a more productive, sustainable and resilient farming sector for the future," Morgan said. For Moa, the award provides public backing at a point when its research is moving from discovery towards the expensive stages of development required to establish whether new herbicide candidates can ultimately reach farmers. Dr Virginia Corless, Chief Executive Officer of Moa Technology, said the funding would accelerate development of novel herbicides and give English farmers new options for tackling blackgrass. "Winning this funding award from the Farming Innovation Investor Partnership enables us to accelerate the development of novel herbicides which offer English farmers genuine hope in the fight to control blackgrass," Corless said. The company's development pipeline is also attracting private-sector support. Oxford Science Enterprises has committed nearly £2 million to match the Defra funding, while Moa recently raised £22.2 million in a Series C financing round to support its next stage of growth. The combination of public funding, private investment and partnerships with agricultural companies reflects the scale of investment required to bring a genuinely new crop protection product to market. Moa already has four research and development partnerships with major agriculture and crop protection companies in the United States, Europe and Australia. Those relationships could provide potential routes to broader development, regulatory approval and eventual commercial distribution if the company's leading herbicide programmes continue to perform. The company's research operations are based in Oxford and North Yorkshire, keeping its development work close to the UK farming conditions where blackgrass is a major problem. The focus on blackgrass also gives Moa a clearly defined commercial problem to solve. Unlike some crop protection markets where farmers have multiple products and modes of action available, blackgrass control in England has become increasingly constrained by resistance. That makes a genuinely new mode of action potentially valuable. However, moving from field performance to a commercially available herbicide remains a long process. Candidates must pass further efficacy testing, safety assessments, manufacturing development and regulatory review before they can be sold to growers. The Defra award is therefore an important step, rather than the final stage. For English farmers, the potential payoff is considerable. A new herbicide mode of action could add another layer to integrated blackgrass management and help slow the erosion of existing chemistry by reducing reliance on the same herbicide groups. It could also give farmers more flexibility when managing fields where resistant blackgrass has become difficult to control. The economics are equally important. Blackgrass does not simply reduce the yield of the crop it competes with. It can increase the cost of production by forcing growers to invest more heavily in weed control, alter rotations or take heavily infested fields out of cereal production altogether. As resistance spreads, those costs can compound. Moa's work is therefore aimed at a problem that sits at the intersection of farm productivity, crop protection and agricultural economics. The company's challenge now is to turn its field results into products that can withstand the demands of commercial agriculture. The Defra and Oxford Science Enterprises funding gives Moa additional resources to move its leading candidates through that process. Its recent Series C financing provides another source of capital as the company expands its pipeline and partnerships. If the programmes continue to deliver the performance seen in trials so far, Moa could become one of the companies helping to reopen the pipeline of new herbicide chemistry for British agriculture. For farmers dealing with resistant blackgrass, that pipeline cannot move quickly enough. After decades without a new herbicide mode of action reaching English fields, the prospect of another effective tool could have an impact far beyond a single product. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4562/sifly-aviation-raises-20-mn-to-scale-long-endurance-electric-drones-for-agriculture-infrastructure-and-public-safety.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4562/sifly-aviation-raises-20-mn-to-scale-long-endurance-electric-drones-for-agriculture-infrastructure-and-public-safety.html Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:26:26 +0530 SiFly Aviation has raised $20 million in Series A financing as the drone maker moves to scale production of its long-endurance Q12 electric aircraft and expand its technology into commercial applications ranging from agriculture and infrastructure inspection to public safety. The round was led by Shield Capital, with participation from Qudit, BBK Capital and Alumni Ventures, among others. The company plans to use the capital to expand U.S. manufacturing, strengthen its domestic supply chain, accelerate customer deliveries and build the commercial infrastructure needed to support wider deployment of the Q12. At the centre of SiFly’s strategy is a simple proposition: drones that can stay airborne significantly longer can cover more ground with fewer aircraft, operators and launches. The Q12 is designed to combine the vertical takeoff, landing and hovering capabilities of a multirotor with the efficiency and range associated with fixed-wing aircraft. SiFly says the platform can fly four to five times longer and up to 10 times farther than leading enterprise drones, while carrying payloads of up to 10 pounds. The company has validated the aircraft through thousands of flights and hundreds of hours of testing. In one flight, the Q12 remained airborne for 3 hours, 11 minutes and 54 seconds, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest flight by an electric multirotor aircraft in its weight class. “Most multirotor drones were designed for short flights close to the operator. We built the Q12 to combine the agility, precision hover and vertical takeoff and landing of a multirotor drone with the efficiency, range and speed of a fixed-wing aircraft,” said Brian Hinman, founder and CEO of SiFly. “This financing allows us to scale production, fulfill our growing backlog and support successful customer deployments.” For agriculture, endurance can translate directly into operational efficiency. A drone capable of remaining in the air for longer periods can map and analyse more acreage in a single mission, potentially reducing the number of aircraft, launches and operators required to complete the same work. The opportunity extends beyond farming. Utilities and infrastructure operators can use longer-range aircraft to inspect greater distances per flight, while public safety agencies can maintain aerial coverage for longer periods during emergencies. SiFly is also developing DronePort, a multi-drone infrastructure system designed to extend the capabilities of autonomous and remotely operated drone deployments. The company will use part of the new financing to continue development and field validation of the system. For public safety applications, the combination of Q12 and DronePort could support more persistent Drone-as-First-Responder operations, allowing agencies to deploy aerial systems for surveillance and response without relying entirely on conventional crewed aircraft or keeping personnel in the air. The funding arrives as commercial and government buyers are placing greater emphasis on domestic drone manufacturing and resilient supply chains. Geopolitical tensions and concerns over dependence on overseas components have increased interest in U.S.-manufactured alternatives, particularly for mission-critical applications. SiFly is positioning its domestic production capabilities alongside the Q12’s endurance as part of that pitch. Rather than competing solely on aircraft specifications, the company is targeting applications where the economics of each mission matter—whether that means inspecting more infrastructure, responding faster to an incident or covering more farmland in a single flight. “For drone operators, greater endurance translates into faster response, broader coverage and lower cost per mission,” said Ray Rothrock of Shield Capital. “SiFly is positioned to redefine how drones are used across mission-critical applications—including public safety, critical infrastructure and agriculture—where value is directly tied to the productive work each aircraft can deliver.” The next phase will be about turning technical performance into repeatable commercial deployments. SiFly plans to increase Q12 production, expand manufacturing and supply-chain capacity, support initial customer deliveries and strengthen its go-to-market and customer-operations capabilities. The company will also continue developing DronePort and building the regulatory capabilities needed to support broader adoption. For SiFly, the larger opportunity is not simply to build a drone that flies longer. It is to change the economics of how commercial drones are used. If a single aircraft can stay in the air for hours, cover substantially more territory and carry meaningful payloads, the value proposition shifts from owning more drones to getting more productive work from each one. That distinction could prove particularly important in agriculture and infrastructure, where the cost of operating a drone is measured not only by the aircraft itself, but by the people, time and logistics required to keep it working.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4561/alveo-and-agrinerds-build-data-driven-early-warning-system-for-avian-influenza.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4561/alveo-and-agrinerds-build-data-driven-early-warning-system-for-avian-influenza.html Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:11:01 +0530  AlveoTechnologies, Inc., a global leader in rapid, point-of-need molecular diagnostics for early disease detection, today announced a strategic partnership with AgriNerds Inc, which has developed the Waterfowl Alert Network, a first-of-its-kind dynamic surveillance and awareness program that predicts historic and daily waterfowl activity around the nation's poultry and livestock farms. The partnership will pair Alveo's unique, rapid, molecular diagnostic with AgriNerds' Waterfowl Alert Network, a proprietary system that uses a combination of satellite imagery, weather radar, and telemetry to create daily farm-level HPAI risk scores based on remote sensing and HPAI surveillance data. To defend against HPAI and otherpathogens, poultry producers have heavily invested in strengthening their biosecurity programs, but farms continue to suffer from HPAI outbreaks triggered by migratory birds, which is the source of infection for 68 per cent of US H5N1 outbreaks since 2022, according to the APHIS. Currently, producers typically take one of two strategies for testing. Most test only when animals display flu-like symptoms, but this approach risks detecting the virus too late to prevent it from spreading. Some conduct periodic blind surveillance testing, which has the advantage of enabling early detection, but can be expensive. Alveo and AgriNerds are partnering to develop a new rapid and targeted approach: dynamic surveillance that alerts farmers when the risk of infection is high. AgriNerds' Waterfowl Alert Network will use radar imagery to detect migratory bird movements, analyze the data using AI-powered pattern recognition software, and generate daily risk scores it shares with customers. When risk escalates, Alveo's on-farm molecular test will help farms to conduct asymptomatic surveillance testing that provides precise results in under an hour, as opposed to waiting days for traditional PCR results to arrive from a lab. This targeted, risk-based testing approach is designed to lower costs and increase effectiveness, so farmers can detect thevirus early and reduce its spread. “To stop the spread of HPAI, producers need tools that will enable them to monitor risk and, when it’s elevated, employ rapid, accurate tests so they can take quick action and prevent further infection," said Shaun Holt, CEO of Alveo Technologies “This dynamic solution will aggregate and simplify rich data from AgriNerds’ and deliver sophisticated risk assessments to users phones in a simple red, yellow and green format. They can then run surveillance tests based on informed risk and rapidly respond if bird flu is detected.” The two organizations will use this feedback loop to strengthen the accuracy of risk assessments over time. As positive and negative test data accumulate across regions and seasons, both the risk alerts and testing guidance will become increasingly precise and valuable, securing the nation’s food supply as well as producers’ businesses. "Biosecurity extends far beyond the facility's fence line," said Maurice Pitesky, professor at UC Davis and CEO and co-founder of AgriNerds. "Our Waterfowl Alert Network gives farmers visibility into the dynamic risk landscape around their operations. When paired with Alveo's testing capability and rapid results, farmers can respond to real risks in real time. In this way, agriculture can move past reactive disease management to adopt a proactive, risk-informed approach." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4560/cropx-acquires-scio-to-build-self-improving-intelligence-platform-from-soil-to-harvest.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4560/cropx-acquires-scio-to-build-self-improving-intelligence-platform-from-soil-to-harvest.html Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:02:48 +0530 CropX Technologies, a global leader in digital agronomy solutions, announced today the acquisition of SCIO, a global leader in portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for agriculture and the food industry. Together, the companies connect intelligence across the agricultural lifecycle from soil and crop development to harvest, quality analysis and post-harvest operations. SCIO adds laboratory-grade measurement of crop quality and composition, connecting CropX’s agronomic recommendations with real-world outcomes. This creates a continuous feedback loop where measured outcomes can strengthen future insights and recommendations laying the foundation for a self-improving agronomic intelligence platform. SCIO brings to CropX a strong portfolio of enterprise customers, expanding CropX’s reach across the global agricultural value chain. SCIO also brings one of the industry’s most differentiated sensing technologies, protected by 44 granted patents. Beyond its technology, SCIO adds a rapidly growing SaaS business with a clear path to profitability. Combined with meaningful commercial synergies and cross-selling opportunities, the acquisition strengthens CropX strategically, commercially and financially. The company has raised $64M since its inception. “The future of agronomy isn’t just about making recommendations. It’s learning from outcomes,” said Tomer Tzach, CEO of CropX. “SCIO gives us the missing piece. By connecting agronomic recommendations with harvest and quality outcomes, we’re laying the foundation for a new generation of agronomic intelligence and accelerating our vision of building agriculture’s most comprehensive intelligence platform.” “Joining CropX gives SCIO the opportunity to bring our technology to a much broader global market,” said Avi Rosenbaum, Head of Sales at SCIO. “CropX’s global reach, strong customer relationships and established presence across agriculture can accelerate adoption of our technology and open significant new opportunities worldwide.” Headquartered in the United States, SCIO shares the same innovation-driven DNA as CropX. Together, the companies are shaping the next generation of agronomic intelligence. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4559/breedr-raises-27-mn-to-build-digital-record-for-every-cow-from-farm-to-retail.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4559/breedr-raises-27-mn-to-build-digital-record-for-every-cow-from-farm-to-retail.html Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:46:05 +0530 Breedr, the platform giving every cow a digital record that follows it from birth to the supermarket shelf, today announced it has raised $27 million in Series B funding led by Partech, through its impact fund, with participation from Latitude, the growth-stage fund of seed investor LocalGlobe, and Outsiders Fund, which led the company’s Series A. The round takes total funding to $46.6 million and will be used to grow the team, bring more ranchers and farmers onto the platform and enhance the platform to capture more data points such as genomic data. Partech’s Arnaud Minvielle and Latitude’s Remus Brett will join Breedr’s board. With more than 1.3 billion cattle in the world, Breedr’s ambition is to become the system of record for every major livestock-producing region, producing higher quality, more sustainable beef. More than two million cattle are already on the platform with close to $500 million of livestock transacted this year, and customers range from family ranches to operations handling more than 100,000 cattle a year. The US cattle herd began 2026 at its lowest level since 1951 and this year's calf crop is projected to be the smallest on record, while demand for beef keeps rising. To close that gap, the industry must get more from every animal - hard to do when most beef is still raised on paper records. Breedr gives every animal a digital record- its weight, health and family history, updated at each of the three or four farms and ranches an animal typically passes through during its lifespan. Instead of selling at auction, where buyers judge an animal by eye, producers trade on Breedr's marketplace, where every animal comes with its digital record and fees are lower. Breedr’s growth prediction model uses AI to help inform the optimum point of sale. A separate cattle fund managed by Breedr advances cash against livestock, so producers can unlock money tied up in animals they're still raising. As the digital record stays with the animal, beef producers can see how it is growing at every stage, resulting in getting cattle to market weight up to five months sooner than the previous guesswork approach, earning producers more than $500 per animal. The decreased time it takes to go to market also means the cattle produce less methane - a reduction Breedr estimates at 20 to 30 per cent per animal. Breedr was founded in the UK in 2018 by Ian Wheal, who grew up on a cattle farm in Australia, where his father built one of the country’s first cattle cooperatives, before studying at London Business School and working in consulting and technology. The company has been headquartered in Texas since 2022 when Wheal relocated and operates across the US, UK and Australia, with a growing presence in New Zealand and Europe. Ian Wheal, founder and CEO of Breedr, commented: “We built Breedr to bring value back to the people who raise the cattle. Demand for beef is climbing while the herd is the smallest it has been in 75 years. The industry has to get more value from every animal, and you cannot do that on paper. "If you have bought beef from a major retailer in the United States or UK, there is a good chance it has moved through a Breedr-powered supply chain. We already do the same in Australia and New Zealand, and this round enables us to expand connected supply chains globally - where every animal tells its own story and every producer gets paid for the quality they raise." Arnaud Minvielle, General Partner at Partech, added: “Beef is one of the most complex decarbonization problems there is. Breedr cuts emissions while helping producers become more profitable. Ian and the Breedr team are building the transaction layer for one of the world’s largest unmodernized markets, earning revenue every time an animal changes hands. That alignment between the commercial engine and the environmental outcome is exactly what our impact fund exists to back. We truly believe that Ian, being an insider from this industry, and his team can fundamentally transform this value chain with data intelligence.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4545/agdevco-ventures-makes-49-mn-first-close-for-african-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4545/agdevco-ventures-makes-49-mn-first-close-for-african-agriculture.html Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:46:36 +0530 AgDevCo Ventures, a subsidiary of AgDevCo, has announced a first close of $49 million to address a critical financing gap facing early-stage agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises across Africa. The new investment initiative will provide investments ranging from $1 million to $3 million to early-stage farming and agriprocessing companies that often struggle to access long-term capital. The objective is to help build the next generation of African agribusinesses capable of delivering positive impact at scale. AgDevCo Ventures complements AgDevCo’s main investment strategy, which focuses on later-stage companies with larger capital requirements. By expanding into earlier-stage businesses, the new platform aims to address a segment of the agricultural investment market where the gap in financing provision remains particularly significant. The $49 million first close has been supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and a consortium of senior lenders led by the Isenberg Family Charitable Foundation. IFAD is providing $10 million in subordinated debt funding. The senior lender consortium, which includes the Small Foundation, A to Z Impact, the Rabo Foundation and Netri Fundación Privada, is contributing $11.25 million. The external capital has leveraged a further $28 million equity injection from AgDevCo, using funds provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). AgDevCo Ventures is now fully operational under the leadership of Christine Mwangi, who has spent six years with AgDevCo’s East African team in Nairobi. Its board and investment committee include experienced investors from East Africa, including Maurice Nduranu, Ezra Musoke, Kim Kamarebe and Abel Boreto. The platform expects to announce its first investments later in 2026. Over the next decade, AgDevCo Ventures is expected to benefit more than 128,000 smallholder farmers and create approximately 2,900 full-time jobs. Donal Brown, Associate Vice-President at IFAD, said: “IFAD is pleased to provide an investment of USD 10 million to AgDevCo Ventures Limited. As one of the main investors, IFAD expects AgDevCo Ventures’ strategic investments into inclusive agricultural companies to support rural transformation in East Africa and complement IFAD’s current work.” He added that IFAD’s role in attracting private investors into the AgDevCo Ventures structure demonstrated its commitment to working with the private sector to advance rural development. Stefan Freeman, Head of Investments at Ceniarth, speaking on behalf of the consortium of senior lenders, said: “AgDevCo Ventures fills a critical financing gap for high-potential but underserved agri-SMEs.” He said the platform’s approach combines an early-stage investment focus with long-term, flexible mezzanine financing and tailored technical assistance—an area where patient, concessional capital and blended finance can play an important role. Kirsty McNeill MP, UK Minister of State for International Development and Africa, said the UK was backing ambitious agribusinesses across Africa to access the investment needed to grow, create jobs and strengthen food security and supply chains. “We've done just that with AgDevCo Ventures, helping to bring on board other investors to back Africa's growing companies and expertise,” she said. Daniel Hulls, AgDevCo CEO and Chair of AgDevCo Ventures, said the new platform was a core part of AgDevCo’s overall strategy. “We are grateful to the funders that are joining us,” Hulls said. “AgDevCo Ventures is a core part of our overall strategy. It returns us to the part of the market where we started almost two decades ago, where the gap in investment provision is most striking.” He added that bringing private investors into the funding round would enable development finance to go further. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4530/computomics-raises-6-3-million-series-b-to-scale-climate-smart-crop-breeding-platform.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4530/computomics-raises-6-3-million-series-b-to-scale-climate-smart-crop-breeding-platform.html Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:58:14 +0530 Computomics GmbH has raised €6.3 million in new equity in a Series B financing round led by Convent Capital Agri Food Fund, which invested €5 million, as the German agricultural technology company prepares to scale commercial delivery of its climate-smart crop breeding platform. Existing investors, including High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), MBG Baden-Württemberg and Amathaon Capital, also participated in the round, alongside Computomics’ founders and scientific advisers. The new capital will be used to expand the commercial delivery of Computomics’ technology, which uses machine learning to help crop breeders predict how different plant genotypes are likely to perform under specific environmental conditions. The company’s technology combines genomic information with environmental variables, including temperature, rainfall and soil conditions, as well as field measurements. The objective is to give breeders greater insight into how candidate varieties could perform under increasingly variable growing conditions before those varieties go through years of conventional field testing. The financing arrives as European agriculture faces mounting pressure from heat and drought. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has revised down its 2026 yield forecasts for spring and summer crops, with particularly significant reductions for maize and sunflower. France is also heading towards one of its weakest maize harvests in decades, highlighting the growing challenge for breeders seeking to develop varieties capable of maintaining performance under harsher environmental conditions. For Computomics, the changing climate is accelerating the need to modernise how crop varieties are selected. “Breeders have never lacked ambition about climate resilience. What they have lacked is a way to see it before the field tells them, which takes years they no longer have,” said Dr. Sebastian J. Schultheiss, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Computomics. “This financing is about getting that capability into far more breeding programs, faster,” Schultheiss added. Using AI to predict crop performance Computomics has developed machine learning models designed to predict the interaction between a plant’s genetics and its growing environment. Traditional breeding programmes can require extensive field trials across multiple locations and seasons to determine whether a candidate variety is sufficiently resilient and stable. Computomics aims to complement that process by allowing breeders to analyse genetic and environmental information computationally and identify promising candidates earlier. The company’s ×SeedScore platform runs these predictions at the scale of commercial breeding programmes. The technology can help breeders assess questions such as which candidates are likely to maintain performance under hotter and drier conditions, which varieties demonstrate consistent performance across multiple environments and where a particular variety may be best suited for cultivation. The approach is designed to help breeders move beyond simply identifying the highest-performing candidate in a single environment and instead understand how genetics interact with different environmental conditions. Computomics works with commercial breeders across field crops, forages, vegetables and specialty crops. Climate pressure raises urgency for breeders The Series B financing comes against a backdrop of increasing climate volatility across European agriculture. Higher temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and more frequent periods of drought are complicating the development of crop varieties that can perform consistently across different growing environments. The challenge is compounded by the time required to bring new varieties to market. Crop varieties currently entering commercial production were often developed using breeding programmes and environmental assumptions that reflect a different climate from the one farmers are increasingly experiencing. Computomics believes predictive breeding can help shorten the feedback loop between genetic selection and real-world performance. By incorporating environmental data into breeding decisions, the company aims to help breeders identify varieties with resilience traits before they are fully validated through multiple seasons of field trials. Convent Capital leads Series B Convent Capital Agri Food Fund led the financing with a €5 million investment, signalling investor confidence in the intersection of agricultural technology, artificial intelligence and climate resilience. Stephen McLoughlin, Partner at Convent Capital Agri Food Fund, said the company’s commercial model is closely linked to its potential environmental impact. “We back companies whose environmental impact grows with their commercial success,” McLoughlin said. “Better breeding predictions mean fewer wasted seasons and varieties that hold up in the field, so the impact case and the business case point the same way. That alignment is why we led this round,” he added. The participation of Computomics’ existing investors provides continuity as the company moves from technology development towards broader commercial deployment. Existing investors back next stage of growth High-Tech Gründerfonds, MBG Baden-Württemberg and Amathaon Capital participated in the Series B, alongside founders and scientific advisers. HTGF has backed Computomics since its seed stage and views AI-enabled breeding as an important technology for adapting agriculture to climate change. “AI-based breeding of stress-resistant crops is part of the German federal government's High-Tech Agenda for good reason: it is one of the levers that matter most as the climate shifts,” said Dr. Frank Hensel, Principal at High-Tech Gründerfonds. “HTGF has supported Computomics since the seed phase and congratulates the team on this growth financing,” Hensel added. The latest investment provides Computomics with additional capital to expand the reach of its technology among commercial breeding organisations and strengthen the company’s ability to translate complex genetic and environmental datasets into practical breeding decisions. From climate-smart breeding to commercial scale The Series B marks another step in Computomics’ effort to make data-driven breeding a more integral part of commercial crop development. The company is targeting a fundamental challenge for agriculture: developing crops that can maintain productivity as the environmental conditions under which they are grown become less predictable. Rather than replacing conventional field trials, Computomics’ platform is designed to give breeders additional information earlier in the selection process, potentially allowing them to focus costly testing and development resources on the most promising candidates. The company’s technology therefore sits at the intersection of AI, genomics, agricultural data and climate adaptation. With €6.3 million of new equity, Computomics now plans to expand commercial delivery of its platform and bring predictive breeding capabilities to more breeding programmes. The financing also benefits from support from the European Union under the InvestEU Fund, adding a European policy dimension to efforts to accelerate technologies that can strengthen agricultural resilience. As climate pressure intensifies across European farmland, the ability to predict which crop varieties can withstand heat, drought and changing environments could become an increasingly important competitive advantage for breeders—and a critical tool for farmers seeking more reliable yields. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4529/queensland-invests-2-mn-in-cattle-breeding-startup-nbryo-to-accelerate-genetic-gains.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4529/queensland-invests-2-mn-in-cattle-breeding-startup-nbryo-to-accelerate-genetic-gains.html Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:53:14 +0530 The Queensland Government is investing $2 million in Brisbane-based cattle breeding technology company Nbryo, marking the first investment announced under the state’s $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund. The investment, managed by Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), will support Nbryo’s efforts to develop and commercialise embryo production technologies designed to accelerate genetic improvement in cattle while making advanced breeding tools more accessible and affordable to producers. Founded in 2024, Nbryo is developing a platform that combines in vitro embryo production with bio-digital and robotic technologies to enable the production of high-quality embryos at scale. The company’s ambition is to compress what would traditionally require years of conventional breeding into a significantly shorter cycle. Its technology platform is designed around the potential to achieve seven years’ worth of breeding progress within a seven-day in-vitro embryo production cycle. The Queensland Government said the investment will help Nbryo move its technology towards commercial deployment and expand access to superior livestock genetics for beef and dairy producers. “Queensland has an incredible opportunity to lead the world in agricultural technology innovation,” said Paul Niven, Chief Executive Officer of Nbryo. “We’re proud to showcase the work being undertaken at Nbryo and the role advanced reproductive technologies can play in helping make better herds faster,” Niven said. “Translating scientific innovation into practical outcomes for cattle farmers is at the core of our mission. Every improvement in reproductive efficiency has the potential to deliver significant benefits for producers, the supply chain and the broader agricultural sector.” Tackling the slow pace of genetic improvement Nbryo is targeting a longstanding challenge in livestock production: the time required to achieve meaningful genetic improvement through conventional breeding. Existing breeding systems can be slow and difficult to scale. In many cases, achieving a 10 per cent improvement in a trait or group of traits can take around seven years, while annual improvement may be limited to approximately 1.5 per cent. Nbryo aims to change that equation by combining advanced reproductive technologies with digital systems and robotics. The company’s platform is designed to increase selection intensity and accuracy while enabling elite embryos to be produced at scale. The approach could allow cattle breeders to identify desirable genetic traits and multiply them more rapidly, potentially shortening breeding cycles and improving the speed at which superior genetics enter commercial herds. For producers, faster genetic progress could translate into improvements in herd performance, productivity and profitability, while also helping reduce the cost and time associated with accessing advanced breeding technologies. First investment under Queensland’s $30 million innovation fundThe Nbryo investment is the first commitment announced through the Queensland Government’s $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund, launched in 2024. The fund was established to make equity investments across multiple stages of business growth and help agricultural technologies move beyond pilot projects into commercially scalable enterprises. The programme is designed to support businesses developing technologies that can deliver measurable improvements across Queensland’s agricultural value chain, including on-farm productivity, profitability and sustainability. QIC is managing the investment using its commercial investment expertise to identify and support innovative businesses with the potential to deliver long-term benefits to Queensland’s primary industries. The investment in Nbryo will help the company expand its technology and improve producers’ access to superior livestock genetics. Government targets $30 billion primary production sector The investment comes as the Queensland Government pursues a target of increasing the value of the state’s primary production sector to $30 billion by 2030. Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said agricultural technology would be critical to achieving that goal. “The Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund will help Queensland producers reach this bold goal by getting game-changing technology from concept to on-farm application sooner,” Perrett said. “Queensland is home to almost half Australia’s beef herd, and this investment will help accelerate technologies that improve access to superior genetics, reduce costs and support a more productive and profitable beef and dairy sector,” he added. Perrett, who is also a beef producer, said the technology being developed by Nbryo could help make advanced breeding tools more accessible to producers. “As a beef producer myself, I know how important it is to maximise productivity and make every dollar count,” he said. “Nbryo is developing technology that has the potential to make advanced breeding tools more accessible and affordable for producers, helping them improve herd performance and profitability.” Agriculture innovation moves from lab to farm The Queensland Government sees the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund as a mechanism for closing the gap between scientific research and commercial agricultural applications. Rather than focusing only on early-stage research, the fund is intended to help promising technologies progress towards commercialisation and practical on-farm use. For Nbryo, that means scaling a technology platform that combines reproductive science with automation, digital systems and robotics. The company’s longer-term objective is to make accelerated genetic improvement available to cattle breeders globally, potentially creating a new model for how elite genetics are selected, reproduced and distributed. The ability to produce high-quality embryos at scale could also provide producers with greater access to genetics that might otherwise be difficult or expensive to obtain. Queensland backs technology-led agricultural growth State Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the investment reflected the Queensland Government’s broader focus on creating the conditions for agricultural innovation and business growth. “We are backing our primary producers to develop the technology they need to stay at the forefront and continue to grow our agricultural sector,” Bates said. “The Government is creating the conditions for innovation, investment and job creation and supporting the long-term success of Queensland’s primary industries.” The investment in Nbryo gives the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund its first major test in the market, while providing the Brisbane-based startup with capital to advance its reproductive technology platform.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4528/oceanloop-secures-up-to-38-5-million-to-scale-its-land-based-aquaculture-technology-and-europes-first-farmed-giant-grouper.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4528/oceanloop-secures-up-to-38-5-million-to-scale-its-land-based-aquaculture-technology-and-europes-first-farmed-giant-grouper.html Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:42:49 +0530 German aquaculture technology company Oceanloop has secured up to €38.5 million in financing to scale its software-driven recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and expand commercial production of Giant Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) in Europe. The financing marks a major transition for Oceanloop, which has spent more than a decade developing and operating land-based marine aquaculture systems. The company has now moved from biological and technical development into commercial production, becoming the first company to farm Giant Grouper in Europe. The funding combines new equity commitments from Hatch Blue’s Blue Revolution Fund and Stolt Ventures, the venture investment arm of Stolt-Nielsen, with a €32 million venture-debt facility from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The EIB financing is supported by the European Union’s InvestEU programme and is intended to support Oceanloop’s research, development and commercial expansion in Germany and Spain. The company’s existing land-based farm in Strande near Kiel began commercial sales in April 2026 through Oceanloop’s sister company, Honest Catch. The facility is expected to produce approximately 20 tonnes of Giant Grouper in 2026 and around 40 tonnes in 2027. The new capital will support the next phase of Oceanloop’s expansion. Construction of a new 250-tonne-per-year farm in Kiel is planned to begin by the end of 2026. The company is then planning a 2,000-tonne commercial facility on Gran Canaria, with construction currently scheduled to start in 2029. “This financing marks the beginning of Oceanloop’s industrial scale-up,” said Dr. Fabian Riedel, Founder and CEO of Oceanloop. “Together with Sander Aqua, we have spent more than a decade developing, operating and continuously improving land-based marine aquaculture systems.” “With Hatch Blue, Stolt Ventures and the European Investment Bank, we are bringing together specialist aquaculture investment expertise, decades of commercial seafood experience and long-term European growth financing. This gives us the foundation to scale Oceanloop from proven technology into an international aquaculture platform,” he added. From R&D to commercial production Oceanloop’s financing comes at a critical point in the company’s development as it seeks to demonstrate that land-based marine aquaculture can move beyond pilot and R&D facilities into repeatable commercial operations. The company’s existing site in Strande near Kiel has been used to develop and optimise its biological and technical systems. With commercial sales now underway, Oceanloop is using the site as a foundation for its larger-scale expansion. The planned 250-tonne Kiel farm will complement the existing R&D operation and is designed to become both a commercial production facility and a reference platform for Oceanloop’s wider technology rollout. The facility is expected to combine farming operations with applied research, biological optimisation, laboratory services, digital monitoring, software development and operator training. Oceanloop intends to use the facility to demonstrate its complete operating model under commercial conditions, covering the production cycle from juvenile stocking and biological management to harvesting, processing and product quality. Data generated at the Kiel site will be used to continuously improve future farm designs, feeding strategies, animal welfare, energy efficiency and overall production performance. The company expects this approach to help convert its more than 10 years of operational, biological and engineering experience into a repeatable model that can be deployed in other locations. Gran Canaria to become first industrial-scale platform Following the expansion in Kiel, Oceanloop plans to develop a 2,000-tonne annual production facility on Gran Canaria. Oceanloop already operates a local subsidiary on the island and is progressing project development, planning and site-related activities. The proposed facility is intended to become Oceanloop’s first industrial-scale production platform and a key reference project for the international deployment of its RAS technology. The Gran Canaria project is being designed as an integrated aquaculture platform covering hatchery operations, farming, processing, digital farm management and quality control. The location is also expected to offer several advantages for land-based aquaculture, including access to seawater, renewable-energy potential, aquaculture expertise and proximity to major European seafood markets. The company currently expects construction to begin in 2029. Giant Grouper becomes Oceanloop’s lead commercial species Oceanloop will initially focus the commercial rollout of its own farms on Giant Grouper, a species that the company considers particularly well suited to its land-based farming platform. Giant Grouper is one of the world’s largest grouper species and is highly valued in Asian premium seafood markets. It is known for its firm white flesh, delicate flavour and culinary versatility. Oceanloop believes these characteristics make the species attractive to professional kitchens, foodservice operators and premium seafood distributors. By producing Giant Grouper locally in Europe, the company aims to establish a new premium seafood category while offering European buyers an alternative to long-distance imports. The company’s focus on Giant Grouper is also intended to demonstrate the flexibility of its technology. Oceanloop’s RAS platform is designed to be modular, software-controlled and adaptable to different marine species, farm sizes and regional operating requirements. The company will continue its research and development activities in land-based shrimp farming. Oceanloop is already in discussions with potential international partners interested in deploying its technology for regional shrimp production. These discussions could result in licensing agreements, strategic partnerships and joint ventures in seafood markets that remain heavily dependent on imports. Oceanloop says its platform can support partners throughout the development process, from assessing species, market conditions, locations, water supply and energy availability to detailed engineering and construction supervision. Future operating teams could also be trained at the Kiel facility before Oceanloop specialists assist with system commissioning, stocking and biological stabilisation at new sites. “Our own European farms will initially focus on Giant Grouper, but the wider Oceanloop platform is designed for international replication across different species and markets,” said Dr. Bert Wecker, Founder and CTO of Oceanloop. “We see significant interest from partners that want to produce premium seafood closer to consumption without having to develop the required biology, engineering, software and operational expertise from the ground up,” Wecker said. Hatch Blue brings specialist aquaculture investment expertise The new financing brings Hatch Blue’s Blue Revolution Fund (BRF) into Oceanloop’s growth story. Hatch Blue is a global investment firm focused on aquaculture, combining investment with venture programmes and advisory activities across major aquaculture production markets. The Blue Revolution Fund is a €92 million fund focused on scaling sustainable innovation in aquaculture from Seed to Series A. For Oceanloop, Hatch Blue brings specialist knowledge of aquaculture, an international network and experience supporting technology-driven farming companies as they move from pilot operations towards commercial scale. Its expertise spans areas including biology, farm economics, seafood markets and international project development. “Oceanloop has demonstrated the quality of the product, the strength of the technology, and a clear market strategy, backed by a team that combines technical expertise, biological understanding and commercial savviness,” said Georg Baunach, Founder and CEO of Hatch Blue. Stolt Ventures adds decades of seafood experience Stolt Ventures, the venture investment arm of Stolt-Nielsen, is also participating in the financing. Stolt-Nielsen has longstanding interests in logistics, distribution and aquaculture. Through Stolt Sea Farm, the group has been involved in premium seafood farming since 1972. Stolt Sea Farm is a land-based aquaculture company and supplier of turbot and sole, with experience covering species development, hatchery operations, farming, processing, biosecurity, product quality, food safety and international seafood distribution. The company has also developed and operated recirculation systems for marine species. Oceanloop said Stolt Ventures brings more than financial capital to the partnership. Its connection to Stolt Sea Farm provides access to decades of practical experience in scaling premium marine aquaculture, developing species, operating facilities in different locations and establishing routes to market. “The combination of Stolt-Nielsen’s operational aquaculture experience and Oceanloop’s integrated RAS platform creates a strong strategic fit,” Riedel said. “Very few investors can combine long-term capital with first-hand knowledge of hatcheries, marine biology, farm operations, processing and international seafood markets,” he added. Axel de Mégille, Head of Stolt Ventures, said Oceanloop has developed a differentiated platform for the controlled production of premium marine species on land. “Its focus on biology, repeatable farm design and commercial operations strongly aligns with Stolt-Nielsen’s long-term experience in aquaculture and the development of high-quality seafood markets,” de Mégille said. EIB provides €32 million venture debt The European Investment Bank is supporting Oceanloop with a €32 million venture-debt facility. The facility was initially signed on October 7, 2024, and amended on July 20, 2026, to include Giant Grouper farming. The financing is intended to support Oceanloop’s growth in Germany, its expansion to Gran Canaria and continued development of its recirculating aquaculture technology. The EIB project commitment covers research, development and innovation activities in Germany, as well as the construction and operation of an RAS and processing unit for Grouper in the Canary Islands. EIB venture debt is designed to support innovative European growth companies by combining long-term financing with instruments linked to company performance. This allows companies to finance major growth programmes without relying exclusively on conventional equity capital. The Oceanloop facility is backed by InvestEU, the European Union programme designed to mobilise investment in sustainable infrastructure, innovation and strategic European industries. The EIB’s participation highlights the potential role of land-based aquaculture in strengthening European seafood supply, innovation and lower-impact protein production. “Land-based aquaculture can become an important additional pillar of European seafood supply,” Riedel said. “The EIB financing allows us to invest with a long-term perspective in our technology, infrastructure and biological capabilities that are difficult to finance through conventional start-up capital alone,” he added. Building a European platform for land-based seafood Oceanloop’s latest financing represents a shift from proving the feasibility of its technology to building a scalable commercial business. The company’s immediate priorities are the expansion of its Kiel operation, development of the planned Gran Canaria facility and continued optimisation of its software-driven RAS platform. While Giant Grouper will remain the initial focus of Oceanloop’s own European farms, the company intends to use the underlying technology across species and markets. Its longer-term strategy is to establish a platform that allows premium seafood to be produced closer to consumers while reducing dependence on long-distance supply chains. The combination of specialist aquaculture investors, commercial seafood expertise and European growth financing gives Oceanloop a new capital base from which to pursue that strategy. With commercial sales already underway in Germany and two larger facilities planned, the company is now entering the next stage of its ambition: turning more than a decade of marine biology, engineering and operational experience into a repeatable model for industrial-scale land-based aquaculture. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4527/fonterra-bets-on-biomass-protein-to-unlock-new-value-from-dairy-lactose.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4527/fonterra-bets-on-biomass-protein-to-unlock-new-value-from-dairy-lactose.html Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:32:57 +0530 Fonterra is expanding its innovation ambitions beyond traditional dairy ingredients through a new partnership with natural ingredient manufacturer Superbrewed Food, aiming to convert lactose from its dairy processing operations into a high-quality, functional biomass protein. The collaboration brings together Fonterra’s dairy processing, ingredients and applications expertise with Superbrewed’s patented fermentation technology, which produces an ingredient known as Postbiotic Cultured Protein. The move reflects a broader effort by the dairy co-operative to extract greater value from its existing milk streams while positioning itself for emerging demand for new forms of sustainable nutrition. “Dairy will always be at the core of Fonterra’s business, now and in the future,” said Chris Ireland, Fonterra’s General Manager for Innovation Partnerships. “At the same time, ingredients produced through emerging technologies can work alongside our dairy products, expanding the range of products and choices we can offer to customers and consumers.” The proposed protein ingredient is designed to be high in protein, non-GMO and highly functional, making it suitable for a range of food and beverage applications. Those are markets where Fonterra already has an established customer base, technical capabilities and extensive experience in developing and commercialising ingredients. The partnership centres on the potential to use lactose—a naturally occurring component of milk—as a feedstock for biomass fermentation. Instead of treating lactose solely as a dairy co-product, the approach could create a new pathway for transforming it into a nutrient-dense protein ingredient. For Fonterra, the initiative is part of a wider strategy to respond to rising global food demand and changing consumer expectations without moving away from its core dairy business. Rather, the company sees emerging technologies and new nutritional ingredients as complementary to its existing portfolio. “Superbrewed’s cutting-edge technology aligns with our mission to provide sustainable nutritional solutions to the world and respond to global demand,” Ireland said. Superbrewed’s Postbiotic Cultured Protein is described as a non-GMO, allergen-free bacteria biomass protein. The ingredient recently received US market approval from the Food and Drug Administration, potentially opening the door for broader commercial development in food and beverage markets. The partnership also marks an important validation for Superbrewed as it seeks to scale its biomass ingredient platform through collaboration with established global food companies. “We are excited to be partnering with a company of Fonterra’s stature, as it recognises the value in bringing Postbiotic Cultured Protein to market and is a pivotal step towards expanding our offerings of biomass ingredients that further contribute to sustainable food production,” said Bryan Tracy, CEO of Superbrewed Food. The agreement underscores a growing convergence between conventional food production and fermentation-based technologies. For dairy companies, such partnerships could create opportunities to derive additional value from existing processing streams while expanding their presence in fast-growing categories such as alternative and functional proteins. For Fonterra, however, the strategy is not about replacing dairy. It is about broadening the definition of what can be created from the dairy value chain—and using new technology to ensure that more value can be extracted from every part of the milk stream. As global demand for protein and sustainable nutrition continues to rise, Fonterra’s partnership with Superbrewed could offer a glimpse into how established dairy companies may increasingly combine traditional agricultural strengths with biotechnology to build the next generation of food ingredients. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/135/4510/why-indias-next-agritech-wave-will-be-driven-by-value-creation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/135/4510/why-indias-next-agritech-wave-will-be-driven-by-value-creation.html Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:37:46 +0530 The Indian agriculture investment story is entering an important new phase. Rather than viewing it simply as a “post-hype” cycle, it may be more accurate to describe it as a post-narrative, value-creation cycle—one where investors are looking beyond market size and technology narratives to assess the fundamentals of building enduring businesses. Capital is certainly not leaving Indian agriculture. Instead, it is moving deeper into the value chain, as reflected in recent fund-raises and institutional interest in companies such as Superplum, Arboreal Bioinnovations, KisaanSay and Pehle Jaisa, alongside the IPO and institutional capital raised by Milky Mist. These developments point to a more discerning investment environment, where differentiated business models and demonstrable value creation are gaining importance. For several years, investors were willing to underwrite large market opportunities, rapid technology adoption and aggressive growth. Today, the questions are far more fundamental: Does the business solve a real problem? Who is willing to pay for that solution? Can customers be acquired efficiently? Are revenues and cash flows predictable? And, ultimately, can technology deliver measurable economic value across the agricultural value chain? In this context, the investment lens is also broadening. Agriculture is no longer being viewed merely through the prism of farm-level opportunities. The larger opportunity lies across an interconnected ecosystem spanning farm mechanisation, rural credit, aquaculture, biotechnology, food processing, logistics and supply chains. In an exclusive interview with AgroSpectrum, Harsh Deodhar, Principal, Enrission India Capital, offers insights into this changing investment landscape. Drawing from Enrission India Capital’s experience and its broader approach to agriculture, Deodhar examines where capital is moving, what investors are demanding from agritech businesses, and why the next phase of growth will be defined less by compelling narratives and more by sustainable economics, execution and measurable value creation. His perspective offers an important takeaway for entrepreneurs and investors alike: the next chapter of Indian agritech may not be about discovering the next big story, but about building businesses that can prove their value. Has Indian agritech entered a post-hype investment cycle? Yes—but I would call it a maturity cycle rather than a correction cycle. The first wave of Indian agritech investing was largely about digitising a fragmented sector. Marketplaces, farmer apps, advisory platforms and digital distribution models attracted significant investor attention. Some of those businesses created tremendous value, but the sector also learned that agricultural technology has a different scaling curve from consumer internet. Agriculture has fragmented customers, seasonal cash flows, working-capital requirements, regulatory dependencies and significant physical-world execution. Technology alone cannot eliminate those realities. It can improve the way the ecosystem functions, but the underlying economics of agriculture still have to work. The numbers tell us that capital has already become more selective. Indian agrifood tech startups raised approximately $940 million across 129 deals in 2023, a 60 per cent decline in funding from 2022, even though deal count remained relatively stable. That is an important distinction: investor interest did not disappear; the price and size of capital changed. I therefore do not see this as investors losing interest in agriculture. Rather, the investment lens has become more sophisticated. Investors are asking deeper questions about the businesses they are backing and the economic value they are creating. At EIC, our evaluation framework today is therefore much more focused on quality of revenue rather than just quantity of revenue. We look at the nature of the revenue, the customer, retention, contribution margins, working-capital requirements and the underlying economics of the business. A company may show rapid top-line growth, but if that growth requires disproportionately higher capital, discounts or customer acquisition costs, the quality of that growth becomes questionable. For us, this value-chain approach can be observed with KiVi. KiVi represents a different part of the same value chain. It works across credit, commerce and distribution for the farm-gate ecosystem. The interesting proposition is not simply “fintech for farmers”; it is the ability to build a technology layer around an existing agricultural economic network. That distinction is important. The opportunity is not necessarily to create an entirely new agricultural behaviour. It can also be about making an existing economic network more efficient. That is the change I see in the market: investors are increasingly asking where the economic surplus is being created and how much of that surplus the startup can capture. The next phase of agritech investment will therefore be less about the strength of the narrative and more about the strength of the underlying business. Where is institutional capital moving next? I expect the next significant wave of institutional capital to move towards businesses that sit between agriculture and industrial-scale value creation. The opportunity is much broader than what has traditionally been classified as agritech. Agriculture is connected to infrastructure, manufacturing, biotechnology, finance, logistics, food processing, energy and the broader biological economy. As investors become more sophisticated, these intersections are becoming increasingly interesting. Three areas particularly interest me. First is agri-infrastructure and mechanisation. India's agricultural productivity cannot be transformed purely through software. Mechanisation, storage, cold chains, logistics, irrigation, processing and supply-chain infrastructure are enormous opportunities. There is a fundamental physical layer to agriculture. Farmers need access to machinery, water, storage and markets. Produce needs to move efficiently from the farm to processors, retailers and consumers. Losses need to be reduced. Productivity needs to improve. Therefore, technology businesses that are enabling these physical assets to operate more efficiently can create significant value. In many cases, the next generation of agricultural technology may be less about an app and more about improving the economics of a physical agricultural process. Second is biologicals and climate-resilient agriculture. There is a growing opportunity around alternative proteins, biological inputs, waste utilisation, carbon efficiency, water efficiency and technologies that improve agricultural productivity without proportionally increasing resource consumption. Our investment in Loopworm is a good illustration. The company operates at the intersection of biotechnology, agriculture, animal nutrition and the circular economy, using insects as a biological platform to create products from agricultural and organic waste. It demonstrates why the future opportunity is not necessarily “agritech” in the traditional sense—it is technology applied to the broader agri-biological economy. This is an important shift in how we think about the sector. Agricultural value creation does not stop at the farm gate. Biological resources, agricultural waste, animal nutrition and alternative production systems can all become part of the investment opportunity. Third is digitally enabled financial and distribution infrastructure. Agriculture remains fundamentally constrained by access to working capital, market linkages and fragmented distribution. Platforms such as KiVi demonstrate that there is substantial opportunity in building the infrastructure through which farmers, FPOs, rural entrepreneurs, lenders and buyers interact. The value here comes from connecting fragmented participants and making transactions more efficient. If technology can reduce friction, improve access to capital or make distribution more predictable, it can create measurable economic value. I also expect aquaculture and allied agriculture to become increasingly important. At EIC, our investment in Fishmongers is an example of this broader approach. The company is building a technology-enabled fish supply chain using IoT-based aquaculture and transportation technologies. Aquaculture illustrates how large the opportunity becomes when we stop defining agriculture narrowly. It has production, biological risk, logistics, cold chains, transportation, quality management and market-linkage requirements. Technology can potentially improve each of these layers. This is agriculture investing expanding beyond the traditional definition of the farm. The larger opportunity, therefore, is the agri-value chain, not just the farm. Are valuations becoming more realistic? Valuation getting more realistic is a healthy sign of maturity for the ecosystem. During the funding boom, some businesses were valued primarily on future potential—large TAMs, user numbers and aggressive growth projections. The market today is much more interested in what I would call quality-adjusted growth. A company growing 100 per cent but consuming significant amounts of capital may be less attractive than a company growing 40–50 per cent with strong contribution margins, high retention and a credible path to profitability. That is particularly relevant in agriculture because scaling often requires working capital and physical execution. The capital required to grow can therefore be materially different from what we see in purely digital businesses. For agriculture in particular, I think investors will increasingly value contribution margin rather than GMV; cash conversion rather than bookings; repeat transactions rather than registered farmers; farmer income or productivity improvement where relevant; working-capital efficiency; customer retention; revenue predictability; and the capital required to reach the next Rs 100 crore of revenue. These metrics tell us much more about the sustainability of a business than headline growth alone. The question is not simply whether a company can grow. The question is how efficiently it can grow. This is also changing the conversation between founders and investors. Founders need to think about capital efficiency from the beginning because the market will increasingly reward businesses that can demonstrate operating leverage. Founders also need to recognise that the objective of a fundraising round is not to maximise valuation at any cost. An unnecessarily high valuation can create a problem in the next round if operating performance does not catch up. A valuation is ultimately a reflection of the business that has been built. If the underlying economics improve, the valuation can follow. The best founders today are building businesses that can earn their next valuation rather than negotiate it. That, in my view, is one of the clearest signs that the ecosystem is maturing. What will successful exits look like? I expect India to see a combination of strategic acquisitions, IPOs and secondary transactions, rather than one dominant exit route. For many agribusinesses, strategic acquisition may actually be more logical than an IPO. Large FMCG companies, food processors, agricultural-input companies, logistics companies, financial institutions and global corporations have strong reasons to acquire technology, distribution networks, brands and intellectual property. The strategic value of an agritech company may therefore extend beyond its standalone financial performance. A larger company may see value in its distribution network, customer relationships, technology, data capabilities, brand or access to a particular agricultural ecosystem. We are already seeing how strategic capital is entering food and agriculture. For example, Temasek invested in Milky Mist ahead of its IPO, while the company has built a large-scale value-added dairy business with significant profitability and distribution. That is instructive because it demonstrates the type of business that can eventually attract multiple pools of capital: a real operating business, with scale, margins, distribution and a credible public-market pathway. Food processing is particularly interesting in this context. India's agricultural exports increased from $34.5 billion in FY20 to $51.1 billion in FY25, while processed food accounted for 20.4 per cent of exports. That suggests the value-creation opportunity is increasingly moving from simply producing agricultural commodities to processing, branding and exporting them. This is a significant opportunity because value addition can fundamentally change the economics of agricultural production. Instead of competing only on the price of a commodity, businesses can build differentiated products, brands and distribution networks. The exit ecosystem will strengthen when more Indian agribusinesses reach institutional scale and when strategic buyers begin viewing startups as acquisition targets rather than merely technology vendors. I also expect secondary transactions to become more relevant as the ecosystem matures. As businesses grow, early investors and founders will have opportunities to partially realise value while allowing companies to bring in larger institutional investors for the next phase of growth. Ultimately, successful exits will come from businesses that have demonstrated that their economic model works at scale. What would make Indian agribusiness truly investable at scale? The biggest requirement is formalisation of the agricultural value chain. India has enormous agricultural output, but the value chain remains fragmented across millions of farmers, intermediaries, traders, processors, financiers and logistics providers. Unity in diversity is an absolute truth for agri-based startups. Every 100 km in India, language changes, habits change, buying patterns change, problem definition changes and hence the agri-economics changes. That makes scaling particularly challenging. Post-pandemic, we have seen a great spike in farm-to-plate startups, and many of these businesses have real value. But scale is a massive challenge. A model that works in one geography or commodity may not automatically work across another. The unit economics can change because of differences in crop patterns, farmer behaviour, logistics, purchasing power, infrastructure and market structures. Technology can connect these participants, but technology alone is not enough. We need better agricultural data infrastructure, stronger FPOs, interoperable digital systems, easier access to institutional credit, improved warehousing and cold-chain infrastructure, predictable regulations and greater adoption of modern processing and logistics. There is encouraging progress. By February 2026, India had registered 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations, while food-processing initiatives have expanded cold-chain, processing and backward- and forward-linkage infrastructure. Agricultural exports and processed-food exports are also growing. From an investor's perspective, however, the biggest opportunity is to connect these pieces. The agricultural ecosystem has many individual components, but the value is often lost because these components do not interact efficiently. Better connectivity between farmers, FPOs, financial institutions, processors, logistics providers and buyers can unlock significant economic value. This is why our investment philosophy at EIC increasingly looks at the economic infrastructure surrounding agriculture rather than agriculture in isolation. For us, KiVi addresses capital and distribution. Fishmongers addresses aquaculture and supply-chain efficiency. Loopworm looks at biological production and circularity. These may appear to be very different businesses, but they have one thing in common: each attempts to remove a structural inefficiency from the agricultural economy. That is the lens through which we look at opportunities. We are not necessarily looking for businesses that simply call themselves agritech. We are looking for businesses that solve important problems within the agricultural economy and can build scalable, defensible businesses around those solutions. The real opportunity is therefore not simply to build more agritech companies. It is to build the infrastructure, technology, financial systems and businesses that make Indian agriculture more productive, efficient, resilient and globally competitive. That is the transition from venture capital to value creation—and I believe it is only beginning. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4508/ranchbot-lands-15-mn-series-b-amid-tough-agtech-funding-market.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4508/ranchbot-lands-15-mn-series-b-amid-tough-agtech-funding-market.html Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:53:33 +0530 Ranchbot, a ranch technology company specialising in satellite-connected water and livestock monitoring, has raised more than $15 million in a Series B funding round as it accelerates its expansion across the United States and broadens its ambitions in connected agricultural infrastructure. The financing round, which closed in early August, was led by Lewis & Clark Partners, with participation from Fulcrum Global Capital, Builders VC, the Cultiv8 Livestock Technology Fund, Lever VC and Macdoch Ventures. Alongside the funding, the company completed a corporate restructuring that establishes Ranchbot Technology Holdings, a Delaware corporation headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, as its new global parent company. Originally founded in Sydney, Australia, in 2014 under the Farmbot brand, Ranchbot has grown into a provider of remote monitoring technologies for livestock operations. The company now serves more than 12,000 customers and supports the monitoring of approximately 10 million cattle and 15 million sheep. The new capital will be directed towards expanding Ranchbot's U.S. team, advancing its hardware and software capabilities and extending its technology beyond its core water-monitoring solutions. Ranchbot's platform uses satellite-connected technology to help ranchers remotely monitor water infrastructure and livestock operations, reducing the need for frequent manual inspections across large and often remote properties. The company is now positioning itself to play a broader role in the development of connected infrastructure for agriculture. The funding comes at a challenging time for the wider agtech investment sector, which has faced slowing deal activity and increased investor scrutiny. However, Ranchbot's established customer base and focus on solving practical infrastructure challenges at ranch scale have helped differentiate the company from several earlier agtech ventures that struggled to demonstrate commercial viability. With fresh capital and a new U.S.-based holding structure, Ranchbot is preparing for its next phase of growth, betting that connected infrastructure, remote monitoring and data-driven management will become increasingly important as livestock producers seek to improve operational efficiency across large-scale agricultural operations. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4497/agragene-adopts-pairwise-gene-editing-platform-for-sterile-insect-technology.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4497/agragene-adopts-pairwise-gene-editing-platform-for-sterile-insect-technology.html Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:29:55 +0530 Agricultural technology company Agragene has entered into a licensing agreement with Pairwise to access its Fulcrum CRISPR platform, in a move aimed at accelerating the development of targeted and sustainable pest-control technologies. Under the agreement, Agragene will integrate the gene-editing platform into its Precision-Guided Sterile Insect Technology (pgSIT), which is designed to produce sterile male insects for proactive suppression of pest populations. The companies said the partnership represents the first application of the Fulcrum technology in insect systems and could expand the use of precision gene editing beyond conventional agricultural breeding into biological pest management. Agragene’s first product, KNOCKOUT SWD, is being developed to target spotted wing drosophila, an invasive pest that causes more than $1 billion in annual losses to berry, cherry and other soft-fruit crops in the US and Canada. The company’s technology is designed to provide species-specific pest suppression. By targeting the pest itself, the approach is intended to reduce impacts on crops and beneficial organisms, including pollinators and predatory insects, while limiting broader environmental exposure. “Growers are running out of options as pests develop resistance to conventional insecticides, and they are looking for tools that are safe, targeted, and sustainable,” said Bryan Witherbee, President and CEO of Agragene. He said access to the Fulcrum platform will strengthen the gene-editing technology underpinning Agragene’s pgSIT system and help the company advance its products from field trials towards practical pest-management tools for growers. The agreement comes as agricultural producers face growing challenges from insecticide resistance and increasing demand for pest-control approaches that can complement or reduce reliance on conventional chemical insecticides. Rather than applying a broad-spectrum pesticide across a crop, sterile-insect technologies seek to suppress pest populations by disrupting their ability to reproduce. The precision-guided approach being developed by Agragene uses genetic tools to support the production of sterile male insects that can be released to mate with wild pest populations, reducing subsequent generations. Pairwise CEO Dr. Tom Adams said the company’s work extends across agriculture and that partnerships with organisations working directly on specific agricultural challenges can help expand the applications of its technology. “Agragene is the first to apply Fulcrum in insect systems, and it's exactly the kind of creative use we hoped good tools would find,” Adams said. The Fulcrum platform includes proprietary CRISPR editing tools, enzymes and trait libraries designed to enable precise genetic changes. Pairwise developed and validated the platform through its own agricultural breeding programmes and makes the technology available to partners and licensees for research and commercial applications. For Agragene, access to the platform could strengthen the genetic engineering capabilities supporting its sterile-insect technology while expanding the potential pipeline of precision biological pest-control products. The partnership reflects a broader shift in agricultural pest management towards biological and precision-based approaches that seek to address resistance, protect beneficial insects and reduce environmental impact. If successfully commercialised, species-specific sterile-insect technologies could provide growers with an additional tool within integrated pest-management programmes. With field development underway for its spotted wing drosophila solution, Agragene’s use of precision gene editing in insect systems could also demonstrate how CRISPR technologies are moving beyond crop improvement into the development of next-generation pest-control strategies. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4461/plantible-foods-secures-35-mn-to-quintuple-plant-based-protein-production.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4461/plantible-foods-secures-35-mn-to-quintuple-plant-based-protein-production.html Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:54:05 +0530 Plantible Foods has secured $35 million in combined debt and equity financing to expand production of its plant-derived Rubi Protein™ and scale its controlled-environment agriculture platform in rural Texas. The financing includes a $25 million loan from X-Caliber Rural Capital through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s OneRD Business & Industry program, alongside a $10 million equity investment from RA Capital Management and existing investors. The funding will support the construction of up to 50 additional greenhouses at Plantible’s Ranchito facility in Eldorado, Texas. The expansion is expected to increase Plantible’s annual Rubi Protein production capacity fivefold, taking output to more than 1,000 metric tons and allowing the company to address growing customer demand and expand into new markets. “This funding and expansion is about delivering value for our customers, for Eldorado and Schleicher County, and for society,” said Tony Martens, co-founder and CEO of Plantible Foods. “We now have the means to build capacity and meet the industry’s demand.” Plantible produces Rubi Protein from Lemna, commonly known as water lentils, using an enclosed aquatic farming system. Its 100-acre aquafarm outside Eldorado is designed around controlled crop cycles, enabling more consistent production while reducing exposure to seasonal variability and extreme weather. The company is positioning the technology as an alternative approach to producing functional protein ingredients while addressing some of the resource constraints associated with conventional protein production. Rubi Protein contains all nine essential amino acids and vitamin B12 and has a neutral taste and no known allergens, according to Plantible. The company already supplies customers including ICL Food Specialties, which uses Rubi Protein as a binding ingredient in food formulations. Plantible expects the expanded production footprint to help meet its existing customer pipeline while opening opportunities across additional food and consumer-product applications. The financing follows a series of commercial and regulatory milestones for the company. In February 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a “No Questions” letter confirming Rubi Protein’s Generally Recognized as Safe status, marking what Plantible described as the first U.S. government approval for isolated RuBisCO protein for food applications. The USDA-backed financing also highlights the growing role of alternative financing models in helping food and agricultural biotechnology companies move from pilot-scale technology to commercial production. For Plantible, the investment is about more than increasing protein output. The company is building its manufacturing footprint in Schleicher County, where it has created skilled jobs across operations, engineering and research since establishing its first commercial site in 2022. The expansion could provide a blueprint for deploying modular, controlled-environment protein production in other rural communities, linking agricultural biotechnology with local manufacturing, workforce development and new economic opportunities. As food manufacturers search for functional, clean-label and resource-efficient protein ingredients, Plantible is betting that its water-lentil platform can move beyond an emerging alternative-protein technology into a scalable industrial ingredient business. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4433/x-caliber-closes-25-mn-usda-loan-for-plantible-foods-expansion.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4433/x-caliber-closes-25-mn-usda-loan-for-plantible-foods-expansion.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:17:10 +0530 Plant-based ingredient innovator Plantible Foods has secured a $25 million USDA OneRD Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan—the maximum financing available under the federal program—to significantly expand its commercial production footprint in Texas, underscoring growing public-sector support for next-generation sustainable food manufacturing. The financing, arranged by X-Caliber Rural Capital (XRC), a licensed USDA OneRD lender and affiliate of X-Caliber Capital Holdings, will fund the expansion of Plantible's Ranchito production facility in Eldorado, Texas. The project will add up to 50 commercial greenhouses, increasing the company's annual production capacity for its flagship Rubi Protein™ ingredient to more than 1,000 metric tons. The investment comes as demand accelerates for sustainable, functional plant proteins capable of meeting food manufacturers' clean-label, nutritional and environmental objectives. Plantible has built its proprietary platform around Lemna (water lentils), transforming the aquatic plant into high-value functional ingredients through a controlled cultivation and processing system. Unlike conventional plant proteins, Plantible's Rubi Protein delivers a complete amino acid profile, vitamin B12, neutral flavor characteristics and no known allergens, positioning it as a differentiated ingredient for the rapidly evolving alternative protein market. The USDA Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program is designed to expand access to capital for businesses operating in eligible rural communities by providing federal loan guarantees that encourage private lending. The program supports projects that generate employment, attract private investment and strengthen rural economic development. "Plantible represents exactly the type of company the USDA Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program was designed to support—an innovative business with proven technology, strong leadership and a meaningful commitment to rural communities," said Anna West, President of X-Caliber Rural Capital. "Providing the maximum financing available under the program demonstrates how USDA lending can help businesses secure the capital they need to scale operations, create jobs and generate long-term economic opportunity in rural America." The expansion is expected to substantially increase domestic production of advanced plant-based food ingredients while generating new employment opportunities across Schleicher County. Beyond construction activity, the project is anticipated to strengthen the regional manufacturing ecosystem through increased demand for local suppliers, contractors and skilled technical talent. X-Caliber Rural Capital structured the financing to align with Plantible's long-term commercial growth strategy while advancing the USDA's broader mission of promoting investment in rural America. "Plantible has built an impressive platform with a clear commercial growth strategy, and we were able to structure financing that aligned with the company's long-term objectives," said Shaun Stehr, Vice President at X-Caliber Rural Capital. Founded by Dutch entrepreneurs Tony Martens and Maurits van de Ven, Plantible has developed a proprietary production platform that converts water lentils into functional food ingredients through controlled greenhouse cultivation. The company operates its commercial manufacturing facility in Eldorado, Texas, while maintaining its headquarters and research and development center in San Marcos, California. "This financing represents an important milestone for Plantible as we continue scaling our operations in Eldorado," said Tony Martens, Co-Founder and CEO of Plantible Foods. "The expansion will enable us to better serve our customers while continuing to invest in the community where we have built our manufacturing operations." Plantible has also achieved a significant regulatory milestone, becoming the first company to receive an FDA 'No Questions' letter for isolated RuBisCO protein, providing additional validation for its flagship ingredient as commercialization accelerates. The transaction further highlights increasing collaboration between government-backed financing programs and private capital to accelerate innovation-led manufacturing, particularly in rural communities where advanced agricultural technologies are creating new opportunities for domestic food production, employment and sustainable economic development. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4432/insectbiotech-raises-7-2-mn-to-scale-black-soldier-fly-technology-for-agricultural-waste-conversion.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4432/insectbiotech-raises-7-2-mn-to-scale-black-soldier-fly-technology-for-agricultural-waste-conversion.html Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:06:31 +0530 Spanish biotechnology startup InsectBiotech has secured €7.2 million in fresh funding to accelerate the commercialization of its insect biotechnology platform that converts agricultural waste into sustainable proteins, oils and regenerative soil products, marking another milestone in Europe's fast-growing circular bioeconomy. The investment round was led by Arcano Partners' Asset Management division, which committed €3.8 million through the Impacto Andalucía Innovación y Desarrollo SICC fund. A consortium of U.S. investors contributed the remaining €3.4 million, providing the capital needed to expand the company's research pipeline and industrial-scale production capabilities. The funding comes as Europe intensifies efforts to reduce agricultural waste, strengthen domestic protein production and promote regenerative farming practices. InsectBiotech's proprietary platform utilizes Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae to biologically convert agricultural residues—including olive pomace (alperujo)—into high-value proteins and oils for animal nutrition, alongside bio-based products designed to improve soil health. Having spent several years validating its technology through research collaborations, pilot production and commercial testing, the Seville-based company is now preparing to move into the next phase of industrial deployment. A significant portion of the investment will finance the construction of a new processing facility in Andalusia capable of handling 7,500 tonnes of agricultural waste annually. Strategically located close to major olive-growing regions, the plant will transform waste streams generated by olive mills and agricultural operations into commercially valuable products while supporting rural employment and local supply chains. The technology underpinning the company was developed through years of research in collaboration with the University of Granada, resulting in a patented insect bioconversion process that positions InsectBiotech within Europe's emerging sustainable protein sector. The investment also reflects growing institutional support for innovation-led companies in southern Spain. Arcano manages the €55 million Impacto Andalucía Innovación y Desarrollo SICC fund, primarily financed through the Andalusia ERDF 2021–2027 Programme and the Regional Government of Andalusia. The initiative forms part of a broader financial instrument established by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to stimulate research, innovation and digitalization across the region. "The support of key investors such as Arcano Partners will allow us to scale both our research and production capabilities," said Ignacio Gavilán, CEO and Co-founder of InsectBiotech. "We aim to achieve meaningful production volumes, reduce Spain's and the European Union's dependence on imported proteins, and foster regenerative agricultural models." Arcano said the investment aligns with its strategy of deploying public capital alongside private investment to accelerate innovative businesses capable of delivering both commercial returns and measurable environmental impact. The funding highlights increasing investor confidence in insect biotechnology as governments and industries seek scalable alternatives to conventional feed ingredients while addressing agricultural waste management and resource efficiency. As Europe pursues circular economy goals and greater food system resilience, companies capable of transforming agricultural by-products into value-added biological products are attracting growing strategic interest. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4413/upstream-biotechnology-secures-seed-funding-to-advance-stress-responsive-crop-protection-platform.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4413/upstream-biotechnology-secures-seed-funding-to-advance-stress-responsive-crop-protection-platform.html Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:12:37 +0530 Upstream Biotechnology has raised seed funding to accelerate the development of its proprietary SwitchBlade platform, a next-generation crop biotechnology designed to strengthen disease resistance while preserving plant productivity under normal growing conditions. The financing round was led by LeVert Ventures, with participation from Corteva, through its Corteva Catalyst investment platform, alongside Silver Blue, Middleland Capital's VTC Ventures, and other investors. The company did not disclose the financial terms of the investment. The North Carolina-based agricultural biotechnology company plans to use the capital to advance research and validation of the SwitchBlade platform across major row and specialty crops, expand its intellectual property portfolio and deepen collaborations with seed industry partners. Unlike conventional approaches that keep plant defence mechanisms permanently activated—often resulting in reduced growth and lower yields—SwitchBlade is engineered to activate protective traits only when plants encounter disease or environmental stress. By regulating protein translation rather than continuous gene expression, the technology aims to improve crop resilience without the productivity penalties commonly associated with constitutive defence systems. The platform addresses one of the most persistent challenges in agricultural biotechnology: balancing stronger disease resistance with sustained crop performance under field conditions. Founded on research originating from Duke University, Upstream Biotechnology is building its technology around decades of scientific work on plant immunity, systemic acquired resistance and inducible defence pathways. The company believes this approach could provide a broadly applicable trait platform for seed companies seeking more efficient disease-resistance technologies. The company has already demonstrated proof of concept for SwitchBlade across multiple crop systems and is advancing development programmes in soybean, corn, rice and several additional crops. Future validation efforts will focus on demonstrating the platform's commercial value across diverse production environments. The investment also highlights growing investor interest in enabling technologies that improve crop resilience amid rising disease pressure, climate variability and increasing demand for sustainable agricultural productivity. Rather than developing traits for individual crops, Upstream is positioning SwitchBlade as a platform technology that could be integrated into multiple seed portfolios. As global agriculture faces mounting pressure to improve productivity while reducing crop losses, inducible gene-regulation technologies are emerging as a promising frontier in next-generation crop protection, offering growers new tools to safeguard yields without sacrificing plant performance. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4299/tay-ninh-positions-itself-as-vietnams-emerging-agri-tech-and-drone-innovation-hub.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4299/tay-ninh-positions-itself-as-vietnams-emerging-agri-tech-and-drone-innovation-hub.html Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:27:52 +0530 Vietnam's Tay Ninh province is positioning itself as the country's next innovation hotspot, unveiling an ambitious strategy to build a technology-driven startup ecosystem centred on artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high-tech agriculture and the green economy. The roadmap, presented at the Forum on Developing Tay Ninh's Innovative Startup Ecosystem and Promoting Southern Startup Linkages, signals the province's intent to move beyond its traditional agricultural base and emerge as a regional centre for innovation, entrepreneurship and advanced manufacturing. Organised jointly by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Tay Ninh Provincial People's Committee, the forum brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors and innovation experts to discuss strategies for strengthening southern Vietnam's startup ecosystem through greater regional collaboration. Speaking at the event, Le Van Han, Chairman of the Tay Ninh Provincial People's Committee, said the province is aligning its development agenda with Vietnam's National Strategy on Innovative Entrepreneurship for 2026-2030, while simultaneously building an ecosystem capable of supporting technology commercialization and business creation. Building a technology-led startup ecosystem At the heart of Tay Ninh's strategy is the development of a comprehensive innovation infrastructure. The province plans to operationalise the first phase of the Tay Ninh Innovation Center, expand startup incubation and acceleration programmes, establish innovation spaces, and strengthen collaboration between entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and technology experts. Businesses will also receive greater support for digital transformation, technological innovation, green transition and commercialization of research-driven products. The province has set measurable targets for the next five years. By 2030, Tay Ninh aims to develop an innovation network comprising 300 ecosystem members, address around 100 innovation challenges annually, help 100 enterprises improve productivity and competitiveness, and incubate 300 to 350 startup projects. AI and drones become strategic growth pillars Unlike many regional innovation strategies that focus broadly on digital transformation, Tay Ninh has identified artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as two priority technologies expected to drive its next phase of economic growth. The province is preparing a dedicated UAV development strategy for 2026-2030, with a long-term vision extending to 2035. The objective is to establish a complete UAV ecosystem covering research, testing, pilot training, certification, industrial applications and supporting manufacturing industries. Officials envision Tay Ninh evolving into southern Vietnam's primary hub for drone technology, creating opportunities across agriculture, logistics, infrastructure monitoring and environmental management. AI is expected to complement this strategy by accelerating precision agriculture, automation, digital services and smart manufacturing across key industries. Agriculture remains at the centre of innovation Despite its technology ambitions, agriculture continues to underpin Tay Ninh's development strategy. Provincial leaders emphasised that innovation will primarily be directed towards high-tech agriculture, agricultural processing and the green economy, with the objective of increasing farm productivity, enhancing value addition, improving export competitiveness and promoting sustainable rural development. The approach reflects Vietnam's broader strategy of integrating advanced technologies into agriculture while building resilient regional value chains. Regional collaboration seen as critical A recurring theme throughout the forum was the need for stronger regional integration rather than isolated provincial initiatives. Experts observed that innovation ecosystems across southern Vietnam remain unevenly developed. Ho Chi Minh City continues to dominate as the country's startup capital, supported by mature venture capital networks, incubators and research institutions. Dong Nai has established strengths in manufacturing and logistics, while the Mekong Delta is increasingly emerging as a centre for agri-tech, digital agriculture and green innovation. Positioned strategically between the Southeast economic corridor and the Mekong Delta, Tay Ninh is viewed as well placed to bridge these complementary ecosystems and facilitate greater cross-regional collaboration. Industry experts recommended that the province strengthen partnerships among government agencies, universities, research institutions and private enterprises while expanding mentor networks, improving investor connectivity and establishing local venture capital mechanisms to improve access to startup financing. Three pillars for sustainable innovation Closing the forum, Ho Sy Hung, President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), argued that successful innovation ecosystems depend on more than infrastructure and government support. According to Hung, sustainable startup ecosystems require three interconnected pillars: entrepreneurs capable of creating innovative businesses, experienced mentors who can guide early-stage ventures, and investors willing to finance scalable ideas. Strengthening these three components, he noted, would enable provinces such as Tay Ninh to attract greater investment, commercialise innovation more effectively and build globally competitive enterprises. As Vietnam intensifies its push towards a knowledge-driven economy, Tay Ninh's strategy illustrates how second-tier provinces are increasingly using AI, drone technologies and agricultural innovation not only to modernise traditional industries but also to compete for investment, talent and entrepreneurial activity in Southeast Asia's rapidly evolving innovation landscape. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4280/csiro-launches-thailand-australia-venture-exchange-to-accelerate-agrifood-innovation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4280/csiro-launches-thailand-australia-venture-exchange-to-accelerate-agrifood-innovation.html Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:03:44 +0530 Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, has partnered with Thailand's Food Innopolis and the Research University Network (RUN) to launch the Thailand-Australia Venture Exchange Program, a bilateral initiative designed to accelerate agrifood innovation, strengthen research-commercialisation pathways and foster cross-border collaboration between emerging enterprises in both countries. Applications for the inaugural cohort are now open and will close on 31 July, with the program targeting startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) developing technologies and solutions across the agrifood value chain. The first round of the initiative will focus on Sustainable Agrifood Systems Development, selecting up to 15 companies, with balanced representation from Australia and Thailand. The program seeks to catalyse innovation by enabling participating businesses to access new markets, forge strategic partnerships and accelerate the commercial deployment of technologies addressing shared food security and sustainability challenges. Over a twelve-week period, participating organisations will undertake a comprehensive market acceleration programme combining virtual learning with in-country engagement. The initiative includes funded market immersion visits to both Australia and Thailand, participation in industry events, tailored business coaching, access to research infrastructure and scientific expertise, introductions to investors, customers and commercial partners, and strategic support to refine international go-to-market strategies. According to Amelia Fyfield, Director of CSIRO Southeast Asia, the programme reflects the growing depth of scientific and innovation cooperation between Australia and Thailand under the broader Innovation for Food Sustainability initiative. She said the collaboration establishes practical pathways for agrifood innovators in both countries to leverage world-class research capabilities, strengthen commercial partnerships and accelerate the development of sustainable food technologies capable of delivering regional impact. The initiative is supported by the Australian Government's Southeast Asia and Australia Government Partnerships program, reinforcing Australia's broader strategy of deepening innovation-led economic engagement across the Indo-Pacific. The programme also builds upon the successful implementation of CSIRO's Venture Exchange Program in Singapore, which helped participating companies strengthen investment readiness, establish international partnerships and expand into new overseas markets. As governments and industries increasingly prioritise resilient food systems, climate-smart agriculture and sustainable value chains, the Thailand-Australia Venture Exchange Program is expected to provide an important platform for commercialising emerging agrifood technologies while strengthening regional innovation ecosystems and fostering long-term scientific collaboration between the two countries. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4232/scanit-launches-ai-powered-sporewarn-network-to-detect-airborne-crop-diseases-before-outbreaks.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4232/scanit-launches-ai-powered-sporewarn-network-to-detect-airborne-crop-diseases-before-outbreaks.html Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:39:31 +0530 Scanit Technologies has introduced the Iowa SporeWarn Network, an artificial intelligence-driven airborne pathogen monitoring service designed to provide growers with early warning of crop diseases before visible symptoms emerge in the field. The new network addresses one of agriculture's longstanding challenges—detecting disease pressure during its earliest stages. While conventional forecasting systems estimate disease risk based on weather conditions, the Iowa SporeWarn Network measures the actual presence of airborne pathogens, giving farmers direct insight into evolving disease threats. At the core of the platform is SporeCam, Scanit's autonomous, AI-enabled pathogen detection technology. Installed across agricultural fields in central Iowa, the sensors continuously sample the surrounding air to identify microscopic spores associated with major corn and soybean diseases. The technology enables continuous surveillance of pathogen activity well before infections become visible on crops. By combining real-time airborne pathogen detection with AI-powered analytics, the platform enables growers to distinguish between conditions that merely favor disease development and situations where pathogens are actively present. This additional layer of intelligence is intended to support more precise fungicide application decisions, targeted scouting efforts and improved disease management strategies. Subscribers receive daily updates through an online dashboard featuring pathogen pressure summaries, seven-day trend analyses, disease risk assessments and regional heat maps that visualize changing pathogen activity across monitored areas. The service also delivers concise morning alerts via text message, allowing growers to monitor shifts in disease pressure throughout the growing season. The network currently monitors five economically significant diseases affecting corn and soybeans across nearly 500,000 acres in Iowa's Story, Marshall, Polk and Hardin counties. The monitored diseases include tar spot, gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, southern rust and soybean white mold, providing regional intelligence for producers throughout central Iowa. To support field deployment, Scanit has partnered with MaxAg, an independent agricultural services provider headquartered in Maxwell, Iowa. The company oversees monitoring locations, maintains sensor infrastructure and integrates pathogen intelligence with agronomic expertise, helping translate biological data into practical crop management recommendations. Beyond raw pathogen detection, the platform has been designed to simplify interpretation through user-friendly reports, localized agronomic context and educational resources that explain how changing disease pressure should influence scouting priorities and crop protection decisions. In addition to grower subscriptions, Scanit has introduced a business-tier offering for agricultural retailers, crop advisors, non-governmental organizations, drone service providers and other industry stakeholders seeking broader pathogen intelligence across production regions. The company positions the network as a complementary tool to existing weather-based disease forecasting systems by providing direct biological measurements rather than relying solely on environmental conditions. The commercial launch marks another step in the growing adoption of artificial intelligence, autonomous sensing and real-time biological monitoring in precision agriculture. As disease forecasting increasingly shifts toward data-driven decision-making, Scanit plans to expand the SporeWarn Network beyond Iowa, extending airborne pathogen monitoring to additional cropping regions in future seasons. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4188/swedish-agtech-startup-arevo-raises-7-3-mn-to-bring-next-generation-fertilizer-technology-to-brazil.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4188/swedish-agtech-startup-arevo-raises-7-3-mn-to-bring-next-generation-fertilizer-technology-to-brazil.html Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:19:35 +0530 Swedish agricultural technology company Arevo has secured €7.3 million in new funding as it accelerates plans to commercialize its Arginex fertilizer platform in Brazil by 2027, betting on the growing demand for more sustainable and efficient nutrient solutions in commercial horticulture. The latest investment will be used to support regulatory approvals, expand commercial operations, and fund additional agronomic trials as the company prepares for entry into one of the world's largest horticultural markets. Arevo's technology addresses a growing challenge facing commercial growers as the industry increasingly transitions away from peat-based growing media. Environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions have accelerated the adoption of peat-free substrates such as coir, rockwool, and wood fiber, but these alternatives have created new nutrient management challenges because conventional mineral fertilizers were originally developed to perform within the chemistry of peat-based systems. Arginex has been designed specifically for peat-free growing environments. The platform utilizes arginine, an amino acid, combined with phosphate to deliver nitrogen in a molecular form that the company believes is better suited to the faster pH dynamics of modern growing substrates. The approach is intended to improve nitrogen uptake while reducing nutrient losses caused by leaching and volatilization. The company positions Arginex as a potential alternative to conventional nitrogen fertilizers rather than a supplementary input, with the technology aimed at materially lowering synthetic nitrogen requirements over an entire crop cycle in peat-free production systems. Brazil has emerged as the company's primary commercialization target due to its sizable ornamental and vegetable horticulture industries and the increasing adoption of peat-free substrates driven by environmental considerations and evolving agricultural practices. The country's large protected cultivation sector also presents a significant opportunity for nutrient technologies that can improve productivity while reducing fertilizer dependency. The latest funding round follows Arevo's introduction of Arginex to European markets in 2025, where the technology has been targeted at protected cropping systems and nursery production. The company is now seeking to build on its early market presence by expanding internationally and establishing Brazil as a strategic growth market. Founded on research into amino-acid-based nitrogen delivery systems, Arevo is part of a growing wave of agricultural technology companies seeking to improve nutrient-use efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of modern farming. Rising fertilizer costs, stricter environmental regulations, and increasing pressure to improve agricultural sustainability have created a growing market for alternatives that can deliver higher nutrient efficiency with fewer inputs. The investment also underscores broader investor confidence in technologies designed to address the intersection of productivity and sustainability in agriculture. As growers worldwide seek ways to optimize nutrient management and reduce dependence on conventional fertilizers, innovations that improve resource efficiency are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of commercial horticulture. With fresh capital in hand and a major international expansion on the horizon, Arevo is positioning itself at the forefront of the next generation of fertilizer technologies, aiming to reshape nutrient management for a rapidly evolving horticulture industry. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/135/4153/operating-in-india-has-been-most-rigorous-real-world-stress-test-for-the-system-vinay-nair-ceo-founder-khetibuddy.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/interviews/135/4153/operating-in-india-has-been-most-rigorous-real-world-stress-test-for-the-system-vinay-nair-ceo-founder-khetibuddy.html Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:34:39 +0530 In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview with Vinay Nair, CEO & Founder of KhetiBuddy, the discussion outlined the company’s global expansion strategy, beginning in India and North America and now extending to Europe as a natural next step driven by ecosystem readiness and structural opportunity. He emphasised that while India helped build a highly scalable, variability-driven platform for fragmented agricultural systems, Europe presents a contrasting challenge where digitisation already exists but lacks integration across farm, supply chain, and sustainability ecosystems. The interview highlighted KhetiBuddy’s differentiated approach of a standardised core platform with configurable localisation, enabling seamless adaptability across markets without compromising scalability or performance. What structural gaps or opportunities in European agriculture made it the right next market for KhetiBuddy, and how does that differ from the Indian smallholder context you started with?  Europe is not our first international market—it is the next logical step after our expansion into North America through Canada. Our global strategy has always been driven by ecosystem readiness and the ability to solve structural agricultural challenges, not just geographic scale. We began in India, one of the most complex agri ecosystems in the world, with fragmented landholdings, inconsistent data, and limited supply chain visibility. This forced us to build a highly scalable platform designed to operate in environments defined by variability and fragmentation, focusing on integration across farmers, input providers, financiers, and supply chains. Europe presents a different challenge. Agriculture there is already digitised, but systems remain fragmented. Farm data, supply chains, and sustainability frameworks exist independently without meaningful integration. Our focus in Europe is not digitisation, but integration—connecting existing systems to enable interoperability, unified visibility, and measurable outcomes across farm operations, compliance, and sustainability. European agriculture is highly regulated and technologically advanced. How do you adapt your model without losing the scalability that defines your operations in India?  Most agritech platforms struggle to scale globally because they are built around localised assumptions—specific crop patterns, regulatory environments, or market structures—that get embedded into the core architecture. As a result, when they enter new geographies, they often require significant re-engineering or complete redesign. Our approach is fundamentally different. We have deliberately built a standardised core platform that is consistent across markets. The underlying architecture—data models, workflows, and integration layers—remains uniform regardless of geography. What changes is not the core system, but the configuration layer on top of it. This configuration layer allows us to adapt key variables such as agronomic practices, regulatory and compliance frameworks, language interfaces, and operational workflows to suit each market. In other words, we separate the stable technology backbone from market-specific intelligence. Owing to this design, expansion from India to Europe is not a rebuild exercise. It is a controlled localisation process built on top of an already scalable foundation. This significantly reduces deployment complexity while ensuring consistency in platform performance. In fact, when architecture is designed correctly, localisation becomes a strength rather than a constraint. It enhances scalability by allowing the same core system to operate effectively across diverse agricultural ecosystems without losing adaptability or relevance. By entering Europe through a local partner, are you prioritising speed over control, and how do you mitigate risks around brand, data ownership, and execution quality?  In agriculture, entering a new market without a deep local context is one of the quickest paths to failure. The sector is shaped by regional agronomy, fragmented supply chains, entrenched relationships, and regulatory nuances that cannot be understood remotely or replicated through a purely technology-led approach. That is why our partnership-first model is intentional. We are not exchanging control for speed; we are replacing assumptions with on-ground insight. Instead of trying to own every layer of the ecosystem ourselves, we focus on bringing a robust platform while our partners contribute critical local strengths—trust networks, farmer relationships, market access, and execution capability. In this model, roles are clearly defined. We provide the technology backbone that standardizes data, workflows, and decision-making across markets. Our partners ensure contextual relevance by embedding the platform into existing rural and agricultural ecosystems, where relationships and credibility are essential for adoption. From a risk and governance perspective, the structure is deliberately balanced. Data ownership remains fully with the client, ensuring transparency and control at the source. Platform governance is centralized to maintain consistency, security, and scalability across geographies. At the same time, execution is standardized through our system, ensuring that processes, outputs, and performance benchmarks remain uniform. This means control is not diluted—it is restructured. Instead of being concentrated in one layer, it is distributed across ownership, governance, and execution in a way that preserves accountability while enabling scale and local relevance simultaneously. How do the economics of your services translate in a higher-cost market like Europe—does profitability improve with scale, or does it depend on premium positioning? The economics in Europe are fundamentally stronger, but that strength only translates if you are addressing the right set of problems. The nature of value creation in agriculture differs significantly between emerging and developed markets, and the monetisation model must reflect that shift. In India, agritech economics is largely volume-driven. Value is created by reaching scale across a large base of farmers, where services are often priced for affordability and adoption. The emphasis is on breadth—serving millions of farmers through low-cost, high-frequency transactions. In Europe, the structure is fundamentally different. The market is value-driven rather than volume-driven. Agribusinesses, cooperatives, and supply chain participants are not primarily investing in advisory services alone—they are investing in compliance, traceability, carbon accounting, and verifiable sustainability outcomes. These are not optional services; they are becoming mandatory requirements driven by regulation, ESG commitments, and global supply chain standards. This shifts the entire business model. Instead of cost-based pricing tied to service delivery, the opportunity moves toward outcome-based pricing, where value is linked to measurable impact—such as emissions reduction, audit readiness, supply chain transparency, or sustainability certification. In this context, scale still matters, but it plays a different role. Scale improves operating leverage and margin efficiency, but it is premium positioning and outcome credibility that determine success in the market. The ability to deliver verified, auditable, and integrated sustainability outcomes becomes the core value proposition, not just the ability to provide digital services at scale. To what extent are your agritech solutions—developed for Indian conditions—transferable to European farms with different crop systems, climate patterns, and mechanisation levels?  Our agritech solutions were not designed specifically for India—they were designed for variability. That distinction is critical when assessing their transferability to markets like Europe. The platform is fundamentally data-centric rather than crop-centric. This means it is not hardwired to any single agricultural system, crop type, or agronomic condition. Instead, it is built to process diverse data inputs and generate outcomes through configurable logic layers. As a result, adapting the system to a new geography does not require rebuilding the technology stack—it requires adjusting the underlying parameters, agronomic models, and regulatory rules that sit on top of it. In that sense, Europe is not a redevelopment challenge; it is a reconfiguration exercise. The core platform remains unchanged, while inputs such as crop calendars, mechanisation practices, compliance frameworks, and sustainability standards are localised to match regional conditions. In fact, operating in India has been the most rigorous real-world stress test for the system. We have already built and deployed across extreme variability—multiple crops, diverse climatic zones, fragmented landholdings, and inconsistent infrastructure. This forced us to design for complexity from day one. Compared to that, Europe is structurally more standardised. Farming systems are more uniform, data quality is higher, and mechanisation is more consistent. Paradoxically, this makes deployment simpler, not harder, because the range of variability we need to account for is narrower and more predictable. Europe’s stringent agricultural and environmental regulations can be a hurdle—do you see them as a constraint, or as a long-term competitive moat once you’re established?  In the short term, regulatory frameworks in Europe can feel restrictive, as they add layers of compliance, reporting, and validation that increase implementation complexity and time-to-market. However, over the long term, this same regulatory rigour acts as a powerful market filter that eliminates weak or non-compliant players and rewards only those with robust, transparent, and scalable systems. We view Europe’s regulatory environment not as a constraint, but as a structural moat in the making. Regulations around carbon accounting, traceability, food safety, and sustainability reporting are becoming deeply embedded into how the agri-ecosystem operates. These are not temporary requirements—they are evolving into permanent infrastructure for how agricultural value chains are governed and evaluated. Once a platform is fully aligned with these frameworks, its role shifts significantly. It is no longer just an external service provider; it becomes embedded within the compliance and reporting architecture of the ecosystem itself. Whether it is carbon measurement, supply chain traceability, or sustainability disclosures, the platform becomes a trusted layer through which data is generated, validated, and reported. This creates a much stronger form of defensibility. Instead of competing on features or pricing alone, the value shifts to system integration and regulatory alignment. At that point, switching costs increase significantly, and the platform becomes difficult to replace without disrupting compliance workflows and reporting continuity. In this sense, regulation does not just shape the market—it defines the entry barrier and ultimately determines who becomes structurally embedded in the ecosystem versus who remains peripheral. Unlike India, Europe already has a dense ecosystem of agritech players—what is the core differentiation that allows you to compete against well-funded incumbents?  Yes, Europe already has a large and mature agritech ecosystem, with many companies addressing specific parts of the agricultural value chain. However, most of these solutions are built to solve narrow, well-defined problems in isolation—farm management, traceability, precision agriculture, or sustainability reporting as separate use cases. The limitation is not the absence of technology; it is the fragmentation of it. Different systems operate independently, creating data silos across farm operations, supply chains, compliance frameworks, and sustainability reporting. As a result, agribusinesses often end up managing multiple platforms that do not communicate effectively with each other. Our approach is focused on solving this structural gap. Instead of competing as another point solution, we are building the connective layer that brings these fragmented systems together into a unified data backbone for agribusinesses. The objective is to enable interoperability across existing platforms rather than replace them. This means we sit above individual tools and systems, integrating data flows across farm operations, traceability systems, sustainability frameworks, and regulatory reporting structures. In doing so, we enable a single, consistent view of agricultural activity across the entire value chain. That is the fundamental distinction. We are not positioning ourselves as another standalone application in an already crowded landscape. We are building the underlying layer that allows all these systems to function together coherently, turning fragmented data into a connected, usable, and decision-ready ecosystem. As you expand internationally, how do you balance global growth ambitions with your original mission of supporting farmers at the grassroots level—does scale risk diluting impact?  Our mission has not changed in its intent—it has evolved in its scope and the level at which we intervene. We began at the farm level because that is where the challenges in agriculture are most immediate and visible—uncertain incomes, fragmented inputs, limited market access, and lack of reliable advisory. Working directly with farmers allowed us to understand ground realities in depth and build solutions rooted in real constraints rather than assumptions. However, over time, it became clear that sustainable, large-scale impact cannot be achieved by addressing farms in isolation. Agriculture is a systems-driven sector, where outcomes at the farm level are heavily influenced by decisions made upstream and downstream—by agribusinesses, supply chains, financial institutions, and policy frameworks. Owing to this, the real leverage lies not in optimising individual farms one by one, but in enabling the platforms and institutions that collectively influence thousands or even millions of farms at once. This includes improving how agribusinesses manage sourcing and distribution, how supply chains ensure traceability and efficiency, and how policymakers design and monitor agricultural interventions. This shift does not represent a departure from impact—it represents an evolution in how impact is created. Instead of limiting ourselves to direct, localised interventions, we are scaling our influence through system-level enablers that multiply outcomes across the ecosystem. In that sense, the work becomes more structural and far-reaching. We are not moving away from farmers or impact at the ground level; we are extending that impact by shaping the systems that determine farmer outcomes at scale. -- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4040/german-startup-eternal-ag-raises-eur-8-mn-to-develop-autonomous-robots-for-greenhouse.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/4040/german-startup-eternal-ag-raises-eur-8-mn-to-develop-autonomous-robots-for-greenhouse.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:49:18 +0530 The investment will be used to accelerate the company's European expansion and extend the technology's capabilities to new crop types. Eternal.ag, a startup building autonomous harvesting robots for greenhouses, today announced it has raised EUR 8 million in funding from Simon Capital, Oyster Bay Venture Capital, EquityPitcher Ventures and Backbone Ventures. Eternal.ag is developing fully autonomous robots that perform greenhouse crop work without human operators. Greenhouses are increasingly essential for securing the year-round supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, being far more resilient to seasonal weather, climate change, land shortages and pests than outdoor farming. However, greenhouse labor availability is falling rapidly - in Europe, by as much as 30 per cent since 2010 - and forecasts say this trend will continue, leaving growers with structural staffing shortages. By automating physically demanding harvesting work, eternal.ag's robots enable greenhouses to operate reliably and continuously, even when labor is unavailable or inconsistent. By 2040, the company envisions fully automated greenhouse operations powered by robotics, requiring no manual operations. Eternal.ag's first commercial product to launch is Harvester, a fully autonomous harvesting robot designed for tomato greenhouses. Harvester operates up to 22 hours a day consistently and works as part of an intelligent AI-powered system to ensure quality of produce and cut. Built as a modular system, the platform is designed to expand over time with additional robotic functions to better serve broader greenhouse operations. "Autonomous robots only work if they can handle real-world variability between plants, layouts, and daily operations," said Renji John, CEO and co-founder of eternal.ag. "We develop and validate our robots using simulation-first development. That allows us to train, test, and fail safely in virtual greenhouses - cutting iteration cycles from months to days. Once deployed, every robot action feeds data back into the system, which is designed to learn, improve and scale." "Climate change, labor shortages, and rising demand are pushing food production to its limits," said Niklas Leske, Principal at Simon Capital. "Greenhouse horticulture is one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to grow fresh produce year-round. Yet, labor shortages put the industry at risk, and robotics is the only future-proof solution to build a decentralized, resilient food supply chain for the next generation. eternal.ag's experienced team has a deep understanding of what growers are up against and has developed a solution to tackle this in a sustainable and measured way." Founded by Renji John and Sherry Kunjachan, eternal.ag has built a team of 26 employees so far, working across Europe and India, with headquarters in Cologne and offices in Bengaluru. The new funding will be used to accelerate product development, expand commercial deployments across Europe, and extend to additional crop types. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3890/from-real-estate-rooftops-to-precision-agriculture-dtmk-drone-innovations-takes-flight.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3890/from-real-estate-rooftops-to-precision-agriculture-dtmk-drone-innovations-takes-flight.html Thu, 14 May 2026 12:13:03 +0530 Against the vast horizons of America’s rapidly evolving drone economy, DTMK Drone Innovations is charting an ambitious new course — transforming from a burgeoning aerial photography enterprise into a multifaceted provider of advanced drone solutions spanning agriculture, commercial inspections, mapping, and infrastructure intelligence Founded by entrepreneur Don Houde, the Texas-based company is emerging as a vivid example of how technological entrepreneurship, fortified by perseverance and vision, can reshape professional destinies and unlock entirely new economic frontiers. Since joining the Sky Eye Network (SEN) community in March 2024 following attendance at Drone Command Live, DTMK Drone Innovations has rapidly evolved from aspiration into operational momentum. What began as a focused venture in real estate drone photography has now expanded toward high-growth sectors where aerial data, precision imaging, and automation are redefining industry standards. The company’s early commercial foundation was built through real estate aerial photography and videography — a sector that provided both revenue stability and proof of market demand. Yet the horizon ahead stretches considerably farther. DTMK Drone Innovations is now advancing into agricultural spraying services, where precision drone technology is increasingly revolutionizing crop management, resource efficiency, and large-scale farm operations. The company reports multiple verbal agreements currently under negotiation, signaling mounting interest from agricultural stakeholders eager to embrace next-generation aerial solutions. Simultaneously, requests are accelerating across a constellation of commercial applications, including construction surveying, orthomosaic mapping, roofing inspections, and long-duration time-lapse documentation — sectors where drone-enabled intelligence offers dramatic gains in efficiency, safety, and data precision. For founder Don Houde, however, the enterprise represents something greater than commercial diversification alone. It is the embodiment of personal transformation. Reflecting upon the period before launching the company, Houde described a professional life constrained by routine and uncertainty, motivating his pursuit of entrepreneurial independence and long-term stability. The decision to join Sky Eye Network became, in his words, a turning point toward reclaiming agency over his future and embracing innovation as both vocation and opportunity. Central to that journey has been the support structure cultivated within the Sky Eye Network ecosystem — a community Houde credits with fostering resilience, optimism, and a mindset oriented toward possibility rather than limitation. Among the most meaningful milestones in the company’s ascent, Houde recalls the moment he recognized that his drone expertise had generated tangible value for a client — a realization that transformed technical skill into professional purpose. As the global drone services industry accelerates toward mainstream commercial adoption, DTMK Drone Innovations appears strategically positioned within a marketplace increasingly defined by automation, precision analytics, and aerial intelligence. Industry analysts continue to forecast robust expansion across agricultural drone services, infrastructure inspection, and geospatial mapping, with businesses seeking faster, safer, and more data-rich alternatives to traditional operational methods. Against this backdrop, DTMK Drone Innovations is advancing with a philosophy rooted in persistence, adaptability, and practical value creation. The company’s guiding ethos — one of relentless perseverance and unwavering follow-through — mirrors the broader entrepreneurial spirit fueling the rise of America’s emerging drone economy. As innovation lifts ever higher into the skies above commerce, agriculture, and infrastructure, DTMK Drone Innovations is positioning itself not merely as a service provider, but as a participant in the unfolding transformation of how industries observe, measure, and shape the world below. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3887/oishii-secures-150-mn-series-c-to-accelerate-robotics-driven-vertical-farming-expansion.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3887/oishii-secures-150-mn-series-c-to-accelerate-robotics-driven-vertical-farming-expansion.html Wed, 13 May 2026 18:37:15 +0530 Indoor farming pioneer strengthens Smart Farm model with new capital infusion to scale automated strawberry production, expand retail footprint across the US and Japan, and deepen its precision agriculture technology stack amid a reshaping global agri-tech landscape In a decisive vote of confidence for the evolving architecture of controlled-environment agriculture, Oishii—the company synonymous with high-precision indoor strawberry cultivation—has announced the first closing of its $150 million Series C financing round, marking a pivotal transition from experimental scalability to industrial maturation. Led by SPARX Asset Management Co., Ltd., with participation from a consortium of prominent institutional investors including Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd, MISUMI Group Inc, and Mizuho Bank Ltd, the funding round signals sustained conviction in Oishii’s “Smart Farm” model at a time when much of the vertical farming sector has been undergoing a period of recalibration and capital retrenchment. Unlike the exuberant early phase of indoor agriculture, characterised by rapid expansion and equally rapid consolidation, Oishii’s trajectory has been notably more disciplined—anchored in robotics, automation, and a tightly engineered production philosophy that seeks to reconcile horticultural precision with industrial predictability. The company’s system integrates advanced automation with traditional Japanese cultivation methodologies, an unusual but increasingly influential hybrid approach in the global agri-tech landscape. The fresh capital infusion is expected to significantly expand production capacity across Oishii’s indoor farm network in the United States while simultaneously strengthening its technological footprint in Japan. Central to this expansion is the continued deployment of robotics systems—particularly in pollination and harvesting—enhanced further by the company’s acquisition of Tortuga AgTech and a strategic partnership with MISUMI Group Inc., a global leader in industrial automation components. Oishii’s evolution also reflects a broader recalibration of vertical farming economics. Once defined by ultra-premium positioning and niche consumer appeal, the company has gradually widened its commercial aperture. From the early introduction of its Omakase Berry at luxury price points, it has since diversified into multiple product tiers, including the Koyo and Nikko varieties, with retail offerings now spanning a far more accessible price spectrum. This strategic broadening has been complemented by innovations in packaging and shelf-life optimisation, including a proprietary stay-fresh sealing system that significantly reduces plastic usage while extending product durability—an essential factor in scaling fresh produce across long supply chains. Institutional investors backing the round have underscored not only the company’s technological differentiation but also its executional discipline. SPARX Asset Management, in particular, highlighted Oishii’s progression from concept validation to full commercial deployment as a rare example of consistent delivery in a sector often defined by volatility and unmet expectations. At its core, Oishii’s thesis rests on a deceptively simple premise: that strawberries—among the most delicate and labour-intensive fruits in global agriculture—can be transformed into a reliably produced, year-round commodity through extreme environmental control and algorithmic precision. Yet beneath this simplicity lies a deeply complex engineering challenge, one that the company continues to address through iterative advances in automation, R&D infrastructure, and operational scaling. The newly raised capital will be deployed to expand farm infrastructure, deepen robotics integration, and accelerate research initiatives across both the United States and Japan, including the development of a dedicated Open Innovation Center in Tokyo. These investments are designed to consolidate Oishii’s position at the intersection of food technology, robotics, and high-value horticulture. Having raised a cumulative $370 million since its founding in 2016, Oishii now enters what its leadership describes as a “new phase of confidence”—a stage defined not by proving feasibility, but by refining scale, efficiency, and market reach. In a sector still grappling with questions of profitability and long-term viability, Oishii’s latest financing round stands as both a validation of its model and a broader signal: that the future of premium agriculture may no longer lie in fields alone, but increasingly within precisely calibrated, data-driven environments engineered for consistency as much as for taste. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3756/open-yeast-platform-could-lower-barriers-to-entry-and-accelerate-b2b-biotech-commercialization.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3756/open-yeast-platform-could-lower-barriers-to-entry-and-accelerate-b2b-biotech-commercialization.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:58:50 +0530 Proposed hub at Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park targets regional and global research networks Pinnacle Food Group Limited is positioning itself at the forefront of Asia’s rapidly expanding synthetic biology sector, announcing a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the development of an Open Yeast Platform hub in Hong Kong. The initiative, led through its subsidiary Pinnacle Food AgTech HK Limited (PFHK), reflects a broader strategy to integrate bio-engineering capabilities with scalable commercial applications, particularly in precision fermentation and high-value biological production. The proposed hub, to be located within the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, is designed to capitalize on the unique cross-border advantages of the region, combining Hong Kong’s regulatory framework with Mainland China’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem. If realized, the platform could serve as a central node for yeast-based research and development, linking academic institutions, biotech startups, and industrial players across Asia and beyond. At the core of the initiative is the Open Yeast Platform, a dual-component system comprising an open-source DNA parts library and a growing global repository of yeast strains. Originally established in 2021, the platform has evolved into a resource-rich toolkit for synthetic biology, enabling researchers to assemble genetic constructs and experiment with yeast-based applications more efficiently. The inclusion of both genetic components and live strains under an Open Material Transfer Agreement framework underscores a commitment to accessibility and collaborative innovation. Bioboost Synbio Consulting Inc., a specialized biotechnology advisory firm, will support the initiative by providing strategic and technical expertise to facilitate regional deployment. The collaboration is expected to focus on adapting the platform to local research needs while ensuring interoperability with global standards, a critical factor in scaling synthetic biology solutions across borders. For Pinnacle Food Group, the move aligns with its “Dual-Engine” growth strategy, which seeks to combine technological innovation with commercial scalability. By curating and distributing synthetic biology tools within Asia, the company aims to attract partnerships and build an ecosystem that supports both research advancement and downstream product development. The open-access nature of the platform is also expected to reduce entry barriers for smaller players, potentially accelerating innovation cycles in areas such as alternative proteins, industrial enzymes, and bio-based materials. While the MOU remains non-binding and subject to further regulatory and operational approvals, the initiative signals growing momentum in the convergence of open science and commercial biotech infrastructure. As global competition intensifies in synthetic biology, the establishment of regional hubs capable of fostering collaboration and rapid experimentation may prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of industry growth. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3724/plasmaleap-raises-30m-to-rewire-fertiliser-supply-chain-as-geopolitical-risks-bite.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3724/plasmaleap-raises-30m-to-rewire-fertiliser-supply-chain-as-geopolitical-risks-bite.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:18:52 +0530 A surge in fertiliser prices driven by conflict in the Middle East is accelerating investor appetite for technologies that could localise and decarbonise agricultural inputs, as Australian startup PlasmaLeap Technologies secures A$30 million in Series A funding. The round drew a coalition of agribusiness heavyweights and climate-focused investors, including the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Hort Innovation, GrainCorp’s venture arm, New Zealand’s Agnition Ventures (Ravensdown’s corporate VC), the Gates Foundation, Investible, Yara Growth Ventures, UniSuper and Twynam. Founded as a spin-out from the University of Sydney, PlasmaLeap is developing a reactor that produces ammonia and nitric acid—core ingredients in nitrogen fertiliser—using only air, water and renewable electricity. The company argues the system could decentralise a sector long dominated by large, energy-intensive industrial plants and fragile global supply routes. That pitch is gaining urgency. Roughly 45 per cent of globally traded nitrogen fertiliser is linked to supply chains passing through the Middle East, with about a third of global flows routed via the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions linked to regional conflict have already pushed prices higher, adding pressure on farmers’ input costs. PlasmaLeap CEO Frere Byrne framed the technology as a buffer against that volatility. “The conflict in the Gulf has highlighted the risks to nitrogen fertiliser supply and the very real risks to farmers—and consumers—from price shocks,” he said. The company’s model, he added, could allow fertiliser to be produced closer to where it is used, reducing exposure to global shocks while cutting emissions. Backers are positioning the investment as both an economic and strategic hedge for agriculture. GRDC managing director Nigel Hart said decentralised production could strengthen supply resilience while supporting sustainability goals, calling it “strategically important for the Australian grains sector.” GrainCorp Ventures highlighted the potential to reduce emissions and improve cost stability for growers, while Hort Innovation emphasised the importance of reliable fertiliser access for horticulture amid rising input costs and supply chain strain. The funding will support construction of early fertiliser production hubs in New South Wales and Tasmania, along with expanded field trials and continued development of the core reactor technology. Longer-term ambitions extend beyond agriculture, with potential applications in synthetic fuels and energy systems. For now, though, the focus is firmly on fertiliser—a sector where geopolitical shocks are increasingly being felt in farm budgets, and where investors are betting that localisation could become the next major industrial shift. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3700/singapore-unveils-new-sustainability-innovation-hub-to-ease-product-testing-for-start-ups-accelerate-market-entry.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3700/singapore-unveils-new-sustainability-innovation-hub-to-ease-product-testing-for-start-ups-accelerate-market-entry.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:32:25 +0530 The 32,000 sq ft hub, is designed to support start-ups in agri-food, built environment, and energy solutions sectors Singapore-based sustainability hub Vidacity has launched a new innovation platform at JTC’s LaunchPad at one-north on April 15, aimed at accelerating the development of green technologies by providing start-ups with a space to test and refine their products before scaling to market. The 32,000 sq ft hub, is designed to support start-ups in agri-food, built environment, and energy solutions sectors. With facilities for workshops, laboratories, and demonstrations, Vidacity plans to back up to 200 companies and facilitate 80 pilot deployments over five years. Among the first to benefit are N&E Innovations, which creates biodegradable antimicrobial coatings from food waste, and Entropy Lab, which develops passive cooling paint for buildings. This initiative underscores Vidacity’s mission to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world application in the green economy. The new hub is Vidacity’s second site in Singapore, complementing its first location at the former Loyang Primary School in Pasir Ris. While the Pasir Ris hub has successfully nurtured an ecosystem of entrepreneurs in sustainable technologies like agriculture, water treatment, and material science, its location limited access to Singapore’s broader start-up community. LaunchPad’s central position within the start-up ecosystem addresses this challenge, enabling Vidacity and its partner start-ups to collaborate more closely with founders and participate in JTC-organized programs. This strategic move aligns with LaunchPad’s vision of fostering ecosystem growth over the next decade. By situating itself within this vibrant community, Vidacity can better support start-ups in their journey from concept to commercialization. Vidacity’s ecosystem-building efforts extend beyond physical space. The hub offers free, public-access events and personalized consultation services to start-ups and enterprises, alongside fee-based hands-on deployment advisory. Its revenue model includes two key businesses: VidaCircle, which supports local and overseas enterprises in their expansion efforts through a retainer fee model, and VidaCapital Academy, which provides training in impact investing and sustainable finance for students and fresh graduates in Southeast Asia. These initiatives reflect Vidacity’s commitment to not only supporting green innovation but also equipping the next generation of professionals with the skills needed to drive sustainability forward. Chief executive Zac Toh emphasized the importance of expanding Vidacity’s scope after witnessing the success of City Sprouts, an urban farm business that inspired a community of environmentally focused enterprises. At the hub’s launch, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling highlighted the green economy’s growing role as a driver of regional and national growth. She noted that Singapore must innovate and scale solutions quickly to remain competitive amid challenges such as evolving technologies, market demands, and supply chain shifts. The ongoing Middle East conflict, she added, presents an “opportunity in crisis” for Singaporean companies to maintain their edge by developing resilient and innovative solutions. Ms. Low underscored the importance of hubs like Vidacity in uniting innovators, enterprises, and partners to transform ideas into practical solutions. She announced several memorandums of understanding between Vidacity and key stakeholders to strengthen the connection between innovation and real-world implementation, enabling faster transitions from lab to market. As part of its collaborative approach, Vidacity will work with JTC to pilot proof-of-concept opportunities at LaunchPad and the Punggol Digital District, allowing start-ups to test solutions in both local and international markets. It has also partnered with the Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE.SG) to enhance founder referrals and co-develop programs that strengthen the start-up community. These partnerships aim to create a robust pipeline of future unicorns—companiesthat not only achieve financial success but also contribute meaningfully to environmental and social good. By fostering collaboration and innovation, Vidacity is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s green economy and supporting its ambition to be a leader in sustainable innovation across ASEAN and beyond. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3693/the-10th-edition-of-future-fit-asia-flagship-conference-returns-to-singapore-on-12-13-may-2026.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3693/the-10th-edition-of-future-fit-asia-flagship-conference-returns-to-singapore-on-12-13-may-2026.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:30:01 +0530 2026 Innovation Challenge_ Five Countries: 11 Innovators_Singapore on 12–13 May Future Fit Asia, a decade-long advocate for understanding the interconnected solutions to Food, Health, and Planet challenges, proudly unveils the 11 startups chosen for its 2026 Innovation Challenge. This milestone event, part of the 10th edition of their flagship conference, will take center stage at the Goodwood Park Hotel in Singapore on 12–13 May, showcasing the next wave of transformative innovation. This year's conference is structured around three distinct thematic sessions that share a unifying thread, emphasizing the interconnected nature of the solutions Future Fit Asia has championed over the past decade. Toxicity is a subject often overlooked, underestimated or quietly avoided. We confront it directly, examining its impact across food systems, environments, and health. Planetary Health asks a broader question: how do we protect and restore the natural systems that sustain all life, while supporting biodiversity and enabling healthy aging through our food and agricultural systems? Food, Nutrition and Wellness challenge the long-held assumption that better health must come at a high cost, reframing the conversation around healthy longevity and exploring innovations beyond GLP-1—from gut health and metabolic science to data-driven approaches reshaping food and retail. Early and Growth-Stage Startups from Five Countries: 11 Innovators For the first time, Future Fit Asia is welcoming both early and growth-stage startups to its Innovation Challenge, featuring 11 handpicked innovators spanning fields like Ayurveda and AI. These startups will pitch in person on 12-13 May 2026 in Singapore, marking a milestone in the organization's decade-long mission to address interconnected Food, Health, and Planet challenges. AgriSciense (India) is redefining agroforestry through real-time farm-level sensing and analytics that enable early, precise pest intervention, reducing ecological and carbon footprints while preserving cost neutrality for growers. Aquabloom (Indonesia) converts Indonesian tropical seaweed into high-performance biostimulants and feed additives, delivering 20-30% yield improvements across 27 crops and 46 field trials, with 30x ROI for farmers per growing cycle. Bygen (Australia) is commercialising its novel Low-Temperature Activation (LTA) technology, producing activated carbon at 50% lower cost and with 20 times fewer carbon emissions than conventional methods, helping clean air, water, and soil. Capsber Agriscience (India) is an ag-biotech company developing microbial and bioactive technologies to detoxify agriculture and reduce dependence on chemical herbicides. Its biological weedicide platform selectively suppresses invasive weeds while preserving soil health and crop productivity. Fermenstation (Japan) develops high-functionality ingredients from underutilised biomass using data-driven, multi-microbe fermentation, building circular, bio-based supply chains for the future of food. HydGene Renewables (Australia) uses a biological catalyst to convert agricultural residues and waste into green hydrogen and locally-produced nitrogen fertiliser at lower cost, offering a resilient alternative to volatile global fertiliser supply chains. Its technology is proven at scale and backed by the Australian Government. Pandawa Agri Indonesia (Indonesia) develops science-based agricultural solutions that reduce pesticide use by up to 50% while maintaining crop productivity, enabling plantations and smallholders across Southeast Asia to transition toward lower-toxicity and lower-emission farming systems. PtBio Inc. (Japan) integrates proprietary genome editing with AI-driven data analysis to develop breakthrough food solutions including allergen-reduced eggs, helping shift the global food system toward a more inclusive "Food for All" society. Terpiot Guangzhou Biotechnology (China) leverages AI-driven synthetic biology to engineer microbial cell factories that replace polluting synthesis and land-intensive plant extraction, delivering bio-alternatives across personal care, food ingredients, and non-toxic pest and vector control. Xiaozao Tech (China) focuses on Nannochloropsis microalgae cultivation and high-value active ingredients for food, supplements, and personal care, offering sustainable, non-animal sourced alternatives across health and nutrition applications. Zeroharm Sciences (India) develops 100% plant-based nutraceuticals using advanced nano-formulation technology, combining principles of Ayurveda with modern science to deliver targeted health solutions across immunity, gut health, and women's wellness. The company serves over 800,000 customers across India, the US, UK, and UAE. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3648/regulatory-win-positions-bioprime-for-scale.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3648/regulatory-win-positions-bioprime-for-scale.html Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:36:56 +0530 Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, BioPrime AgriSolutions, says full portfolio approval marks a shift from regulatory clearance to scalable growth and stronger market credibility In an exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Renuka Diwan, highlights that securing regulatory approval for its entire biostimulant portfolio marks a major strategic milestone for the company. She emphasizes that this achievement validates BioPrime’s strong scientific foundation and positions it ahead in an increasingly regulated and competitive biologicals market. The company differentiates itself through proprietary bioactive compounds and a science-led approach, avoiding commoditization. With approvals in place, BioPrime is now focused on expanding in India while building global partnerships and demonstrating clear return on investment for farmers. Looking ahead, the company aims to drive innovation in next-generation biologicals, including biofungicides and climate-resilient agricultural solutions. Regulatory Breakthrough as Strategic Inflection Your full portfolio has now secured regulatory approval across biostimulant categories. Beyond compliance, how does this milestone fundamentally change BioPrime’s competitive positioning in India’s fast-evolving biologicals market? India has established a substantial and evolving agriculture regulatory ecosystem, characterized by a mix of long-standing, tradition-based regulations, modern digital initiatives and specialized agencies aimed at ensuring food security, safety, sustainability and technology adoption. For BioPrime to secure approvals for our biostimulant portfolio in this stringent and robust regulatory environment, is more than just compliance – it is a strategic validation of the science behind our innovations. The fact that our entire portfolio has secured the requisite approvals demonstrates that our products meet the desired standards for characterization, efficacy and safety. This milestone creates a clear differentiation. While the market has historically witnessed a large number of loosely defined products, the new regulatory ecosystem favours companies that have invested in scientific rigour and product validation. BioPrime’s portfolio of biostimulants are based on new active ingredients with novel modes of action and are IP protected. Consequently, this approval grants BioPrime the capacity to scale with assurance, cultivate deeper alliances with premier agri-input companies and strategically enter new markets supported by comprehensive compliance and defensibility. From Lab to Licensed Product India’s regulatory regime for biostimulants has tightened considerably in recent years. What were the most complex scientific or compliance hurdles you had to overcome, and what does this approval signal about the maturity of India’s biologicals ecosystem? The journey from laboratory discovery to regulatory approval is complex, particularly in biologicals. One of the key challenges has been the need to characterize bioactive compounds precisely while maintaining the complexity inherent to biological extracts. India also has strict residue – heavy metal, insecticide pesticide limits and requires extremely strict adherence to these requirements. For us at BioPrime, the most demanding aspect was aligning advanced scientific discovery—such as secondary metabolite profiling and plant response validation—with regulatory documentation requirements under the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) framework. This process required extensive field validation, analytical characterization and standardization of manufacturing processes. The successful approvals signal the broader maturation of India’s biologicals ecosystem. This progress should aid the sector move away from loosely defined inputs and towards scientifically validated products that deliver consistent performance at scale. Science vs. Commodity Play The biostimulants market often risks commoditization. With over 20 differentiated products featuring proprietary active ingredients, how do you ensure BioPrime remains science-led rather than competing on price alone? The risk of commoditization in biostimulants is real, especially in segments dominated by generic seaweed or humic products. BioPrime has thus made a deliberate choice to follow a distinct path. Our approach is centered on discovering and developing specific secondary metabolites that trigger defined physiological responses in plants—whether related to stress tolerance, nutrient efficiency or reproductive performance. This science-led development allows us to build products with clear modes of action and differentiated outcomes. With proprietary active ingredients, our strategy is to build strong IP barriers .Farmers and institutional partners ultimately value predictable outcomes and that is where science-driven innovation creates long-term differentiation. Defensible Innovation and IP You’ve emphasized developing novel active ingredients from unconventional raw materials. How critical is intellectual property and defensible science in building long-term enterprise value in biologicals? In biologicals, defensible innovation is essential for building long-term enterprise value. Many products in the market rely on broadly available raw materials, which makes differentiation difficult. At BioPrime, we focus on identifying novel bioactive compounds from unconventional natural sources and translating them into functional agricultural solutions. Protecting these discoveries through Intellectual Property (IP)—combined with proprietary extraction and formulation processes creates a defensible moat. IP, however, is only one component. True defensibility comes from integrating scientific discovery, regulatory approval, manufacturing capability and field validation. When these elements come together, the result is a platform that can continuously generate differentiated product. Market Expansion Strategy With regulatory clearance in place, what is your immediate commercial roadmap? Are you prioritizing deeper domestic penetration, export markets, or strategic partnerships with larger agri-input companies? With regulatory approvals in place, BioPrime’s focus now is on scaling adoption through a combination of domestic expansion and strategic partnerships. India remains a key market for us, given the increasing farmer interest in biological solutions and the strong distribution networks of agri-input companies. At the same time, we are actively expanding collaborations with global agribusiness partners who are looking to incorporate biological technologies into their portfolios. BioPrime’s strategy is therefore two- fold: deepen penetration in key domestic crop segments while leveraging partnerships to accelerate global market access. Biologicals in the Era of Regenerative Agriculture As sustainability transitions from aspiration to operational necessity, where do you see biostimulants fitting within regenerative agriculture frameworks? Can biological inputs meaningfully reduce dependence on conventional agrochemicals at scale? Biostimulants play a critical role in enabling regenerative agriculture by improving plant resilience, nutrient use efficiency and soil health interactions. Rather than replacing conventional inputs entirely, biologicals can complement them by making nutrient delivery more efficient and helping plants withstand environmental stress. This integration reduces input intensity while maintaining productivity. As agriculture moves towards sustainability-driven models, biological solutions will increasingly become part of integrated crop management systems that combine nutrition, crop protection and soil regeneration. Farmer Economics and ROI In a market where farmer margins remain tight, how do you communicate measurable return on investment? What data points or field outcomes best demonstrate the economic case for adopting differentiated biostimulants? Ultimately, adoption is driven by economics. Farmers need to see clear and consistent return on investments. At BioPrime, we focus on outcomes that directly translate into economic value —improved crop vigour, higher flower-to-fruit conversion, better yield realizations and enhanced quality parameters.One often ignored aspect is reduction in crop/ yield loss due to climatic fluctuations. This is a tricky parameter as loss is always not apparent and visible. BioPrime’s field validations across multiple crops helps generate the data needed to demonstrate these benefits. Equally important is communicating these results in a simple and practical way through field demonstrations, institutional trials, and partnerships with agribusiness companies. When farmers see the impact in their own fields, adoption follows naturally. The Next Frontier Now that the regulatory foundation is secured, what is the next frontier for BioPrime —next-generation bioactives, carbon-linked agriculture solutions, precision biological delivery, or global expansion? With regulatory foundations now in place, BioPrime’s focus is on advancing the next generation of biological innovation. This includes discovering new bioactive molecules through our research platforms, exploring opportunities in areas such as climate resilience and carbon-linked agricultural solutions. We have a very strong pipeline in biocontrol segment and will soon we launching several Biofungicides. At a broader level, BioPrime has evolved from being just a product-focused company into a science platform for agricultural biologicals, capable of delivering differentiated solutions for farmers and partners across global markets. ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3558/inside-cloovers-plan-to-become-shopify-of-energy.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3558/inside-cloovers-plan-to-become-shopify-of-energy.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:17:49 +0530 Jodok Betschart on why execution, ecosystems and capital will define the next decade of clean power In an exclusive Agrospectrum interview, Jodok Betschart, Co-Founder & CEO of Cloover GmbH, explains why Europe has reached a critical inflection point for decentralized energy as AI-driven demand, electrification and grid instability converge. He outlines how Cloover is positioning itself as the operating system for energy independence by solving the sector’s biggest bottleneck—financing—through embedded, asset-first credit and AI-led risk assessment. Betschart also highlights the significance of Cloover’s $1.2 billion institutional financing commitment as validation of distributed energy as a new infrastructure asset class. Looking ahead, he details the company’s installer-centric ecosystem strategy and its ambition to become the global backbone for decentralized energy over the next decade. The Infrastructure Moment You describe Cloover as building the operating system for energy independence. Why is this moment—marked by AI-driven demand growth, grid instability, and electrification—the inflection point for such a platform? The current moment represents a critical inflection point for the European energy sector. Several converging megatrends are creating this “infrastructure moment”: Rising Energy Demand and Grid Instability: The European energy landscape is entering a “defining decade”. Demand is surging, driven by increasing electrification and new, energy-intensive technologies like AI data centers. Simultaneously, centralized power grids are struggling to keep pace, leading to instability and uncertainty Accelerated Electrification: The rapid adoption of electric mobility is exposing deep structural weaknesses in the existing infrastructure. Households and businesses are seeking ways to secure their energy supply and control costs, driving exponential interest in decentralized solutions like solar, batteries, and heat pumps The “Missing Link”: While demand is exploding, the scalable infrastructure to deploy these technologies efficiently is absent . Cloover is this “missing link”—an operating system that connects all stakeholders on a single platform . It is built on the core principles of being asset-first and using automation to replace manual processes, creating a financial and procedural infrastructure that enables the transition to a resilient, independent energy grid. Financing as the Bottleneck Your thesis is that financing, not technology adoption, is the biggest constraint in residential energy. What structural failures in traditional banking does Cloover’s embedded finance model address? The thesis that financing is the primary bottleneck is based on the insight that technology adoption is hindered by structural weaknesses in the traditional financial system. Our model addresses these shortcomings: Fragmentation and Lack of Specialization: Unlike mature markets like automotive, the decentralized energy asset class has few specialized lenders. Traditional banks are often ill-equipped to underwrite loans at the required speed and granularity High Upfront Costs: The significant initial investment for solar, heat pumps, or batteries is a major hurdle for many households, with long payback periods deterring adoption Outdated Credit Metrics: Banks rely on traditional credit scores. Our model, in contrast, is asset-first, focusing on the project’s future energy savings as a key evaluation factor, which allows us to serve customers who might not otherwise qualify Installer Cash Flow Constraints: Small and medium-sized installers suffer from severe cash flow problems, having to purchase expensive equipment upfront. Our principle of embedded financing solves this by integrating working capital and financing directly into their workflow, transforming it from a hurdle into a seamless feature. AI in Credit and Risk Assessment Cloover uses AI-powered underwriting focused on long-term energy savings rather than traditional credit metrics. How do you balance innovation in credit models with risk management and regulatory expectations? Balancing innovation with robust risk management is at the core of our strategy. Our philosophy is that AI’s role is to reduce friction, not to replace human judgment. This balance is achieved through a multi-layered approach: Augmented, Not Automated, Judgment: We use AI to structure complex data, automate repetitive tasks, and provide data-driven recommendations. This augments the expertise of our team, allowing for faster, better-informed decisions while maintaining human oversight. For example, our AI-powered underwriting supplements, rather than replaces, traditional credit metrics Streamlining Point-of-Sale Processes: AI automates standard checks during the application process. This allows installers to manage higher demand and provide immediate, reliable feedback to customers at the point of sale, a critical step in reducing friction Data-Driven Risk Analysis: Our platform continuously collects and analyzes real-time performance data from installed assets. This allows for dynamic risk monitoring and proactive management, enabling us to detect and address potential issues early Asset-Backed Security: The financed energy assets are real, tangible assets, providing an additional layer of security beyond the borrower’s credit profile. This positions them as a transparent, “impact-aligned infrastructure asset class” for investors Partnerships with Regulated Institutions: Our model is validated and backed by a $1.2 billion debt facility from a major European bank and a guarantee from the European Investment Fund (EIF), ensuring adherence to the highest regulatory and risk management standards. The $1.2 Billion Commitment The scale of this financing commitment is unusual for a company at this stage. What does this signal about institutional appetite for distributed energy as an infrastructure asset class? The financing commitment of over $1.2 billion is exceptional and sends several powerful signals: Validation of Distributed Energy as an Asset Class: It confirms that institutional capital now views distributed energy systems not as a niche product, but as a scalable, stable, and attractive infrastructure asset class. Confidence in the Platform Model: Investors are backing the “operating system” that makes this asset class legible and investable. Our platform provides the transparency, performance data, and risk management needed to deploy capital at scale into thousands of decentralized projects. Shift to Infrastructure Capital: The deal structure, combining venture equity with a massive debt facility, is typical of mature infrastructure companies. It signals that Cloover has successfully bridged the gap between the tech world and the capital-intensive world of infrastructure finance. A Precedent for the Industry: This deal sets a new benchmark for the industry, proving that it is possible to mobilize the capital required to meet Europe’s ambitious climate goals. The Installer-Centric Growth Model Cloover positions itself as an enabler—not a competitor—to installers. How critical is this alignment to scaling decentralized energy, and what lessons have you learned from working with thousands of SMEs? Aligning with installers as an enabler is the single most critical factor for scaling decentralized energy. The energy transition rests on the shoulders of tens of thousands of small and medium-sized installation businesses. A model that empowers them leverages the industry’s greatest resource. The crucial lesson is that scaling is an ecosystem problem. Success depends on equipping these key players with the right tools. Our platform was designed to solve their core frustrations: fragmented software, manual processes, and crippling financing bottlenecks. By providing workflow automation, embedded financing, and working capital, we become an indispensable growth engine for them. This creates a powerful win-win situation: installers grow their revenue by an average of 30 per cent, and Cloover grows with every project enabled on the platform. This symbiotic relationship, built on trust, is the engine for scalable growth. From Software to Ecosystem You’ve compared Cloover to the “Shopify of Energy.” What does ecosystem leadership mean in energy—and how do you ensure interoperability across manufacturers, installers, investors, and households? The “Shopify of Energy” comparison means that Cloover provides the core infrastructure for others to operate on. We do not own the value chain; we enable it. Ecosystem leadership is defined by the distinct roles each participant plays on this shared infrastructure. Interoperability is ensured through our API-first and modular architecture, which allows all players to connect and collaborate efficiently: Installers use the platform to sell and manage their projects Manufacturers connect their hardware and associated data streams Investors access standardized project and asset information for the deployment of capital End Customers receive simple, financed access to clean energy Cloover is the shared, interoperable layer that aligns these diverse players, ensuring they can collaborate to deliver decentralized energy at scale. Economics for End Users Homeowners reportedly see 20–30 per cent energy cost savings, while installers generate 30 per cent incremental revenue. How do you sustain these economics as you scale across markets with different subsidy and regulatory regimes? Sustaining these economics relies on a dynamic, software-driven platform, not static subsidies. The core principle is ensuring the monthly savings for a homeowner exceed the financing costs . We achieve this through: Adaptable Software: Our platform is designed to flexibly integrate different regulatory frameworks and subsidy programs. Our ability to pre-finance public subsidies is a key advantage, reducing complexity and improving the offer for the customer. Economies of Scale: As we grow, we negotiate better procurement terms, passing those savings on to installers and homeowners. AI-Powered Optimization: Post-installation, our Energy Management Systems (EMS) use AI to optimize energy generation, storage, and consumption, maximizing savings for the household over the system’s lifetime. Portfolio Diversification: Expanding across multiple European markets reduces our dependence on any single regulatory environment and diversifies risk . Global Ambition and the Road Ahead With expansion planned across Europe and ambitions beyond, what must Cloover get right over the next 24 months to become the global backbone for decentralized energy ? To set the course for global leadership, we must focus on three core areas: Excellent Execution in Geographic Scaling: This requires meticulously managing our expansion into new markets like France, Italy, and the UK . We must prove our platform can adapt to local regulations and needs while maintaining core efficiency. A “one-size-fits-all” approach will not work. Strategic Deepening of the Platform: We must continue to advance our core AI capabilities in underwriting, risk management, and energy optimization. The “AI Finance Co-Pilot” must become an indispensable tool for every installer . Furthermore, expanding post-installation services like EMS and VPP integration is crucial for maximizing long-term value. Aggressive Expansion of the Ecosystem: This involves deepening partnerships with manufacturers, broadening our base of institutional investors, and relentlessly strengthening the network effects that create a powerful moat against competitors. As our investor from MMC Ventures noted, our success has been defined by “execution” . Maintaining that focus on execution across these three areas will be the key to establishing Cloover as the global backbone for decentralized energy. ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3522/from-estate-to-algorithm-how-canopy-is-turning-coffee-farms-into-climate-ready-intelligence-systems.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3522/from-estate-to-algorithm-how-canopy-is-turning-coffee-farms-into-climate-ready-intelligence-systems.html Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:15:10 +0530 A second-generation planter and AI researcher explains how lived plantation wisdom, satellite intelligence, and public–private collaboration are reshaping Indian coffee from the ground up In an exclusive interview with Agrospectrum, Sooraj Kandathil Babu, Founder & CEO of NeuBiom Labs and a second-generation coffee planter with a deep research background in AI, explains how lived estate experience shaped Canopy, a satellite- and AI-driven crop intelligence platform built for real plantation decisions. He discusses how Canopy converts traditional field intuition into digital twins that strengthen climate resilience, improve quality consistency, and enable traceability and collective bargaining for growers and FPOs. The conversation also highlights why affordable deep tech, public–private collaboration, and long-term data partnerships are essential to stabilising incomes and future-proofing Indian coffee amid increasing climate volatility. From Estate to Algorithm You are a second-generation coffee planter building a deep-tech platform rooted in satellite intelligence and AI. What specific pain points from your own plantation experience shaped Canopy’s architecture, and how did you translate traditional field intuition into a scalable digital “crop intelligence” model ? Most people experience coffee only as a finished product, something ordered at a café or picked off a supermarket shelf. What remains largely invisible is the one-year crop cycle that shapes that cup. When you spend time on plantations, the contrast becomes stark. I have seen two adjacent estates, with similar soil and climate, produce vastly different outcomes, one yielding 15 bags per acre, the other nearly double. The difference is rarely geography; it is almost always practice. How growers observe their farms, when they intervene, and how consistently they follow scientific cultivation principles. That gap in outcomes was the first pain point that shaped Canopy’s architecture. Traditional plantation wisdom is rich, but it is often unrecorded. We began by digitising this intuition through what we call a plantation journal, a structured cultivation diary that captures day-to-day farm activities. These records are then analysed alongside local weather patterns and satellite-derived plantation health indicators, allowing us to correlate practices with outcomes and provide context-specific advisories rather than generic recommendations. The second challenge is climate resilience. Coffee is a climate-sensitive crop grown predominantly in regions already exposed to significant climate risk. Multiple studies indicate that many current coffee-growing regions could become unsuitable by 2050 if cultivation practices remain unchanged. This makes climate-resilient growing not optional, but essential. Canopy maps how each grower approaches cultivation and aligns those practices with globally recognised sustainable frameworks, translating abstract climate principles into actionable, plot-level guidance. Quality and market value form the third pillar. Our goal is not to turn every grower into a specialty coffee producer overnight, but to enable clusters of growers to achieve uniform, reliable quality over time. Through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), a standardised package of practices can be deployed across hundreds of farms, improving outturn, grading consistency, and ultimately bargaining power in trade. Canopy supports this with transparent, traceable data that builds credibility across the value chain. Finally, there is technology adoption itself. Agriculture has long lagged behind other sectors in leveraging data and digital tools, despite being one of the most foundational industries. We believe technology, when applied sensibly and with a low barrier to entry, can only strengthen farming systems. Data-driven agriculture has proven its value globally; our focus is on adapting it to Indian conditions, starting with coffee, and earning trust gradually as growers see tangible benefits on their land. Canopy is, at its core, an attempt to translate field-level intuition into scalable crop intelligence, bridging the gap between estate wisdom and algorithmic insight, while keeping the grower firmly at the centre of the system. To add to that, both the founders of NeuBiom Labs come from a strong research background in artificial intelligence and user-centered engineering. My co-founder, Dr. Sooraj Krishna, holds a PhD in AI from Sorbonne University in France, and I am in the final stages of completing my PhD in AI at the University of Würzburg in Germany. In many ways, NeuBiom Labs is the outcome of applying rigorous academic research to the foundational problems we encounter every day on the ground, bridging deep science with real-world agricultural challenges. The Digital Twin Question Canopy creates a “digital twin” of each coffee plot. For growers and industry stakeholders, what decisions become materially better with this digital twin, yield forecasting, pest management, climate risk, or input optimisation, and where have you seen the strongest early impact? The real value of a digital twin is not in any single metric, but in how it improves decision-making across the crop cycle. For growers, Canopy’s digital twin functions as a living health report of each plot. It brings together local weather patterns, satellite-derived vegetative indices, soil indicators, and on-ground cultivation practices into a single, coherent view of plantation health. This allows growers to clearly understand what is affecting their crop and where intervention is needed. Based on this, the system recommends context-specific practices and provides short-term weather forecasts that help growers time their operations more effectively. For FPOs and grower collectives, the digital twin operates at a different scale. Instead of managing farms in isolation, FPOs gain a portfolio-level view of member plantations through comparable health and activity scores. This makes it possible to benchmark performance across growers, identify gaps early, and align field activities with organisational goals. For example, an FPO aiming to promote organic or low-input cultivation can push standardised practices across its members and monitor adoption over time. This structured approach significantly improves consistency in quality and outturn, which directly strengthens collective bargaining power in the market. At this stage, our strongest early impact has been in plantation visibility, practice standardisation, and operational planning for growers and FPOs. Coffee’s annual crop cycle means that advanced outcomes such as yield forecasting, early disease detection, and precise input optimisation require longitudinal data. As we complete full-cycle datasets across a growing number of plantations, these capabilities naturally become more robust and predictive. Ultimately, the digital twin evolves from a monitoring tool into a decision-confidence layer, supporting not just growers and FPOs, but also future stakeholders across trade, finance, and compliance, once the system is grounded in real, season-long plantation intelligence. Affordable Deep Tech: The Rs 2,999 Disruption Enterprise-grade crop intelligence globally is often priced far beyond the reach of smallholders. How did NeuBiom Labs engineer a platform that delivers satellite, AI and hyperlocal insights at Rs 2,999 per crop cycle without compromising data accuracy or depth? Affordability was not an afterthought for us; it was a design constraint from day one. If we want meaningful outcomes such as early disease detection or reliable yield forecasting, the system has to achieve wide-scale adoption. That simply isn’t possible if enterprise-grade crop intelligence remains priced beyond the reach of small and mid-sized growers. A large part of how we achieve this is through ecosystem leverage. NeuBiom Labs is incubated at the Atal Incubation Center at the Coffee Board of India, and the Agri Business Incubator at Kerala Agriculture University, and we are also part of the Google for Startups India. These institutions provide critical support in the form of infrastructure, cloud credits, research access, and grants, which allow us to subsidise costs during the adoption phase without compromising on data quality or analytical depth. Equally important is how we’ve engineered the platform itself. We made a conscious decision not to over-engineer the stack. Instead of building complex, expensive systems that look impressive on paper, we focused on crisp, purpose-driven tools that directly serve agronomic decision-making. This keeps compute costs low, workflows efficient, and insights actionable, ensuring the stakeholders pay only for value they can actually use. User-centred engineering is the third pillar. Over the past year, we co-developed Canopy alongside 23 progressive coffee growers, spending extensive time on plantations to understand how decisions are made in real conditions. This helped us strip away unnecessary complexity and design interfaces and insights that align with how growers think and operate, rather than forcing them to adapt to technology. Ultimately, the Rs 2,999 pricing is not about undercutting the market, it’s about building trust and momentum. Once growers experience the tangible benefits of data-driven cultivation, we see compounding impact: better practices, improved quality and yield, richer datasets, and increasingly powerful intelligence across seasons. That virtuous cycle is what allows deep tech to remain both affordable and scalable in Indian agriculture. Climate Volatility and Coffee’s New Risk Curve Indian coffee faces increasing stress from erratic rainfall, temperature spikes and pest outbreaks. How does Canopy move beyond reactive advisories to predictive risk management, and can it realistically stabilise incomes for small and marginal coffee growers? True, climate volatility has fundamentally altered the risk curve for coffee in India. Erratic rainfall, temperature spikes, and shifting pest dynamics are no longer exceptions, they are the new normal. Yet, despite these changes, a large proportion of small and marginal growers continue to rely on traditional calendars and inherited practices that were designed for a far more stable climate. Canopy moves beyond reactive advisories by anchoring decision-making in context. Each plantation is geo-tagged, allowing advisories to be localised rather than regional averages. More importantly, like we discussed before, the system continuously maps the grower’s cultivation practices through a structured plantation journal and correlates these actions with evolving local weather patterns and plantation health indicators. Advisories are generated not just based on “what the weather is,” but on how the grower is farming under those conditions. This is where predictive risk management begins. Instead of responding after damage occurs, growers start to see patterns, how certain practices amplify climate stress, while others buffer against it. Our systems are trained on authenticated and certified coffee cultivation practices relevant to Indian conditions, ensuring that recommendations are agronomically sound and locally applicable. The impact is not instantaneous. Climate resilience is built over a crop cycle, not in a single intervention. But as growers become more aware of ground realities and begin making data-driven decisions, timing operations better, adjusting inputs, and avoiding unnecessary stress on the plant, we see measurable improvements in crop health, consistency, and outturn. Over time, this translates into better quality and more predictable volumes, which directly strengthens growers’ bargaining power. Income stabilisation, especially for smallholders, becomes far more realistic when this approach is adopted at scale, ideally through FPOs or farmer collectives. At the collective level, risk is no longer borne by isolated individuals. Uniform practices, shared intelligence, and aggregated quality enable more stable market positioning, even in volatile climatic conditions. NeuBiom Labs or Canopy does not claim to eliminate climate risk. What it does is convert uncertainty into informed action, helping growers shift from reactive survival to proactive resilience, one crop cycle at a time. From Farm to Federation: Scaling Beyond the Plot Farmer Producer Organisations, cooperatives and boards need aggregated intelligence, not just farm-level dashboards. How does Canopy translate dispersed plot-level data into decision-grade insights for institutions managing thousands of growers across regions? We see this challenge very clearly, and addressing it is central not just to Canopy, but to the broader mission of NeuBiom Labs. If you look at a region like Wayanad alone, there are over 60,000 coffee growers. Yet how they cultivate, the practices they follow, the health of their plantations, and their evolving responses to climate stress remain largely undocumented and fragmented. This makes coordinated intervention at an institutional level extremely difficult. As a side note, this also means, the traditional and indigenous knowledge our seniors developed with their years of experience on the ground are undocumented. These insights exist largely in memory and practice, not in records. If this knowledge is not captured now, an entire generation of experiential wisdom risks being lost. In parallel with building Canopy, we are consciously working to document and structure this lived knowledge, so future growers have a foundation to build on rather than starting from scratch. Canopy is intentionally designed as a layered intelligence stack, not just a farm dashboard. The mobile app and institutional dashboard are only the visible interfaces. Beneath them sits a core AI layer that includes domain-specific GIS inference engines and a language model fine-tuned exclusively for coffee cultivation. This layer synthesises dispersed plot-level data, activities, health indicators, weather exposure, and spatial patterns, into structured, comparable signals. As adoption scales, this enables institutions such as FPOs, cooperatives, and boards to move from anecdotal understanding to evidence-backed decision-making. Instead of asking what is happening, they can ask why it is happening, where intervention will have the highest impact, and which practices consistently produce better outcomes. This allows for region-wise benchmarking, optimisation of input distribution, targeted extension efforts, and early identification of systemic risks affecting quality or yield. More importantly, this intelligence operates upstream. Institutions can intervene at the practice level, well before harvest, by pushing standardised packages, adjusting advisory focus, or aligning growers toward specific quality or sustainability goals. Over time, this can raise average yield per region, improve uniformity of produce, and significantly strengthen market positioning. What Canopy offers today is the foundation, bringing stakeholders into a shared, data-driven framework for farming. The stack is deliberately built to evolve. As datasets mature across full crop cycles and adoption deepens, the intelligence shifts from descriptive to predictive, and from operational support to strategic planning. In that sense, scaling beyond the plot is not an add-on feature; it is the natural outcome of designing agriculture as a system rather than a collection of isolated farms. Traceability as a Trade Weapon With Europe and other premium markets tightening sustainability, deforestation and origin norms, traceability is fast becoming non-negotiable. How does Canopy’s end-to-end tracking position Indian coffee against competitors like Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia in compliance-heavy global markets? India is currently classified as a low-risk origin under emerging regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). However, low risk does not automatically translate into market access, especially in premium and compliance-heavy export markets that are increasingly dominated by large, vertically integrated players. For India’s predominantly smallholder-driven coffee sector, traceability becomes the key enabler to participate on equal footing. Canopy positions traceability not as a post-harvest paperwork exercise, but as a cultivation-first system. Wide adoption of the Canopy stack allows FPOs to standardise coffee cultivation practices across hundreds of small growers, while ensuring farm-level quality control and transparent activity records. This creates verifiable evidence of how coffee is grown, not just where it comes from. From a global trade perspective, this is critical. Competing origins like Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia benefit from scale, mechanisation, and consolidated supply chains. India’s strength lies elsewhere, in shade-grown systems, biodiversity-friendly cultivation, and smallholder domination. Canopy translates these inherent advantages into structured, auditable data that buyers and regulators can trust. By maintaining traceable records from plot-level practices through harvest, the platform will soon support compliance with EUDR and other sustainability frameworks, while simultaneously building credibility for certifications and responsible sourcing claims. Over time, this shifts Indian coffee from being viewed as a fragmented supply to a verified, institutionally backed origin, capable of commanding premium pricing rather than competing purely on volume. As the Canopy ecosystem matures, its stakeholders naturally expand, from growers and FPOs to exporters, buyers, financiers, and compliance bodies, each drawing value from the same shared source of truth. In that sense, traceability becomes more than a regulatory requirement; it becomes a strategic trade instrument that allows Indian coffee to compete, differentiate, and negotiate from a position of strength in global markets. Public–Private Synergy in Agri-Tech Canopy’s launch at the CCRI centenary, with backing from the Coffee Board, AIC-CCRI and global ecosystem partners, signals a rare convergence of science, policy and start-ups. What role should public institutions play in accelerating the adoption of crop intelligence platforms at scale? The support we’ve received so far has been exceptional and deeply collaborative. Institutions such as Kerala Startup Mission, the Agri Business Incubator at Kerala Agricultural University, the Atal Incubation Center at the Coffee Board, Google for Startups, Wadhwani Foundation, EarthOn Foundation, our academic institutions, and, most importantly, the growers and FPOs we work with, have all contributed meaningfully to Canopy’s evolution. This convergence of policy, science, and entrepreneurship is exactly what agriculture needs at this moment. At a broader level, public institutions play a pivotal role in accelerating adoption of crop intelligence platforms by acting as trusted intermediaries. For most farmers, especially smallholders, technology adoption is not just a cost decision, it is a trust decision. When awareness and capacity-building programmes are led or endorsed by public institutions, it significantly reduces hesitation and shortens adoption cycles. Messaging around why data-driven cultivation matters, both in the short term for productivity and in the long term for climate resilience and market access, carries far greater credibility when it comes from institutional voices. Beyond awareness, public institutions can act as scale catalysts. Financial support in the form of grants, pilot subsidies, or outcome-linked incentives for using intelligent farming systems can dramatically accelerate adoption without burdening growers. This is particularly important in early phases, where benefits accrue over a crop cycle rather than immediately. Central bodies such as the Coffee Board of India and regional agricultural research centres can also serve as nodal intelligence hubs. By aggregating anonymised, region-level insights from platforms like Canopy, they can monitor ground-level deltas, identify systemic risks, refine extension strategies, and feed real-world data back into policy and research. Ultimately, public institutions don’t need to build technology themselves, but they can create the conditions for it to scale responsibly. By combining trust, standard-setting, financial support, and feedback mechanisms, they can ensure that crop intelligence platforms move from isolated pilots to national agricultural infrastructure. The Long View: Canopy Beyond Coffee Is Canopy a coffee-specific solution, or the foundation of a broader plantation intelligence stack? Over the next five years, how do you envision NeuBiom Labs evolving, across crops, geographies, or even into climate-linked finance and sustainability certification ecosystems? Today, Canopy is intentionally coffee-specific. Coffee is a climate-sensitive, globally traded crop with a long production cycle and complex stakeholder dynamics, which makes it an ideal starting point. But structurally, Canopy is designed as the foundation of a broader plantation intelligence stack, particularly for climate-sensitive cash crops where resilience, quality consistency, and traceability are becoming non-negotiable. For us, technology is not the end goal; it is the accelerator. The real determinant of success lies in operations, how deeply and effectively we work with growers, FPOs, and institutional stakeholders on the ground. Agriculture does not lend itself well to a simple “build-and-sell” software model. Our belief is that meaningful outcomes emerge only when platforms like Canopy are deployed as long-term partnerships, where data, practices, and incentives evolve together over time. Over the next five years, we see NeuBiom Labs expanding along three clear dimensions. First is geographic expansion, moving from regional depth to multi-region intelligence, where patterns and risks can be understood at landscape and corridor levels rather than isolated farms. Second is crop expansion, applying the same intelligence framework to other climate-sensitive plantation crops that share similar characteristics: long gestation periods, smallholder dominance, and exposure to climate and market volatility. The third dimension is ecosystem integration. As datasets mature across crop cycles, Canopy naturally becomes relevant to adjacent systems, climate-linked finance, sustainability certification, compliance reporting, and institutional risk assessment. When cultivation data is reliable, longitudinal, and traceable, it reduces uncertainty not just for growers, but also for buyers, lenders, insurers, and policymakers. In that sense, Canopy’s long view is not about becoming a one-size-fits-all platform, but about enabling a shared, data-driven workflow across agriculture. As stakeholders evolve, the stack evolves with them, ensuring that value is created collectively, and that the benefits of intelligence compound across the entire agricultural ecosystem. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3504/union-budget-2026-expectations.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3504/union-budget-2026-expectations.html Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:40:55 +0530 Resilience, efficiency & prosperity As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveils Budget 2026, the nation demands more than routine allocations. Indian agriculture is at a historic inflection point. This Budget is expected to operationalise the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aiming to transform farming from a low-margin, input-heavy, staple-focused sector into a high-productivity, high-value, globally competitive engine. Economists, industry leaders, and multilateral agencies concur: Incremental tweaks have run out of runway, and structural reforms are imperative to bridge productivity gaps, restore soil and water health, and secure farmers’ livelihoods. “Budget 2026 must signal a decisive move from blanket input subsidies to outcome-linked support that rewards water-use efficiency, balanced fertilisation, and low-emission practices at the farm level,” asserts Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog.  Dr Ashok Gulati, Infosys Chair Professor for Agriculture at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)and former Chairman, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), echoes the call for digitally verifiable, efficiency-led support: “Linking direct benefit transfers with soil health cards, precision nutrient management, and diversified cropping will reduce fiscal stress while lifting total factor productivity across both rainfed and irrigated systems.” The imperative is clear: Budget 2026 must transition from fragmented schemes to a coherent, science-led, productivity-centric agricultural strategy — a structural foundation for a globally competitive, climate-smart, and high-income Indian agriculture. The Foundation of 2025: From Intent to Implementation Budget 2025 laid important groundwork, signaling a shift from stop-gap support toward structural measures aimed at productivity and resilience. The launch of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, targeting 100 low-productivity districts, marked the start of district-level agricultural renewal. Coupled with a six-year protein security initiative under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, it created stable procurement for tur, urad, and masoor, reducing India’s import dependence in key pulses. “Budget 2026 must accelerate India’s shift to a climate-resilient, value-enhanced agri-economy by scaling biologicals and unlocking the waste-to-wealth opportunity. Targeted fiscal support for biosolutions, soil health and circularity can boost productivity while reducing chemical dependence. ’’ — Krishna Mohan Puvvada, Regional President, (Middle East, India and Africa), Novonesis Experts argue the next step must embed climate intelligence into farm-level decisions. “Budget 2026 must fund monsoon-contingent nutrition advisories at scale — using rainfall analytics and soil data to dynamically adjust fertiliser recommendations — so farmers can shift from fixed schedules to climate-responsive feeding of crops,” says Dr Manish Singh, AVP–Technical & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited. He proposes a unified Nutrient Efficiency Index (NEI), integrating soil-test data, cropping patterns, water use efficiency, and fertiliser balance. “Budgets and subsidies should be allocated based on NEI improvement, not fertiliser consumption. This drives balanced nutrition and scientific fertiliser use rather than volume-driven demand,” he added. “Budget 2026 must signal a decisive move from blanket input subsidies to outcome-linked support that rewards water use efficiency, balanced fertilisation and low-emission practices at the farm level.”​ — Dr Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture), NITI Aayog Budget 2026 also sought to ease liquidity bottlenecks by raising Kisan Credit Card limits from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, supporting smallholders, dairy farmers, fishers, and allied producers. Sectoral reforms — from the National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds and a five-year cotton revitalisation plan to institutions like Bihar’s Makhana Board — aimed to modernise production, while allocations for storage, logistics, and market infrastructure addressed post-harvest losses. “Budget 2026 must prioritise digital infrastructure, credit linkages, and rural capacity building to scale precision agriculture. Agri-drones, IoT and data analytics can boost yields, conserve resources and strengthen climate resilience. Targeted subsidies, public–private partnerships and R&D incentives will accelerate adoption, integrate technology with national agricultural databases, and shift India from subsidy dependence to self-reliant, innovation-led farming.”  – Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace Yet, experts insist these gains must now converge into a coherent resilience architecture. “The next Budget should consolidate irrigation, watershed, soil health, and climate missions into a single ‘National Resilient Farms Mission’ with district-level targets for water productivity and soil organic carbon,” says Dr V. K. Singh, Director, ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA).  “Linking direct benefit transfers with soil health cards, precision nutrient management and diversified cropping will reduce fiscal stress while lifting total factor productivity across rainfed and irrigated systems.”​ — Dr. Ashok Gulati, Infosys Chair Professor for Agriculture at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and former Chairman, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), adds, “Every rupee for irrigation must be co-anchored with micro-irrigation, fertigation-ready soils, and climate-resilient varieties so public investment translates into real resilience on farmers’ fields.” Budget 2026 will ultimately be judged on whether it can convert these incremental foundations into a mission-driven, 2047-ready agricultural architecture that delivers genuine resilience, competitiveness, and prosperity for India’s farmers. Fixing the Foundations: The Budget That Must Rewire Subsidies, Markets and Science As Budget 2026 approaches, it is evident that Indian agriculture stands at a pivotal crossroads. The long-standing promise of doubling farmers’ incomes, once a political mantra, now demands a sober re-examination. Structural pressures—from climate volatility and shrinking margins to global competitiveness and rising nutritional expectations—have made incrementalism insufficient.  “The allocation of the budget should be done across three horizons: the immediate year, the next five years, and the long-term vision through 2047,” asserts Sandeepa Kanitkar, Chairman of BASAI and Managing Director of Kan Biosys, highlighting that India’s agricultural budget—barely 2 per cent of total expenditure—is glaringly inadequate for a sector that contributes 17 per cent of GDP, sustains 55 per cent of the population, and underpins the nutrition of 140 crore citizens. “The next Budget should consolidate irrigation, watershed, soil health and climate missions into a single ‘National Resilient Farms Mission’ with clear district targets for water productivity and soil organic carbon.”​ — Dr V. K. Singh, Director, ICAR–CRIDA The inefficiencies of current spending are stark when viewed through the prism of subsidies. India invests roughly Rs 1.75 – 2 lakh crore annually on fertilisers, electricity, MSP procurement, crop insurance, and other input-linked supports, yet the returns in productivity, soil health, water security, and farmer incomes remain worryingly low.  “Subsidies have historically encouraged consumption rather than efficiency,” Sandeepa notes. Cheap urea drives over-application, subsidised electricity has accelerated groundwater depletion, irrigation grants rarely incentivise precision water use, and MSP procurement entrenches cropping patterns that undermine soil regeneration. For sectoral leaders, Budget 2026 must mark a decisive philosophical pivot—from input-heavy, subsidy-driven policies to a science-led, technology-driven, and outcome-oriented framework.  Every rupee for irrigation must be co-anchored with micro-irrigation, fertigation-ready soils and climate-resilient varieties so that public investment translates into real resilience on farmers’ fields.”​ — Dr Himanshu Pathak, Ex- Director General, ICAR & Secretary, DARE S. Soundararadjane, CEO of HyFarm, points to the potato sector as a model: “India could build the world’s most advanced, predictable, and globally competitive potato ecosystem through a National Potato Innovation Mission. CRISPR-edited varieties, AI-powered breeding, drone-led phenotyping, and mass deployment of True Potato Seeds can transform production while reducing costs and disease risks. Region-specific varieties are not optional anymore—they are strategic imperatives.” “Budget 2026 must reform subsidies by shifting from consumption-based support to science-led, Package of Practice–linked incentives tied to production outcomes. Performance-based support will improve soil health, enhance resource efficiency, and raise farmer incomes. Mechanisation assistance should be delivered via DBT and limited to FMTTI/BIS-approved equipment to ensure quality, effectiveness, and measurable impact on the ground.”  - Ravindra Agrawal, Chairman, KisanKraft Ltd Sandeepa further advocates restructuring through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT). “Subsidies must be given through DBT to farmers and allow them to use this money as per their wish. This has started with Kisan Samman Nidhi but must be extrapolated by diverting subsidies given for insurance, fertilisers, electricity, and water to DBT,” she explains. Such a shift would correct long-standing distortions, empower decision-making, sharply reduce leakages, and create the fiscal headroom necessary to invest in science, innovation, and climate resilience. “To truly raise farm incomes, storage, grading, logistics and digital marketplaces must be treated as core agricultural infrastructure, not peripheral add-ons.”​ — Sanjiv Puri, Managing Director, ITC Ltd “A key priority must be efficiency-driven subsidy reform. We need to shift from consumption-based subsidies to scientifically designed, Package of Practice (PoP)–linked incentives tied directly to production outcomes. Performance-based support improves soil health, enhances resource efficiency, and strengthens farmer incomes. Mechanisation support should be delivered through DBT and restricted strictly to FMTTI/BIS-approved equipment to ensure quality and impact in the field,” says Ravindra Agrawal, Chairman, KisanKraft Ltd, emphasizing that combining DBT with outcome-linked incentives can amplify impact across mechanisation, inputs, and farm management practices. “India’s next big leap will come from shifting towards processed, residue-compliant, traceable and climate-smart agri-exports rather than relying mainly on bulk commodity shipments.”​ — Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA Markets, too, are evolving in ways that demand more sophisticated production systems. The rising domestic and global appetite for residue-free food is already accelerating India’s biopesticide segment. Sandeepa emphasises that a formal residue-free label—jointly administered by the Ministries of Health and Agriculture—could unlock higher farmer incomes through premium market categories. “Blanket reduction on CIB-registered biopesticides must be done at the earliest to 5 per cent,” she cautions, noting that inconsistent GST categorisation is harming both growers and industry participants seeking safer input adoption. “Targeted support for FPOs, agri-startups and interoperable e-market platforms can cut post-harvest losses, stabilise prices and make climate risk more manageable for smallholders.”​ — Dr. Ashok Dalwai, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC); Chairman, Karnataka Agriculture The export ecosystem is entering a decisive phase. “India must position itself as a trusted global supplier,” says Kuchibhotla Srinivas, Partner, Deloitte. Strategic export corridors, residue-free clusters, bilateral agreements, and harmonisation with global standards, he argues, can convert India’s scale into global influence.  “If India wants to lead in exports, supply chains must embed traceability, quality assurance, and sustainable input use,” adds Ankur Aggarwal, Executive Chairman, Crystal Crop Protection. The global opportunity is clear. “India’s next big leap will come from shifting towards processed, residue-compliant, traceable, and climate-smart agri-exports rather than relying mainly on bulk commodity shipments,” says Abhishek Dev, Chairman of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). “The agri sector needs a unified national framework, science-based standards, and simplified licensing to enable innovation in high-value micronutrients and specialty fertilisers. Streamlined regulation will accelerate advanced nutrition technologies, strengthen soil health, and unlock productivity and profitability gains essential for truly transformative agricultural reform.”  — Dr. Rahul Mirchandani, President, IMMA  Value addition must become central to India’s strategy, particularly in crops like sugarcane. “Exports of sugar quota have to be restricted to further increase production of alcohol for oil substitution. Value addition is the key. Targets of 20 per cent plus substitution have to be the new target for easing some oil dollars. The money thus freed up can be used to improve irrigation, research, and perfecting models which are customised for Indian agriculture,” adds Sandeepa. Circularity, too, must become integral. Krishna Mohan Puvvada, Regional President, (Middle East, India and Africa), Novonesis stresses, “Adequate support must be provided for harnessing the waste-to-wealth potential in agriculture, including robust logistics for storage and transportation of agricultural waste feedstocks that can be transformed into fertilizers and bioenergy.” “A direct benefit transfer model for fertilisers—sold at full cost with farmers claiming subsidy via POS authentication—can be a game-changer. It ensures manufacturers receive full value, the government gains full GST, markets maintain adequate supply, leakages and black-marketing are curbed, and subsidy outlay reflects actual use. Budget 2026 should prioritise this transparent, efficient reform.” – Vinod Goyal, CEO, Agricare Corporation Domestic market architecture requires equal attention. Dr Ashok Dalwai, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) and Chairman, Karnataka Agriculture Price Commission, notes, “Targeted support for FPOs, agri-startups, and interoperable e-market platforms can cut post-harvest losses, stabilise prices, and make climate risk more manageable for smallholders.” Institutional strengthening, he stresses, is vital for farmers to remain competitive amid market volatility. Budget 2026, therefore, must reimagine subsidies, shifting from input-centric to outcome-centric frameworks. “Water, soil and climate must be planned as one ecosystem. Budget 2026 should institutionalise watershed-scale irrigation planning, incentivise soil regeneration, and embed climate-risk analytics into district planning. This is not sustainability for compliance; it is sustainability for survival,” says Srinivas.  “Budget 2026 can back a flagship ‘Sulphur- and Potash-Secure India’ initiative that promotes sulphate-based potash and balanced secondary nutrients, improving taste, colour, shelf-life and exportability of fruits, vegetables and plantation crops while reducing import vulnerability.”--Dr. Manish Singh, AVP-Technical & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited “For a water-starved nation like India, drip should be made compulsory. This would conserve soils along with improving the area of irrigation. The river-joining project must have allocation for short, medium, and long term. Bonds must be raised to mobilise domestic and World Bank funds,” adds Sandeepa. Structural gaps in specialised inputs also demand urgent attention. Dr Rahul Mirchandani, President, Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) observes, “India’s agricultural ecosystem is at an inflection point, yet not structurally prepared for large-scale reforms. One major gap lies in the micronutrients and specialty fertilizer industry, which remains outside mainstream policy despite its direct link to soil health, crop quality, and farmer income. Fragmented licensing under FCO, uneven state compliance frameworks, and the absence of a unified national policy slow innovation, restrict ease of doing business, and prevent rapid scale-up of advanced nutrition technologies like chelates, water-soluble fertilizers, and fortified micronutrient blends.”  “Budget 2026 must anchor a long-term Viksit Bharat Kheti Vision 2047 by reforming fertiliser use. Mandating a 25:15:5 co-pack of chemical, organic and biofertilisers—and supporting OF/BF manufacturing through PLI—can strengthen soil health, raise nutrient-use efficiency, expand acreage coverage and build climate-resilient productivity. It is time subsidies drive transformation, not perpetuate inefficiency ” --- Sandeepa Kanitkar, Chairman of BASAI and Managing Director of Kan Biosys Dr Singh underscores the strategic imperative: “Budget 2026 can back a flagship ‘Sulphur- and Potash-Secure India’ initiative that promotes sulphate-based potash and balanced secondary nutrients, improving taste, colour, shelf-life, and exportability of fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops while reducing import vulnerability.” Complementing this, Vinod Goyal, CEO, Agricare Corporation advocates a pragmatic DBT-based reform: “Fertilizers shall be sold on full cost price at dealer shops—farmers register purchases on a Point of Sale (POS) machine at the time of pick-up, and subsidies are directly transferred to their bank accounts.”  “Budget 2026 must treat water, soil and climate as one ecosystem by institutionalizing watershed-scale irrigation, incentivising soil regeneration and embedding climate-risk analytics in district planning. Equally critical is a legally robust Digital Land Ledger, interoperable with crop and credit data, to unlock formal finance, insurance and market access for millions of farmers still excluded from the system ” — Kuchibhotla Srinivas, Partner, Deloitte Sandeepa adds, “Chemical fertilizers should be bundled with organic and biofertilisers—25 kg of CF, 15 kg of OF, and 5 kg of BF per bag. This allows fertilizer to cover 30 per cent more land with improved use efficiency. Organic and biofertilizer industries can be supported through PLI schemes to attract private investment, improve soils, and build climate resilience.” As multiple industry leaders emphasise, this reform will determine whether Indian agriculture can truly align with the aspirations of Viksit Bharat 2047, delivering prosperity, sustainability, and global competitiveness for generations to come. Tech, Traceability, and Transformation: Budget 2026’s Agri-Vision Budget 2026 is not merely a fiscal exercise—it represents a strategic inflection point for Indian agriculture, an opportunity to pivot from incremental measures to transformative, technology-driven reforms.  “Agri-drones are no longer a novelty; they are an important part of the agritech landscape. Subsidies, public-private partnership models, and targeted R&D incentives can accelerate manufacturing and deployment, creating rural employment while increasing productivity. We must also potentially look at integrating drone data with national agricultural databases to enable smarter crop planning, soil monitoring, and weather resilience strategies,” says Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. “ Fertiliser purchases must be linked to a unified Digital Farm ID, which allows tracking of nutrient use efficiency, preventing over-application and enabling customised advisory. It builds India’s first data-driven nutrient intelligence system’’ --- Yogesh Chandra, VP-Sales & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited Echoing this vision, Soundararadjane, stresses that Budget 2026 should introduce a Digital Farming Acceleration Subsidy—shifting support from traditional inputs to IoT and automation tools such as soil moisture sensors, disease-warning IoT nodes, digital soil intelligence kits, smart irrigation systems, automated grading and sorting units, and low-cost climate stations for cold stores. “A 40–60 per cent capital subsidy will democratise access and unlock predictive, precision farming at scale,” he asserts. Equally critical is the foundation of clear land rights and reliable credit. “When a farmer has clear land ownership and predictable finance, they can finally shift from reactive decisions to planned, technology-led farming,” observes Ankur.  “Budget 2026 must accelerate digital land records and frictionless credit so farmers can plan, invest and adopt modern crop protection responsibly. To compete in global markets, India’s supply chains need embedded traceability, quality assurance and sustainable input use. Strategic public–private collaboration can fast-track safe pesticide practices, surveillance systems and next-generation, environmentally responsible formulations ” — Ankur Aggarwal, Executive Chairman, Crystal Crop Protection Srinivas adds, “The Budget should focus on the two biggest unlocks for farmer prosperity: clean digital land records and frictionless credit. A legally robust Digital Land Ledger, interoperable with crop data and credit scoring, can unlock formal finance, insurance, and market contracts for millions of farmers currently outside the system.” The systemic importance of logistics and digital marketplaces is reinforced by Sanjiv Puri, Managing Director, ITC Ltd: “To truly raise farm incomes, storage, grading, logistics, and digital marketplaces must be treated as core agricultural infrastructure, not peripheral add-ons.”  “Budget 2026 should launch a National Potato Innovation Mission to transform India into a globally competitive processing potato hub. A strong public–private R&D partnership must fast-track CRISPR-based climate-resilient varieties, AI-driven breeding, drone phenotyping, automated trials and True Potato Seeds. This science-led upgrade is essential for predictable supply, higher productivity and world-class processing quality.” – S. Soundararadjane, CEO of HyFarm Nutrient management, too, must be integrated. Yogesh Chandra, VP-Sales & Marketing, Transworld Furtichem Limited, explains, “Fertiliser purchases must be linked to a unified Digital Farm ID, allowing tracking of nutrient use efficiency, preventing over-application and enabling customised advisory. It builds India’s first data-driven nutrient intelligence system.” Budget 2026 must therefore deliver measurable, integrated reforms—embedding science, finance, technology, and policy into a unified, farmer-centric framework. It is the launchpad for the Viksit Bharat Kheti Vision 2047, enabling high-productivity, high-value, climate-smart agriculture and positioning India as a globally competitive agri-economy. ----- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3501/indian-food-revolution-in-america-street-fine-dining-and-beyond.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3501/indian-food-revolution-in-america-street-fine-dining-and-beyond.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:18:47 +0530 Once boxed into stereotypes, Indian food in the U.S. has exploded into fine dining, street culture, wellness, retail, and tech-driven delivery—just as tariffs and geopolitics put its resilience to the test. Indian cuisine in the United States is in the midst of a once-in-a-generation transformation. Long confined in the American imagination to “curry and naan,” it has broken free of stereotype and scale alike. Today, Indian food stretches confidently across formats—vibrant street food, Michelin-level fine dining, cloud kitchens, wellness beverages, premium snacks, and even spirits—claiming space in food halls, boardrooms, grocery aisles, and cultural conversations. This renaissance has been fueled by powerful forces: demographic growth, rising affluence, technological adoption, and a new American appetite for authenticity and global flavor. Yet just as Indian cuisine has reached critical mass, it faces an unexpected test—not from diners, but from geopolitics. The imposition of steep U.S. tariffs on Indian imports has begun to reshape cost structures, supply chains, and pricing strategies, forcing the ecosystem to prove its resilience. The story of Indian food in America today is therefore not just one of ascent, but of adaptation under pressure. Market Dynamics: Demographics, Affluence and Appetite The numbers tell the story. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 3.1 million Indians have migrated to—or been born in—the United States since 2000, a staggering 174 per cent increase in just over two decades. This demographic surge is accompanied by significant economic clout: Indian-American households report a median income of $151,000 in 2023, compared with $105,000 for Asian Americans broadly, positioning them as a high-spending, experience-driven consumer segment. The implications for the culinary landscape are profound. Affluent Indian-American households are demanding authentic regional flavors and quality ingredients, encouraging restaurateurs and brands to innovate. Beyond this diaspora, adventurous American consumers—particularly millennials and Gen Z—are increasingly willing to explore global cuisines. Datassential reports that new Indian restaurant openings reached 115 in December 2024, up from just 54 in September 2018. By 2025, 154 upscale Indian dining establishments were operating across the U.S., a sharp increase from 101 in January 2018. The result is a fertile environment in which Indian cuisine can thrive across multiple channels, from street food pop-ups to fine dining experiences and packaged products that land directly in consumers’ kitchens. Fine Dining: Regional Sophistication Meets American Palates Fine dining is emerging as one of the most visible arenas of Indian culinary evolution. Chefs are moving beyond generalized North-South categorizations, highlighting the hyper-regional diversity of India. Patrons may now find Rajasthani ker sangri, Konkani fish curry, Kashmiri nadru yakhni, and even tribal forest-based specialties on menus across New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Innovation and technology are central to this transformation. Precision cooking techniques, smart tandoors, and AI-enabled menu recommendations allow chefs to cater to gluten-free, plant-based, or low-carb dietary preferences, while AR-enhanced menus and open kitchens create immersive storytelling experiences. These strategies marry authenticity with experimentation, appealing simultaneously to high-income Indian-American diners and cosmopolitan food enthusiasts eager for global culinary adventures. Restaurants like Vikas Khanna’s Bungalow in New York exemplify this trend, reimagining Indian street food through a fine-dining lens. The plating may be modern, but the heart remains traditional: vibrant flavors, textures, and spices that connect diners to India’s culinary soul. This mirrors the evolution of global street foods such as ramen, sushi, and tacos, which transitioned from street stalls to table-service sophistication without losing authenticity. Street Food: Authenticity, Curiosity, and Cultural Impact American diners have become increasingly curious about authenticity. They want food with character, story, and place—not just a generic “Indian buffet.” Street food captures this perfectly: it is vibrant, democratic, and endlessly creative. Dishes like chaat, dosa, and pav bhaji deliver layered textures and complex spice profiles that align seamlessly with the modern palate’s love of contrast and global flavor. Celebrity chef Mariko Amekodommo, renowned for cooking for Hollywood A-listers, explains the trend: "The success of concepts like Chai Pani and Vikas Khanna’s Bungalow shows how Indian street food can evolve into fine dining without losing its soul. The plating may be modern, but the heart remains the same—food that connects people through joy, color, and spice. It’s authenticity redefined as sophistication, much like ramen or tacos once transitioned from street to table." Street food acts as both an entry point for new consumers and a proving ground for regional dishes that often migrate into premium restaurant offerings. It sits at the crossroads of comfort and innovation, giving Americans a new way to experience India that is playful, inclusive, and deeply rooted in tradition. From Queens to San Francisco, these establishments illustrate a clear trend: Indian cuisine is thriving coast-to-coast, balancing regional depth, street-level authenticity, and experiential dining. A Culinary Boom Meets a Trade Shock Just as Indian cuisine has achieved this cultural momentum, external forces have intervened. On July 31, President Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs on Indian exports, which came into effect on August 27—doubling duties on most Indian goods to 50 per cent. While the legality of the tariffs is now being debated , the economic impact has already rippled through New York City’s Indian food ecosystem. Restaurants that had become destinations for Wall Street executives and culinary tourists are now grappling with sharply higher ingredient costs. A 40-pound bag of basmati rice that once cost $30 now wholesales for $45. A 500-gram pack of chili powder has jumped from $7 to $10.50. Coconut milk cases have risen from $38 to $48. Arhar dal has surged from $62 to $82 per bag, while ghee—essential to countless dishes—has climbed more than 46 per cent, from $150 to $220 per case. Margins in restaurants are notoriously thin. For many owners, these increases are not easily passed on to diners without risking demand. Some are cautiously raising prices; others are absorbing costs or redesigning menus. Importers, facing pricing uncertainty, are scaling back shipments. The result is a rare moment where geopolitics directly shapes what ends up on the plate. Digital Adoption: Cloud Kitchens, Ghost Kitchens, and Delivery Technology is amplifying Indian cuisine’s reach. Cloud kitchens, ghost kitchens, and subscription-based tiffin services are delivering authentic flavors at scale. AI-powered ordering, multilingual voice menus, and integrated delivery platforms are meeting the expectations of tech-savvy consumers, while subscription models—offering rotating regional menus or street food specials—expand recurring revenue streams. High-income Indian-American households support premium ingredients, while younger, globally curious consumers explore novel regional flavors. Digital kitchens, ready-to-cook meal kits, and subscription services now bring Indian culinary traditions into American homes, deepening familiarity and loyalty. Indian Snacks and Beverages: Expanding Global Appeal Indian flavors are no longer confined to restaurants—they are rapidly infiltrating U.S. retail and wellness markets, reaching consumers through an increasingly diverse range of snacks, beverages, and functional foods. Traditional beverages, street food-inspired wraps, health-forward confectionery, and even premium spirits are all part of this expanding culinary footprint, signaling that Indian cuisine has become a multi-channel phenomenon. Take Choolaah’s Mango Lassi, for example. This Ohio-based fast-casual chain has leveraged the universal appeal of the Alphonso mango, offering a premium lassi that has quickly become a bestseller. Its success demonstrates that American consumers are not only willing to try Indian beverages but are actively seeking authentic flavors prepared with care and quality ingredients. Similarly, Skippi, originally known for its ice pops, has successfully diversified into savory snacks such as Cream & Onion and Lemon & Mint. By experimenting with Indian-inspired profiles in familiar snack formats, the brand is showing that traditional Indian flavor profiles can move fluidly into American taste preferences without alienating mainstream consumers. Children, too, are becoming part of this cultural exchange. ITC Sunfeast’s Super Egg & Milk Biscuits combine Indian flavors with Western snack formats, offering a product that balances taste, nutrition, and fun. At the same time, ADF Foods Roti Wraps are translating popular street food items like Paneer Biryani and Tandoori Aloo into convenient, on-the-go meals, enabling busy urban consumers to enjoy the vibrancy of Indian street food without leaving home or office. These products highlight a crucial point: accessibility and convenience are just as important as authenticity in driving adoption among new consumer segments. Health and wellness trends further amplify Indian flavors’ U.S. appeal. Confectionery and functional foods are integrating traditional spices and adaptogens into indulgent formats, a prime example being Turmeric Latte Chocolate and Van Houten’s Spiced Chocolate, which combine turmeric, chai, and other Indian spices to appeal to wellness-conscious yet indulgent consumers. Similarly, chai- and saffron-flavored protein bars are creating a niche where exotic flavors meet functional nutrition, appealing to fitness-oriented and health-conscious demographics that value both taste and wellbeing. Even traditional ingredients are finding modern applications. Good Phats Ghee has taken a centuries-old staple and repositioned it as a versatile spread and cooking ingredient suitable for contemporary kitchens, bridging heritage and innovation. Premium spirits, too, are entering this narrative. Paul John Indian Whisky, crafted from six-row barley and distilled in traditional copper pot stills, has positioned India as a rising player in the global whisky market, introducing consumers to both craftsmanship and provenance. Finally, the fusion of global inspiration with Indian soul is exemplified by Juicy Brick, which draws from East Asian juice and snack concepts while infusing Indian spices. Co-founder of Juicy Brick, Grace Bryan emphasizes the brand’s mission: “By blending Indian spices into our juice and snack offerings, we’re creating an entirely new flavor profile that appeals to the adventurous U.S. consumer. It’s East meets West, but with Indian soul.” Juicy Brick’s approach illustrates how Indian flavors are not just being transplanted but creatively reinterpreted to resonate with American tastes while retaining cultural authenticity. Together, these innovations underscore the synergy between restaurants, retail, and wellness products, demonstrating that Indian cuisine’s influence in the U.S. is broad, multi-faceted, and increasingly mainstream. By offering consumers a combination of authenticity, convenience, health, and creativity, these products are reinforcing Indian flavors’ visibility, accessibility, and adoption across American households, establishing a foundation for long-term culinary influence. Health, Sustainability, and Culinary Innovation The modern U.S. Indian dining scene is not only about flavor—it is increasingly defined by conscious choices that align with health, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. Restaurants across the country are embracing eco-friendly practices, from biodegradable packaging and compostable tableware to transparent carbon footprint labeling. By integrating sustainability into their operations, chefs and restaurateurs are responding to a growing segment of American consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility as much as taste. On the culinary side, Indian chefs are creatively reinterpreting traditional ingredients to meet contemporary health and wellness trends. Millets, once staples of Indian rural diets, are finding their way into pilafs, breads, and even desserts, valued for their high fiber content, low glycemic index, and climate-resilient cultivation. Similarly, adaptogens and Ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha, turmeric, and holy basil are being incorporated into drinks, snacks, and main courses, delivering functional benefits while retaining cultural authenticity. Gut-friendly foods, fermented ingredients like pickles, dosa batters, and probiotic lassis are also gaining traction, appealing to health-conscious diners interested in digestive wellness. This fusion of tradition and innovation resonates across consumer segments. Affluent Indian-American households appreciate that these culinary practices honor heritage while delivering modern nutritional value, while the broader mainstream audience increasingly seeks meals that are both flavorful and health-forward. By marrying authenticity with wellness and environmental consciousness, Indian cuisine is differentiating itself from other global cuisines, creating a unique competitive advantage in the U.S. market. Beyond nutrition and sustainability, this trend has cultural and experiential dimensions. Diners are engaging not only with taste but with the story behind each dish—the region it comes from, the locally sourced or sustainable ingredients it uses, and the wellness principles it embodies. In this way, health-conscious innovation becomes a vehicle for storytelling, deepening consumer connection and reinforcing the cultural credibility of Indian cuisine. In essence, Indian restaurants and brands in the U.S. are simultaneously safeguarding tradition, embracing innovation, and addressing the values of today’s conscious consumer—a strategy that ensures the cuisine’s relevance, resilience, and long-term appeal. Convergence of Trends: How Indian Cuisine is Taking Over U.S. Tables The rise of Indian cuisine in the United States isn’t just a trend—it’s a full-blown cultural movement, where flavors, technology, and storytelling collide to create a culinary ecosystem that’s impossible to ignore. What’s remarkable is how all the pieces—restaurants, snacks, beverages, and even wellness foods—feed off each other, each channel amplifying the others and bringing Indian flavors into more hands, hearts, and kitchens than ever before. Fine dining and street food, often seen as opposite ends of the spectrum, are actually partners in flavor. Upscale kitchens are exploring hyper-regional dishes with surgical precision—think Rajasthani ker sangri or Kashmiri nadru yakhni—while telling the stories behind every spice and ingredient. Meanwhile, street food is bringing that same authenticity to a wider audience: chaat, pav bhaji, and dosa that pop with texture, spice, and color, delivered in casual pop-ups, fast-casual kitchens, and food halls. Together, these two worlds create a delicious feedback loop: a street-favorite dish can graduate to fine dining stardom, while high-concept plating inspires casual chefs to experiment in playful, accessible ways. Driving this culinary surge is a demographic and economic engine. The Indian-American community has grown rapidly over the past two decades, and their median household incomes are well above the national average. They are demanding authenticity, premium ingredients, and regional nuance. But it’s not just the diaspora who are hungry—millennials and Gen Z are chasing food with story, spice, and personality. They want dishes that surprise the palate, ignite conversation, and transport them halfway across the world in a single bite. Chefs and brands that understand this are winning loyalty and shaping taste buds from coast to coast. Technology is the secret sauce that’s scaling this revolution. Cloud kitchens, ghost kitchens, and subscription meal kits are making it easier than ever to get authentic Indian flavors delivered to your door, while AI-powered ordering platforms allow for personalization—spice level, dietary preferences, or rotating regional menus. Virtual kitchens also provide a playground for experimentation, letting chefs test bold regional dishes or street food mashups before rolling them out at scale. A concept that once lived in one city can now travel digitally, reaching diners across the nation. And it’s not just about restaurants. Indian flavors are moving into every corner of the pantry. Turmeric-laced chocolates, chai-spiced protein bars, on-the-go Roti wraps, and Alphonso mango lassis are becoming household staples. These products make it easy for Americans to bring Indian cuisine into everyday life, creating a cycle where curiosity about restaurants fuels interest in retail, and vice versa. The result? A multi-channel culinary ecosystem where Indian flavors are always on display, always accessible, and always delicious. Sustainability and wellness give this story an extra layer of flavor. Restaurants and brands are integrating millets, Ayurvedic herbs, adaptogens, and gut-friendly foods into creative dishes, snacks, and drinks. Biodegradable packaging, compostable tableware, and ingredient transparency appeal to eco-conscious diners, while health-minded consumers embrace offerings that are both indulgent and functional. Indian cuisine, in other words, has found a way to be both soul-satisfying and value-driven, appealing to anyone who wants to eat thoughtfully without sacrificing taste. The end result is something rare: a dynamic, culturally rich phenomenon. Indian cuisine in America has moved beyond the immigrant corner of the market into a vibrant, multi-channel ecosystem, alive with flavor, story, and experimentation. It thrives where authenticity meets innovation, street meets fine dining, and restaurants meet retail shelves. For American diners hungry for spice, texture, and a story behind every bite, Indian cuisine isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey. And as it continues to evolve, it’s not merely keeping pace; it’s shaping the culinary imagination of a nation and redefining what it means to eat Indian. ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3474/singapores-farmdar-leverages-ai-in-agriculture-to-provide-actionable-data-helping-farmers-reduce-costs-boost-yields-improve-quality-and-minimize-waste.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3474/singapores-farmdar-leverages-ai-in-agriculture-to-provide-actionable-data-helping-farmers-reduce-costs-boost-yields-improve-quality-and-minimize-waste.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:25:04 +0530 Farmdar uses AI and space technologies to generate insights that help farmers, agribusinesses, and financial institutions increase productivity Farmdar, an agritech company utilizing AI and space technologies for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture, is actively deploying its AI-powered precision agriculture solutions to farmers, agribusinesses, and allied industries across South and Southeast Asia. Farmdar harnesses satellite data and AI-powered analytics to tackle critical challenges in agriculture and its supply chain. Farming communities in Asia face mounting climate change pressures, declining productivity, and volatile supply chains. The ability to monitor, predict, and respond with precision is indispensable for farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and governments alike. Headquartered in Singapore with teams in Thailand, Colombia, India, Brazil and Pakistan, Farmdar uses AI and space technologies to generate insights that help farmers, agribusinesses, and financial institutions increase productivity, improve sustainability, and manage risk. Farmdar serves multiple agricultural segments — seed and crop protection, fertilizer, food and beverage, machinery, agritech, and financial institutions — covering all major crops, including wheat, rice, corn, soybean, sugarcane, potato, and other fruits and vegetables. Farmdar's CropScan™, an AI and space technology driven crop insights platform that helps agribusinesses plan better, and YieldPro™, a crop monitoring platform enabling farmers and agribusinesses to increase yields, cut input costs, and adapt to climate change. Recently, Farmdar has secured funding from ADB Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Asian Development Bank. This strategic investment and partnership will enable Farmdar to expand the deployment of its AI-driven precision agriculture solutions to farmers, agribusinesses, and related industries across South and Southeast Asia. "Farmdar harnesses satellite data and AI-powered analytics to tackle critical challenges in agriculture and its supply chain. With ADB's strong presence in the sector, this collaboration creates a unique opportunity to scale Farmdar's solutions across Southeast Asia, advancing climate resilience and adaptation at a transformative level," said Arsalan Farooquee, from ADB Ventures. Muhammed Bukhari, Co-founder and CEO said "Farmdar is already deeply committed to Asia. Partnering with ADB, with its rich institutional history and legacy, will enable us to drive sustainable and inclusive growth in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam." The funding will allow Farmdar to strengthen existing markets and launch pilots in new ones across Asia. The round, which also included existing investors Indus Valley Capital and Moment Ventures, underscores broad investor support for Farmdar's growth strategy. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3426/future-of-agri-finance-runs-on-mapmycrop-swapnil-jadhav-on-maas-revolution.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3426/future-of-agri-finance-runs-on-mapmycrop-swapnil-jadhav-on-maas-revolution.html Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:03:09 +0530 In this exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Swapnil Jadhav, Founder & CEO of MapMyCrop, outlines how Monitoring-as-a-Service (MaaS) is redefining agricultural intelligence by shifting the sector from software-based tools to verified, outcome-driven visibility. He explains how MapMyCrop’s 6.2-million farmer validation network, multi-country crop intelligence, and proprietary AI models are solving agriculture’s long-standing “last-mile truth” problem at scale. Jadhav highlights how the company is emerging as the infrastructure backbone for data-driven agri-credit, parametric insurance, and climate-risk modelling as global finance moves toward intelligence-based lending. Swapnil also details how MaaS is becoming central to India’s state-level policy decisions—optimising water, subsidies, and climate governance—while delivering dramatic on-ground impact, such as 60 per cent input savings and 50 per cent quality gains for orange growers. Looking ahead, he positions MapMyCrop as the regulated verification layer of the future, enabling every farm to be visible, every risk quantifiable, and every sustainability claim credible by 2030. MaaS as a Market Redefinition You call MapMyCrop the world’s first Monitoring-as-a-Service platform. What makes MaaS a true category-creation model rather than a rebranded form of agri-tech SaaS ? Monitoring as a service isn't a rebrand—it's a fundamental shift in how agricultural intelligence is delivered. Traditional agri-tech SaaS used to provide software licenses but we at MapMyCrop provide verified, actionable insights as an on-demand service. What makes this category-defining is our Model-as-a-Service architecture: we deploy satellite imagery, weather analytics, and AI-driven crop models continuously across geographies, delivering real-time monitoring without requiring farmers or enterprises to own infrastructure, manage platforms, or interpret raw data. The customers utilize MapMyCrop’s platform for outcomes—verified crop health, yield forecasts, risk alerts—not for software they need to operationalize themselves. That's the core differentiator, we've industrialized agricultural visibility. The Economics of Visibility Satellite intelligence, IoT, and field-level verification are capital intensive. What is the core lever that makes MaaS financially scalable—data monetisation, automation, or enterprise partnerships? Our financial scalability relies on automation and our farmer validation network—not IoT or ground sensors, which are prohibitively expensive at scale. We leverage freely available satellite data and open weather sources, then apply our proprietary AI models to generate insights. The critical lever is our 6.2 million farmer network, which provides ground-truth validation at near-zero marginal cost. This creates a self-reinforcing loop, with more farmers means better model accuracy and then it leads to higher enterprise value which gives us more revenue per insight delivered. We're not just monetizing data but monetizing validated intelligence. Enterprise partnerships with insurers, banks, FMCGs, and governments—provide recurring revenue because they're buying risk reduction and decision confidence, not dashboards. Cracking the Ground-Truthing Barrier Agriculture’s biggest bottleneck is not data scarcity but data validation. How does Map My Crop solve the “last-mile truth” problem that has historically limited insurers, banks, and food companies from making accurate, real-time decisions? You've identified agriculture's Achilles heel. Satellite data is abundant; trust is scarce. MapMyCrop solves the "last-mile truth" problem through our distributed farmer validation network spanning 6.2 million farmers across diverse geographies and partner ecosystems. These farmers act as our ground sensors validating crop stages, stress events, actual yields feeding real-world observations back into our AI models. This isn't crowdsourcing; it's structured validation infrastructure. Combined with our multi-country deployment, we've built longitudinal datasets that capture how crops actually behave across microclimates, soil types, and farming practices, not how models predict they should behave.For insurers, banks, and food companies, this means they can finally underwrite, lend, and procure based on verified field reality, not proxy indicators or farmer declarations. That's the paradigm shift. Transforming Agri-Credit and Insurance As agri-finance shifts from collateral-based lending to data-based underwriting, how is Map My Crop positioning itself as the infrastructure layer for credit scoring, parametric insurance, and climate-risk modelling ? We're positioning MapMyCrop as the rails for data-driven agri-finance, the infrastructure layer that enables lenders and insurers to move from collateral-based to intelligence-based decision-making. Our platform delivers:Our platform supplies granular credit-scoring inputs by analysing farm-level crop health trajectories, input application patterns, and yield-probability curves. It also strengthens parametric insurance design through verified stress-event data—such as drought, excess rainfall, or pest pressure—captured with precise timestamps and geo-tagged evidence. In addition, we deliver forward-looking climate-risk modeling that integrates evolving weather patterns, soil-moisture trends, and crop-vulnerability indices to help institutions anticipate and manage future exposure.Financial institutions don't need to become agronomy experts; they plug into our MaaS layer and receive decision-ready intelligence. As agriculture financing scales to meet the $500B+ credit gap globally, verified monitoring infrastructure isn't optional—it's foundational. Climate, Carbon, and Compliance With Scope 3 emissions reporting and regenerative agriculture commitments rising globally, how central is carbon MRV and climate monitoring to your product roadmap? Do you foresee MaaS becoming mandatory for global agricultural supply chains? Carbon MRV and climate monitoring are central to our roadmap—not as a feature, but as a core product vertical. With Scope 3 reporting mandates tightening and regenerative agriculture commitments accelerating, food companies and agri-processors need verifiable evidence of on-farm carbon sequestration, sustainable practices, and emissions reductions. Our satellite + AI + farmer validation architecture is purpose-built for this: we can monitor practice adoption, quantify biomass changes, and validate interventions at scale without deploying expensive IoT infrastructure. Do I foresee MaaS becoming mandatory? Yes. Within 5 years, major agricultural supply chains will require continuous monitoring and third-party verification of sustainability claims. MapMyCrop is building that verification backbone today. The companies that don't adopt this infrastructure will face compliance risk, supply chain opacity, and premium loss in ESG-conscious markets. Defensibility in a Crowded Tech Landscape With satellite analytics, crop models, and AI becoming increasingly commoditized, what is Map My Crop’s enduring moat—proprietary datasets, longitudinal crop intelligence, integrated advisory, or ecosystem lock-in ? Our moat is longitudinal, validated crop intelligence across diverse agroecologies—and the farmer + partner ecosystem that continuously strengthens it. Satellite access is commoditized. AI models can be replicated. What cannot be easily replicated is: We bring over six years of ground-validated crop performance data spanning multiple crops, geographies, and climate conditions, backed by a 6.2-million-farmer validation network that provides continuous real-time ground truth. This is reinforced by multi-country operational experience—whether it’s understanding how sugarcane behaves differently in Tamil Nadu compared to Uttar Pradesh, or how the economics of orange cultivation diverge between Nagpur and Madhya Pradesh. Added to this is a network of embedded partnerships with state governments, input companies, and financial institutions, creating strong switching costs and making our ecosystem uniquely resilient and hard to replicate. Our defensibility isn't technological—it's systemic. We've built agricultural intelligence infrastructure that gets smarter with every season and every farmer interaction. Competitors can launch satellite analytics; they can't replicate the depth and breadth of our validated knowledge graph. Incorporating the India Success Stories Roorkee Pilot: From Weather Validation to Policy IntelligenceYour Roorkee deployment helped the Uttarakhand government validate weather data and evaluate evapotranspiration and irrigation models. How do you convert such state-level pilots into long-term, scalable policy intelligence platforms across India? The Uttarakhand government engagement demonstrated that accurate, localized intelligence changes policy decisions. By validating weather data and evaluating ET/irrigation models, we helped them move from assumptions to evidence-based resource planning. Converting pilots into long-term platforms requires demonstrating fiscal and governance impact: water savings, subsidy optimization, crop insurance loss reduction. We're now positioned to scale this across Indian states by: We are focused on standardizing our policy intelligence modules—spanning water management, crop diversification, and input subsidy targeting—so they can be seamlessly deployed across diverse agro-climatic contexts. At the same time, we are integrating these modules with the existing workflows of state agricultural departments to ensure smooth adoption and minimal bureaucratic friction. Ultimately, the goal is to demonstrate clear return on investment through pilot results, showcasing improved policy outcomes, reduced wastage, and measurable gains in farmer welfare. State governments are increasingly data-hungry. We're building the agricultural monitoring infrastructure they need for 21st-century governance. Nagpur & MP Oranges: 60 per cent Input Savings, 50 per cent Quality Gains You helped orange growers reduce input costs by 60 per cent and improve fruit quality by 50 per cent.What exactly were the agronomic interventions and digital workflows behind this transformation—and can this model be replicated across India’s horticulture belts at scale? We used satellite and AI-based monitoring to detect crop stress—whether from water, nutrient, or pest issues—well before any visible symptoms appeared. Based on these early signals, we delivered timely and highly specific advisories through our farmer network and partners, prescribing exactly what intervention was needed, when to apply it, and where. This was reinforced by continuous feedback loops on ground performance, allowing us to validate what worked and refine our recommendations on a weekly basis. The result: farmers stopped blanket-spraying and over-fertilizing. They applied inputs precisely when crops needed them, reducing waste dramatically while improving fruit size, color, and brix levels.This model is scalable and replicable because it's not dependent on expensive infrastructure—it's driven by intelligence delivery. We're now deploying similar approaches across pomegranate belts in Maharashtra, mango regions in AP, and banana clusters in Tamil Nadu. India's horticulture sector is $80B+; precision agronomy at MaaS scale can transform its economics. Sugarcane Across Baramati, UP, MP & Tamil Nadu: AI Across Agro-Climates Sugarcane is grown in dramatically different soil, water, and climatic conditions across these states.What did your AI-powered agronomy engine learn from deploying across such diversity, and how does that knowledge strengthen your national and global product strategy? Deploying across such diverse sugarcane regions taught our AI engine something invaluable: crop performance is hyperlocal, but patterns are learnable. We discovered: Water stress manifests very differently across India’s agro-ecologies—Tamil Nadu’s red soils, for instance, face rapid moisture loss and demand tighter irrigation cycles, whereas Uttar Pradesh’s deep alluvial plains retain water longer but are prone to seasonal saturation. Pest pressure, too, follows distinct regional rhythms, with infestation cycles often varying by four to six weeks between zones due to shifts in temperature, humidity, and cropping intensity. Even harvesting windows are no longer dictated by crop age alone; they are increasingly shaped by hyper-local microclimatic cues that determine sugar accumulation, moisture levels, and overall crop quality.This agroecological diversity strengthened our models exponentially. Our AI doesn't just predict sugarcane yields; it understands which interventions work where and why. This cross-geography learning is now our strategic asset—when we enter new crops or new countries, we're not starting from scratch. We're applying battle-tested intelligence frameworks that adapt to local conditions quickly. The 2030 Bet If you had to define Map My Crop in a single sentence in 2030, what would it be? And what bold strategic bet are you making today that the industry still misunderstands or undervalues? If I had to define Map My Crop in 2030 in one sentence: "Map My Crop is the global infrastructure for verified agricultural intelligence—the layer that makes every farm visible, every risk quantifiable, and every sustainability claim credible." The bold bet we're making today that the industry undervalues: That agricultural monitoring will become regulated infrastructure, like financial audits or food safety inspections. Governments, financial institutions, and supply chains will mandate continuous, third-party-verified crop and land-use monitoring within this decade. We're not building a product; we're building the rails that the future agricultural economy will run on. The industry still thinks this is a "nice-to-have" analytics tool. We know it's tomorrow's compliance requirement and competitive necessity. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3377/2030-vision-arya-ag-aims-for-worlds-most-climate-resilient-grain-network.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3377/2030-vision-arya-ag-aims-for-worlds-most-climate-resilient-grain-network.html Fri, 07 Nov 2025 12:58:40 +0530 In an exclusive interview with AgroSpectrum, Shenoy Mathew, Chief Sustainability Officer, Arya.ag, highlights how its SmartAG Award 2025 is more than recognition—it is validation of a climate-resilient grain commerce model already operating at national scale. By embedding sustainability into everyday storage, finance, and trading systems, the company is delivering measurable climate gains and income stability to over 800,000 smallholder farmers across 425+ districts. Women-led Smart Farm Centres and technologies like the AryaQ AI grain quality device are transforming trust, transparency, and decision-making in rural markets. With patient, impact-aligned capital and global adaptation potential, Arya.ag is positioning itself at the nexus of profitability and planetary resilience. Looking ahead to 2030, the company envisions climate risk management and data-backed empowerment as built-in features of every grain transaction—setting a new benchmark for post-harvest systems globally. From Recognition to Scale: Arya.ag has been recognised with the SmartAG Award 2025 for embedding climate resilience into India’s grain commerce. Awards are accolades—but how does this recognition translate into real-world acceleration for farmers, investors, and the broader agri-value chain? The recognition affirms that climate resilience can be built into agricultural systems that already function at scale, without requiring parallel structures or new layers of complexity. What it brings is not just visibility, but validation of a model that integrates profitability, inclusion, and environmental responsibility into the everyday mechanics of post-harvest grain management. Arya.ag has focused on embedding sustainability into existing systems, ensuring that storage, finance, and market access deliver environmental returns as naturally as they deliver economic ones. Over the past year alone, our decentralised network helped avoid post-harvest loss of more than 210,320 metric tonnes of foodgrain. Preserving this grain prevented an estimated 233,603 tonnes of carbon emissions, conserved 91.4 billion litres of water, and eliminated the need for 16,826 tonnes of fertiliser. These outcomes are not incidental, they are a direct result of improving storage and market access for farmers across more than 425 districts. For farmers, this translates into fewer distress sales and greater flexibility in timing their transactions. For investors, it signals a scalable, data-driven model that aligns impact and return. And for the broader agri-value chain, it shows that climate responsiveness does not have to rely on specialised interventions, it can emerge through operational efficiency and deeper participation from the smallest actors in the system. The Smallholder Lens: India’s agricultural backbone remains smallholder farmers, many of them climate-vulnerable. How do Smart Farm Centres bridge the gap between hyperlocal realities—erratic rainfall, fragmented landholdings—and advanced technologies like AI, drones, and real-time weather advisories? Smallholder farming operates within constraints that are both structural and climatic. The Smart Farm Centres were designed to respond to these conditions by creating access to technology and information where they are needed most. Each centre serves as a rural hub that connects farmers to services such as soil testing, drone spraying, and hyperlocal weather forecasting. These services are not standalone activities; they function together to improve decision-making at every stage of the cropping cycle. For Instance In Bundelkhand, farmers have used weather data from these centres to plan their harvest windows and reduce exposure to untimely rainfall. In Sitapur, drone spraying has improved the precision of pesticide application, lowering costs and minimising environmental exposure. In districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, soil testing has helped farmers calibrate their fertiliser use more efficiently. The centres are operated by women from the same communities who are trained to deliver these services, which ensures trust, reliability, and continuity. This model allows climate-relevant tools to become part of everyday practice rather than occasional interventions. Tech as a Trust Builder: AryaQ’s AI-powered grain quality device brings radical transparency to procurement and pricing. In a market often plagued by mistrust and middlemen, how is technology reshaping the farmer–buyer relationship, and do you see this model becoming a new standard across emerging markets? Trust in agricultural markets has historically depended on physical inspection and subjective assessment. AryaQ introduces a data-driven approach to measuring grain quality that makes the process faster, more reliable, and easier to replicate across locations. The device uses computer vision to assess factors such as grain size, breakage, and the presence of fungal elements. The results are available instantly, even in areas without continuous connectivity, which makes it suitable for remote markets. As both sides have access to identical data, there is greater transparency in pricing and fewer disputes. This change strengthens relationships and encourages repeat transactions. Given its adaptability, AryaQ can be calibrated for a range of commodities and geographies, which makes it relevant beyond India’s borders. The Women-led Edge: The Smart Farm Centres are run by women Community Value Chain Resource Persons. Beyond inclusion, what structural advantages does a women-led model bring to grain commerce, and can this approach be scaled without diluting impact? The presence of women as operational leaders within Smart Farm Centres has added a layer of trust and continuity that is essential in rural systems. These women are drawn from the same localities they serve, which gives them a strong understanding of the agricultural calendar, the challenges of smallholder farming, and the patterns of local trade. Their involvement has led to greater participation from farmers and has improved the adoption of services related to quality assessment, sorting, and storage. In Maharashtra, women-led sourcing units have reduced produce rejection rates by almost 30 percent at the collection stage. This improvement directly affects farmer incomes and reduces post-harvest losses. To ensure that the model grows responsibly, Arya.ag invests in training and performance monitoring, with a focus on building long-term professional capacity. As the network expands, the objective is not only to increase numbers but also to preserve the quality and reliability that make this structure effective. Climate and Capital: You’ve positioned Arya.ag at the intersection of climate resilience and economic resilience. What kind of capital—impact, venture, institutional—is best aligned with scaling this model, and how do you balance profitability with sustainability when most agri-tech startups struggle to break even? Capital that understands the cycles and risks of agriculture is most suitable for models such as ours. Arya.ag’s operations are built on commercially viable services that reduce inefficiencies rather than depend on temporary funding. We manage close to seven million tonnes of agricultural produce through our decentralised network across more than 425 districts, which provides both reach and depth in understanding rural markets. The capital that aligns with this vision is patient and impact-oriented but also disciplined about financial performance. Investors such as responsAbility and the US International Development Finance Corporation have supported Arya.ag because they recognise that environmental benefits and economic efficiency emerge together when systems are designed well. The balance between sustainability and profitability is achieved by ensuring that each intervention, whether in storage, finance, or quality assessment creates measurable value for every participant in the value chain. Global Relevance: With 11,000 digitised warehouses and a network spanning 800,000 farmers, Arya.ag is already India’s largest integrated grain commerce platform. How transferable is your Smart Farm Centre model to Africa, Southeast Asia, or Latin America, where climate shocks and smallholder fragmentation mirror India’s challenges? The fundamental issues faced by smallholders in India are similar to those observed in several other parts of the world. Limited storage near farms, inconsistent quality standards, and poor access to working capital are common constraints. The Smart Farm Centre model is structured to be modular so that it can adapt to different agricultural and climatic contexts. Each component such as soil testing, digital quality assessment, or credit linkage can be introduced independently and scaled based on demand and infrastructure. In collaboration with partners in East Africa, we are exploring ways to adapt this model to local crops and climatic conditions. The ability to train community-based facilitators and the flexibility of tools like AryaQ make replication feasible. However, success depends on tailoring delivery mechanisms to local institutions and farmer networks, rather than exporting the Indian experience directly. The aim is to share knowledge and process design while allowing each geography to build its own form of resilience. The Long View: If we fast-forward to 2030, what does success look like for Arya.ag? Is it about doubling farmer incomes, embedding climate risk management into every transaction, or becoming a blueprint for grain systems transformation globally? By 2030, success for Arya.ag would be defined by the strength and stability of the systems that smallholders rely on after harvest. It would mean that every farmer using our platform can store their produce safely, understand its quality, access credit based on that stored value, and sell it when conditions are favourable. These capabilities lead to income stability and reduced exposure to climate and market shocks. At present, Arya.ag serves more than 800,000 farmers through a network of 11,000 digitised warehouses and over 1,600 Farmer Producer Organisations. Over the next five years, our focus is on deepening these relationships and embedding data-backed transparency across every transaction. The goal is not to create a blueprint for others to copy but to demonstrate that a balanced system, one that values both livelihoods and resources can endure and grow in the face of climate uncertainty. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3318/1-5-billion-mind-brew-how-mushroom-coffee-is-rewriting-hot-drink-paradigm.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3318/1-5-billion-mind-brew-how-mushroom-coffee-is-rewriting-hot-drink-paradigm.html Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:10:21 +0530 Mushroom coffee and tea are redefining global beverage habits by blending daily rituals with functional wellness benefits. Driven by adaptogenic mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps, these drinks promise focus, calm, and immune resilience without caffeine crashes. The global mushroom beverage market, valued at $4 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $7.4 billion by 2034, signaling strong consumer adoption. Experts from brands like Nuvedo, Maverick & Farmer, and Hi Shroomz™ see this as the “Fourth Wave of Coffee,” where science and sustainability converge. However, success will hinge on extract quality, clinical credibility, and consumer education to distinguish genuine formulations from superficial trends. The global morning ritual is quietly evolving. Gone are the days of coffee drinkers versus tea drinkers — now, functional hot beverages are staking their claim, with mushroom coffee and tea emerging as the rising stars. These drinks blend centuries of ethnobotanical wisdom with modern cravings for mental clarity, immune support, and a smoother, smarter caffeine experience. So why are mushrooms finding their way into functional beverages like coffee and tea? “Mushrooms are the ultimate functional cheat code. Where botanicals need a blend of herbs to deliver multiple effects, a single mushroom like Lion’s Mane can handle brain health, gut balance, and immunity in one go”, says Jashid Hameed, Founder, Nuvedo. “They’re easier to formulate with — no bitter adaptogen aftertaste to mask — and their bioactives hit harder because our bodies recognize them; after all, we share almost half our DNA with fungi. The fact that they grow on agri-waste with a fraction of the footprint of wild-harvested botanicals, and you have a category that’s scientifically potent, scalable, and ESG gold,” he mentioned rightly. “Mushroom coffee epitomizes coffee’s Fourth Wave: after mass-market instant, specialty chains, and artisanal origin brews, the next era emphasizes personalization, functionality, and sustainability. DXN pioneered this shift, and today’s brands scale it for wellness-conscious consumers, transforming the morning ritual into a daily health ritual.” —- Jashid Hameed, Founder, Nuvedo Mushroom coffee is leading the charge. Picture your daily cup — rich, aromatic, and comforting — but engineered for a steady, sustained energy boost without jitters or crashes. “Dismiss mushroom coffee as a wellness gimmick and you’d be wrong. The science is real “, mentioned Ashish D'abreo, Founder, Maverick & Farmer Coffee Roasters.” Lion’s Mane supports neurogenesis, memory, focus, and gut health. Reishi nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality”—is backed by research for immunity, stress modulation, and metabolic support. Together, these mushrooms elevate coffee into something closer to a therapeutic beverage than a caffeine hit. For consumers increasingly seeking daily rituals that double as health interventions, this is a breakthrough,” he advocated. This is not fluff. This is strategy meeting science in a cup. In words of Oli Genn-Bash, Founder at The Fungi Consultant; Former President, UKC Psychedelics Society,” "The rise in functional mushroom beverages such as teas and coffees has been a useful way for people to experience the benefits of these fungi. Rather than just taking them in a capsule form like other supplements, consumers have the opportunity to integrate different mushrooms into their lives just like a regular tea or coffee, but with extra benefits! The main thing to look out for is the quality of the mushroom which is being used in the tea or coffee, the type of extraction method used for the mushrooms, and ensuring that there's a decent dose per serving of tea or coffee." Market Scale: Niche Today, Poised for Expansion The functional beverage market is massive, generating hundreds of billions globally, yet the hot-drink segment — spanning mushroom teas and coffees, matcha, kombucha, and adaptogens — remains a constellation of high-growth niches. Mushroom beverages are leading this charge, propelled by wellness routines and rising demand for cognitive focus, stress modulation, and immune support. “Mushroom coffee is where the functional beverage category grows up,” Jashid argues. “It’s not just a lifestyle flex; it’s 700-plus peer-reviewed studies in a cup. Erinacines and Hericenones in Lion’s Mane promote cognitive health, Triterpenoids in Reishi help regulate stress, and Cordycepin in Cordyceps boosts energy and stamina. Unlike plant-based or fermented competitors, mushrooms deliver a suite of synergistic bioactives that go far beyond a single functional claim. Unlike matcha or kombucha, it fits into the world’s most ingrained habit — the morning coffee ritual — without asking consumers to change behavior.” The global mushroom drinks market is projected to grow from $4.0 billion in 2024 to $7.4 billion by 2034 at a 6.4 per cent CAGR, led by mushroom coffee (49 per cent share) and powdered formats (65 per cent). Hypermarkets and supermarkets account for most sales, while North America dominates with 47 per cent of the market (~$1.8 billion). Mushroom tea, though smaller, mirrors these growth dynamics across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, driven by DTC subscriptions, premium grocery placement, and café integration. “Reishi for calm, Lion’s Mane for focus, Cordyceps for energy, and Turkey Tail for immunity — what once felt niche is becoming a daily ritual of renewal “, states Dr Anish Hiresha Verma, Founder & CEO, Hi Shroomz™.” Our vision is simple yet bold: to reach a million patients and families in five years, transforming recovery into resilience in a $30 billion functional foods industry ready for reinvention,” he added. “Mushroom coffee is more than a trend—its medicinal extracts are grounded in decades of research. Yet the category remains fragile. To become coffee’s Fourth Wave, delivering daily health benefits, brands must tackle awareness, affordability, and authenticity. The science is solid; now the industry must earn consumer trust.” — Ashish D'abreo, Founder, Maverick & Farmer Coffee Roasters Matcha has capitalized on ceremonial heritage, antioxidant science, and premiumization trends, reaching $3.67 billion in 2025, with forecasts of $6.22 billion by 2030 at a 6.56 per cent CAGR. Regionally, the Asia Pacific held 45 per cent of 2024 value, while North America posts the fastest growth at 7.74 per cent CAGR. Kombucha, a more mature functional segment, saw the Asia Pacific market at $2.6 billion in 2023, projected to hit $4.94 billion by 2030 at a 9.6 per cent CAGR, driven by probiotic efficacy and social-lifestyle positioning. In emerging markets, India’s mushroom drinks market grew to $121.2 million in 2024, expected to reach $214.3 million by 2030, signaling expanding wellness adoption. Mushroom drinks uniquely combine nootropic and adaptogenic effects, delivering a multi-functional profile unmatched by single-ingredient alternatives. Taken together, the hot functional-drink ecosystem could scale into the low tens of billions within a decade, but growth depends on habit formation, not novelty. While coffee is daily and tea ritualistic, mushroom beverages remain “curiosity purchases.” Scaling will require flavor optimization, functional formulation, packaging innovation, subscriptions, and café integration. Jashid hence, leaves no doubt about the verdict: “Kombucha is a lifestyle statement, Matcha is a premium splurge, but mushroom coffee is the first functional beverage that can actually go mainstream. It’s not a fad — it’s the category’s endgame.” Consumer Appeal, Product Logic, and B2B Distribution Dynamics Mushroom beverages occupy a unique position in the functional hot-drink ecosystem, delivering value to both consumers and B2B partners. Consumer appeal stems from their functional diversity: Lion’s Mane enhances cognitive clarity, focus, and memory; Reishi supports immune health, stress reduction, and restorative sleep; and Chaga provides antioxidant and long-term wellness benefits. This versatility enables multi-occasion consumption: mushroom coffees for a morning cognitive lift, midday blends for focus rituals, and evening teas for relaxation and recovery. “And yet, for all this promise, mushroom coffee remains an afterthought in the functional beverage aisle. Consumer awareness is abysmally low. Ask an average coffee drinker about Reishi or Lion’s Mane, and you’ll likely get a blank stare”, added D’abreo. “Compare this with kombucha or matcha, which have managed to become lifestyle statements, and the gap is obvious. Mushroom coffee, by contrast, is still the preserve of wellness enthusiasts and biohacking circles. The result is a category with great science but almost no mainstream cultural relevance, “ he remarked. “Functional mushroom beverages—teas and coffees—allow consumers to enjoy fungi benefits beyond capsules, integrating them into daily routines like any regular drink. Success depends on mushroom quality, extraction methods, and ensuring a sufficient dose per serving to deliver meaningful health effects.” —- Oli Genn-Bash, Founder at The Fungi Consultant ; Former President, UKC Psychedelics Society For B2B partners — cafés, wellness retailers, subscription platforms, and corporate wellness programs — these touchpoints create opportunities to integrate mushroom beverages across daily routines, generating repeat purchases and cross-selling potential rather than relegating products to niche moments. Formats reinforce this: powders and sachets enable flexible dosing, low shipping costs, and subscription-based revenue; RTDs cater to grab-and-go convenience, albeit with cold-chain considerations; and capsules or wellness shots emphasize clinical validation and precise dosing, appealing to specialty retailers and corporate programs. “ Mushroom Coffee is more than a beverage — it is a movement that combines the richness of premium Arabica coffee with the proven benefits of medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Oyster, Turkey Tail, and Milky. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin D, polysaccharides, and minerals, it delivers sustained energy, mental clarity, and stress relief without the crash of conventional coffee “, mentioned Lalu Thomas, Founder, Chefbae Mushroom Products Pvt Ltd. “By partnering with Kollam Krishi Vigyan Kendra, we directly support over 100 mushroom farmers with assured demand, fair pricing, and technical guidance, turning every cup into a catalyst for rural prosperity, ” he added. Distribution channels closely reflect these formats. Mushroom coffee thrives in specialty grocery aisles, subscription DTC platforms, and e-commerce channels, while mushroom teas are often positioned in premium tea shops, wellness-focused retailers, and experimental café menus. For B2B partners, aligning the product format with the intended consumer occasion is critical: a morning mushroom latte must deliver a coffee-like sensory experience to ensure habitual substitution, while evening teas must evoke relaxation to justify secondary placement or cross-sell opportunities in wellness assortments. Matcha mirrors mushroom coffee in cognitive benefits, offering a “calm-alertness” effect through L-theanine and caffeine, with strong appeal in ceremonial, café, and at-home rituals. Kombucha, by contrast, targets social and lifestyle occasions, leveraging probiotic efficacy, effervescence, and grab-and-go convenience to attract younger, wellness-oriented consumers. In sum, mushroom beverages, matcha, and kombucha combine functional differentiation, sensory appeal, and format versatility, creating opportunities for B2B partners to embed these drinks into multiple daily consumption moments, converting curiosity into habitual use and driving sustainable growth. Pricing, Margins, and Retail Dynamics Mushroom beverages occupy a premium niche in the hot-drink market, with prices reflecting functional potency, novelty, and production complexity. Pricing is shaped by format, ingredient quality, production scale, and consumer perception. Powders and sachets are the margin winners: low shipping weight, long shelf life, and flexible dosing make them cost-efficient to produce. When paired with subscription-based DTC platforms, they stabilize cash flow, boost customer lifetime value, and give B2B partners predictable demand and co-branding opportunities. RTD mushroom coffees and teas target urban convenience but carry higher costs. Cold-chain logistics, short shelf life, and premium packaging compress margins, making retail partnerships and precise inventory management critical. Positioning RTDs as functional café alternatives or wellness grab-and-go beverages enables premium pricing, but scaling requires operational rigor. Café integration is both a revenue driver and brand builder. Mushroom lattes and teas can command higher per-serving prices by merging ritual with health benefit — but flavour fidelity is non-negotiable. A latte must deliver the sensory satisfaction of coffee first, or repeat sales falter. Finally, retail placement is strategy in action. Hybrid positioning — wellness-adjacent but coffee-compatible — maximizes discovery and habitual adoption, turning mushroom beverages from novelty into daily ritual. “Reishi for calm, Lion’s Mane for focus, Cordyceps for energy, and Turkey Tail for immunity — what once felt niche is becoming a daily ritual of renewal. Our vision is simple yet bold: to reach a million patients and families in five years, transforming recovery into resilience in a $30 billion functional foods industry ready for reinvention .” —- Dr Anish Hiresha Verma, Founder & CEO, Hi Shroomz™ Then there’s ingredient economics. “But here’s the twist. High-quality mushroom extracts—dual-extracted and standardized for bioactive content—don’t come cheap”, discussed D’abreo. “That translates into retail prices often double or triple those of regular coffee. For most consumers, mushroom coffee isn’t a daily ritual; it’s a luxury splurge. Unless brands can crack affordability without compromising efficacy, mushroom coffee risks being pigeonholed as yet another elitist wellness trend rather than a true global beverage movement ,’’ he stated. However, the sharpest warning shot comes from the trust front: “The biggest threat to mushroom coffee isn’t competition — it’s credibility,” warns D’abreo. “Too many blends are dusted with trace amounts of mushrooms just to make a label claim. That’s not innovation — that’s marketing theater. The winners will be the ones who go all-in on transparency: standardized extracts, third-party testing, and clear dosing. Fail that test, and mushroom coffee risks becoming the next overhyped superfood that burns bright and dies fast.” “Packed with antioxidants, vitamin D, polysaccharides, minerals, and proteins, Mushroom Coffee boosts overall well-being. Regular intake supports immunity, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity, focus, and memory. Its low-caffeine formula delivers sustained energy without overstimulation, making it ideal for health-conscious consumers seeking balance, vitality, and mindful daily performance.” —- Lalu Thomas, Founder, Chefbae Mushroom Products Pvt Ltd In sum, mushroom beverages’ pricing architecture balances functional efficacy, production complexity, and consumer expectations. Successful brands optimize across powders for DTC, RTDs for convenience, and café offerings for experience, while employing strategic retail placement. For B2B partners, mastering these dynamics is critical: consistent, scalable delivery of premium, functional beverages underpins profitability and long-term category growth. Bottom Line Mushroom tea and coffee sit at a rare crossroads of ritual, wellness, and functional performance. They are more than beverages—they are daily tools for focus, immunity, and relaxation. The market opportunity is immense, but success is not guaranteed by novelty alone. Winning brands will treat efficacy as precision engineering, supply chains as strategic assets, and sustainability as a core competitive advantage. The real prize lies in habit formation: converting curious first-time sippers into loyal, repeat consumers. Those who master the balance of taste, functional benefit, and convenience will scale from niche experimentation to mainstream beverage culture. Brands that chase trends without scientific validation, operational rigor, or supply certainty risk joining the graveyard of boutique functional drinks that burned bright but disappeared just as fast. The mushroom beverage revolution isn’t coming — it’s already here. The real question is who will win the battle for consumer loyalty in this nascent $1.5 billion category that’s primed for exponential growth. In the words of Jashid, “Mushroom coffee is the Fourth Wave of coffee — not just a better brew, but a smarter one. If the First Wave was about access, the Second Wave about experience, and the Third Wave about craftsmanship, the Fourth Wave is about outcomes. Today’s consumers aren’t just chasing flavor; they want coffee that fuels clarity, strengthens their inner shield, and aligns with a conscious, future-forward lifestyle. DXN planted the seed years ago, but now customers are watching brands scale it into a global wellness movement — we’re not just selling coffee, we’re selling cognitive resilience in a cup.” ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3312/spotify-for-kitchens-daniel-baven-on-future-of-digital-food-hubs.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3312/spotify-for-kitchens-daniel-baven-on-future-of-digital-food-hubs.html Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:08:23 +0530 In an exclusive AgroSpectrum and NUFFOODS Spectrum Asia interview, Daniel Baven, CEO and Co-founder of Noahs, unveils how his company is turning everyday convenience stores into digital food hubs — the new crossroads of food, tech, and community. With its plug-and-play platform, Noahs lets retailers “stream” culinary brands like Spotify streams music, giving chefs global reach and consumers fresh, data-driven dining experiences on demand. The results speak volumes — Q8 stations powered by Noahs saw food sales surge 374 per cent and basket sizes climb 228 per cent. Unlike ghost kitchens or delivery aggregators, Noahs taps into existing retail kitchens, transforming them into profitable, AI-ready food networks overnight. Baven predicts that by 2030, food will replace fuel as the heartbeat of convenience retail — Noahs will be the invisible engine powering that revolution. Section I: Vision & Market Disruption Reimagining C-Stores: What inspired you to launch Noahs, and why is now the inflection point for reinventing convenience retail? The spark for Noahs came from watching how every major content industry—music, film, travel—has gone through its streaming revolution. Food hasn’t. Yet we have millions of kitchens sitting in prime retail locations, underutilized and disconnected from the digital economy. We saw an opportunity to turn those kitchens into digital food hubs. The real inflection point is convergence: consumers expect convenience, platforms demand supply, and retailers need new revenue streams to replace declining categories like tobacco and fuel. Convenience stores are sitting on the infrastructure of the future—they just need the operating system. That’s what Noahs provides. Digital-First Food Revolution: With the C-store market set to surpass $1T by 2029, how do you see technology reshaping the future of food retail? We’re standing on the edge of a complete reset. In five years, most people won’t cook at home the way they do today. It will simply make more sense to tap into a network of nearby retailers streaming great food, made fresh, faster, and cheaper than a home kitchen could ever compete with. Convenience stores and supermarkets are sitting on the most valuable real estate of the future — the crossroads of local communities. When those spaces go digital, they’ll stop being “shops” and start becoming marketplace hubs for food, experiences, and daily life. Technology is the enabler, but the change is cultural. It’s about food creators having a new stage, communities having new choices, and retailers becoming the backbone of the next food economy. Noahs was built exactly for that — to power this transformation and give retailers the tools to move from analogue to intelligent, from transactional to experiential. What’s coming is bigger than food tech. It’s a reinvention of how food exists in society. Section II: The Noahs Model – Technology + Brand + Kitchen Plug-and-Play Platform: Your tech platform can digitize a store with just a Wi-Fi connection. What makes this solution scalable across global chains with different IT maturity levels? The secret is simplicity. Most retailers are trapped in heavy legacy systems that make every new integration a nightmare. We flipped that logic. Noahs runs as a layer on top of existing infrastructure, connecting to what’s already there instead of trying to replace it. That means a store can go live in hours — not months — with zero capex and no new labor. The system plugs into delivery aggregators, POS systems, kitchen screens, and loyalty tools. The moment it connects to Wi-Fi, the store becomes part of a digital network that can sell, operate, and analyze in real time. It’s built for diversity. Whether it’s a gas station in Denmark, a supermarket in Belgium, or a convenience store in the Philippines, the platform automatically adapts to local tech setups and market conditions. That’s why it scales — because it doesn’t force uniformity, it enables it. Noahs is not just a tool; it’s a translator between the analogue world and the digital food economy. It’s what the retailers has been looking for, but it didn’t exist until now. Spotify for Kitchens: You’ve called Noahs’ Brand Platform a “Spotify for Kitchens,” letting retailers stream proven brands and menus directly into their stores. How do you curate the catalogue, and what data drives menu updates? We’re building a world where food moves like music. In the same way streaming opened a global stage for artists, we believe culinary creators will soon reach audiences anywhere — not through physical expansion, but through digital distribution. A chef in Copenhagen could see their tacos sold in Dubai the same week. That’s the future we’re shaping with Noahs. Our brand platform is the foundation for that future. It lets retailers activate proven food concepts directly into their stores, adapting to local tastes and neighborhoods instead of being locked into a single global brand deal. That flexibility is what the industry has been missing — agility, creativity, and cultural relevance. This shift also enables a complete rework of the food supply chain — simplifying how ingredients, inventory, and production flow through the system. It creates a feedback loop between real-time demand and supply, throttling production, reducing waste, and preparing the industry to fully harness AI. We’re still early in this journey, but the vision is clear: menus that evolve like playlists, brands that scale without borders, and a supply chain that finally moves as intelligently as the data behind it. For culinary entrepreneurs, it’s a new way to monetize creativity. For retailers, it’s the chance to become curators of food culture — not just sellers of products. That’s what “Spotify for Kitchens” really means: a living, breathing ecosystem where food, data, and creativity stream together. Modular Smart Kitchens: Your kitchens range from 1 to 20 m². How do you ensure operational efficiency, quality control, and food safety across distributed sites? The next decade will blur the line between retail and hospitality. We believe the world’s biggest food operators won’t be restaurant chains — they’ll be retailers. To make that leap, retailers will recruit from the culinary world, bringing in chefs, kitchen managers, and operational talent who can run hospitality at scale. What used to be a store will evolve into a network of kitchens, each designed for efficiency, consistency, and speed — powered by technology, not tradition. Noahs is the platform that enables this transformation. We don’t operate the kitchens — we power them. Our system acts as the operating layer that keeps every recipe, process, and temperature consistent across hundreds of locations. Retailers become the operators; Noahs becomes their digital backbone. On the hardware side, we’ve developed a full suite of modular kitchens — from compact 1 m² single-brand setups to 20 m² multi-brand environments for service stations, food courts, and supermarket delis. These units are engineered for throughput, safety, and profitability, with built-in monitoring and data loops that ensure every kitchen runs to the same standard. We also anticipate a wave of cross-company innovation in this space — robotics, automated production, drone delivery, and robotaxis changing the future states of the hardware component. Restaurant kitchens, as we know them today, simply can’t compete with that model. A Noahs-powered multi-brand kitchen can serve multiple food concepts with a fraction of the space, labor, and cost — while maintaining higher quality and consistency. That’s the future we see unfolding. Section III: Business Impact & Results Q8 Case Study: The Q8 transformation saw food sales jump 374 per cent and basket size rise 228 per cent. Which parts of the Noahs model (tech, brands, kitchens) drove the biggest lift? Those numbers from Q8 aren’t isolated results — they’re a preview of what happens when retail locations evolve through Noahs’ three-layer model. Every site that connects our technology platform, brand platform, and modular kitchens can experience a similar transformation. The tech layer creates instant digital access and operational visibility. The brand layer adds proven food concepts that attract new customers and expand sales channels. And the kitchen layer converts that demand into consistent, scalable output with an engine fit for the purpose. In the quoted Q8 case, all three layers came together at once — which is why the impact was so dramatic. But in most rollouts, we see a natural progression: first digitalize existing shop catalogues, then layer in easy-to-operate brands suited to the current store format, and finally scale through modular smart-kitchens and more advanced brand concepts. Each layer amplifies the next. What Q8 showed is that this isn’t theory — it’s the future playbook for every retailer. Service stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores can all become high-performing food hubs simply by activating the system step by step. The model works anywhere, because it’s built for the way people live now — connected, on-demand, and expecting quality food wherever they are. ROI & Adoption Curve: How quickly can retailers expect payback when adopting Noahs, and how do you help de-risk the investment decision? The short answer: fast. Because Noahs requires no upfront investment in new labor or capex, most retailers see positive returns within the first few months of activation. The payback curve depends on the depth of adoption — tech alone delivers immediate efficiency and access to new revenue channels, while layering in brands and kitchens compounds the effect. But beyond ROI, what really de-risks adoption is our model itself. We don’t ask retailers to change who they are — we enhance what’s already there. Noahs plugs into existing infrastructure and workflows, building value on top of current systems instead of replacing them. We also start small. A single pilot location can validate the impact before scaling to dozens or hundreds. The data from those first sites creates a clear business case — not projections, but proof. Retailers everywhere are under pressure to reinvent fast, but the risk tolerance is low. Our approach makes innovation incremental, measurable, and cash-positive from day one. That’s why Noahs scales — it rewards courage without demanding blind faith. Section IV: Competitive Landscape & Future of Food-Tech Standing Out in a Crowded Space: How does Noahs differentiate from ghost kitchens, Q-commerce players, and aggregator-led solutions? Ghost kitchens and Q-commerce were great experiments — but they’re built on isolated infrastructure. Each new location means new costs, new staff, and new risk. Aggregators, on the other hand, built digital demand but not digital supply — they own the customers, not the kitchens. Noahs connects the dots. We’re not building more kitchens; we’re activating the millions that already exist inside retailers. Instead of competing with delivery platforms, we empower retailers to integrate directly with them — turning stores into digital food hubs that can sell across every channel instantly. Where ghost kitchens chase scale through real estate, Noahs achieves it through connectivity. Where Q-commerce promises speed, we deliver sustainability — a model that actually works economically for both retailers and creators. Most importantly, we’re not just solving delivery — we’re reinventing food infrastructure. We give retailers the OS, brands, and hardware they need to own their role in the digital food economy. The future of food won’t belong to aggregators or ghost kitchens — it’ll belong to the platforms that make everyone else scalable. That’s where Noahs sits. 2025 Trends: What’s next for food-tech—robotic kitchens, AI menu personalization, functional food boom? Which of these will most affect the C-store ecosystem? The short answer? Noahs. Beyond that, it’s too early to expect any real leapfrogs in robotics. The robotics we see today are impressive, but they’re trapped between eras — built for a world that’s already shifting beneath them. The real step change will come when humanoid robots, like the ones Tesla and Figure are developing, can integrate naturally into existing operations. That’s a 2030 story, not 2025. The real 2025 trend in food will be the convergence of retailers into food — moving away from being simple convenience hubs to becoming food operators in their own right. That shift will ignite the most dramatic transformation the industry has seen in decades. AI will play a major role, but not yet in the way most imagine. Everyone’s talking about AI, but its real power depends on something far more fundamental: digitization. That’s what Noahs is building — the digital foundation that makes the intelligent food economy possible. Section V: Scaling & Strategy Geographic Expansion: Which regions outside Denmark and Thailand are next on your radar—and what makes a market “Noahs-ready”? Officially, we’re now expanding in 4 countries - Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Ireland. Within 2026, we expect to announce at least ten more countries across three continents joining the Noahs platform. We are currently preparing the best we can to meet the increasing demand for our solution. A market becomes “Noahs-ready” when retailers recognize that the old model no longer works — when rising costs, labor shortages, and changing customer behavior force a rethink of what retail really is. Europe is leading that shift. High operational costs and rapid transformation are pushing retailers to act faster than ever, and we’re positioned to help them do it in a scalable, low-risk way. Being Noahs-ready isn’t only about geography and necessity — it’s also about mindset. The retailers who will win this decade are the ones willing to reimagine themselves as food operators. That’s where our platform fits in: as the bridge between today’s analogue retail world and tomorrow’s fast paced food economy. Capital & Investors: Are you seeking growth capital, and if so, what kind of investors (VC, strategic, corporate) best align with your vision? We are currently finalizing our latest seed round and are well-capitalized for the current growth phase. Our next major raise — a Series A — is planned for 2026, and preparations are already underway. Right now, our focus is execution and scale. That said, we’re always open to conversations with investors who see what we see — those who understand that the future of food isn’t about building more restaurants, but about enabling the platforms that connect them. The best fit for us are partners who bring more than capital — those who share the vision of redefining food infrastructure globally and can accelerate that journey through strategic reach, technology, or market access. Vision 2030: Paint us a picture: what does a Noahs-enabled convenience store look like in 2030, and what share of its revenue will come from food vs. fuel? By 2030, the traditional service station will be unrecognizable. The era of fuel as the defining anchor is ending — what comes next will be built around food, experiences, and premium retail. We’re already seeing early signs of that leapfrog. Elon Musk’s new Tesla Diner is a perfect example — a glimpse of how technology, design, and hospitality can fuse into something people actually want to visit. That’s what excites me: not a finished blueprint, but the open canvas ahead. I prefer not to lock in a final vision. The real innovation will come from collaboration — from working with retailers, chefs, designers, and local communities to build places that fit their rhythm. Some will focus on food and digital ordering, others on community spaces or hybrid retail experiences. The beauty is that the platform allows for all of it. What I do know is that the transformation is imminent, and food will be the catalyst that starts it. Once retailers take that step, everything else follows — design, operations, social experiences, even how we define “convenience.” Over time, Noahs will simply become part of that ecosystem — the invisible layer powering whatever comes next. The real story won’t be about us. It’ll be about how retailers use this opportunity to reinvent what it means to serve their communities. ---- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3311/unnati-unleashed-brio-hydroponics-charts-indias-climate-smart-farming-future.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3311/unnati-unleashed-brio-hydroponics-charts-indias-climate-smart-farming-future.html Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:00:22 +0530 In this exclusive AgroSpectrum interview, Pravin Patel, Founder of Brio Hydroponics, shares how the Unnati project—a 100-acre hydroponics park in Gujarat—is poised to transform Indian agriculture from niche experimentation to mainstream, climate-smart farming. Patel discusses how Brio’s pioneering Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) system combines global technology with local adaptation to deliver year-round, resource-efficient, high-quality produce. He highlights how Unnati not only boosts profitability for investors and farmers but also serves as a training and technology hub, enabling knowledge transfer across the country. The conversation underscores hydroponics’ potential to address climate volatility, water scarcity, and food security while creating scalable, modular solutions for smallholder farmers. Brio’s vision, Patel notes, is to position India as a global leader in sustainable agriculture by 2035, setting new benchmarks for innovation, exports, and farmer-first growth. Redefining Indian Agriculture: From Niche to Mainstream Hydroponics in India is still seen as niche compared to traditional farming. With the launch of Unnati, a 100-acre park, how do you see this project shifting perceptions—and what does it mean for the mainstreaming of soil-less farming in India? Hydroponics in India has traditionally been viewed as an expensive, niche technology primarily suited for urban enthusiasts and high-end commercial ventures. This perception stems from several factors: limited awareness among farmers, high initial capital requirements, and the dominance of traditional soil-based farming practices that have sustained Indian agriculture for millennia. However, this narrative is rapidly changing as water scarcity, climate volatility, and declining soil health create urgent demands for innovative agricultural solutions. Unnati as a Catalyst for Change The launch of Unnati, Brio Hydroponics' 100-acre park in Talod, Sabarkantha district, represents a strategic inflection point in shifting perceptions around soil-less farming. By demonstrating hydroponics at commercial scale rather than experimental plots, Unnati addresses the primary skepticism around scalability and economic viability. The project's scale brings multiple advantages: economies of production, market dominance in premium fresh produce categories, and the ability to showcase consistent, high-quality output regardless of seasonal variations. Pravin Patel, Founder of Brio Hydroponics, emphasizes that "Unnati is not just a park; it's a movement towards climate-smart agriculture. By integrating our CEA system with global best practices, we aim to liberate farmers from weather uncertainties". This positioning transforms hydroponics from a technology solution to a comprehensive agricultural philosophy that prioritizes sustainability, predictability, and profitability. Structural Changes Driving Adoption Several structural factors are accelerating the mainstream adoption of hydroponics in India. First, the increasing urbanization and growing middle-class demand for pesticide-free, fresh produce creates robust market pull. Second, government policy support through initiatives like the National Horticulture Mission and subsidies covering up to 50 per cent of hydroponic capital costs lower entry barriers. Third, the integration of digital technologies—IoT sensors, automated nutrient delivery, and AI-driven monitoring—makes hydroponic systems more accessible to farmers who previously lacked technical expertise. The Indian hydroponics market is projected to grow from $ 263.1 million in 2024 to $ 2,227 million by 2035, reflecting a robust CAGR of 21.43 per cent. This explosive growth trajectory indicates that hydroponics is transitioning from experimental technology to mainstream agricultural practice, driven by both necessity and opportunity. Indian Hydroponics Market Growth Projection (2024-2035) showing explosive growth from $ 263.1 million to $ 2,227 million with 21.43 per cent CAGR From Innovation to Scale: Deploying Breakthrough CEA Technology Brio pioneered the world’s first Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) system. How does Unnati deploy this breakthrough differently, and what scale efficiencies can it unlock for India’s agriculture economy? Brio Hydroponics has pioneered the world's first Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) system, which represents a fundamental breakthrough in precision farming technology. Unlike conventional hydroponics that focuses primarily on soil-less cultivation, Brio's CEA system integrates multiple environmental variables—temperature, humidity, CO₂ concentration, light spectrum, airflow, and nutrient delivery—into a unified, automated platform that optimizes plant growth at every stage. The CEA system deployed at Unnati differs significantly from traditional greenhouse operations. It incorporates global technologies sourced from France, Israel, and New Zealand, specifically adapted for Indian climatic conditions. These technologies include advanced automated irrigation systems, sophisticated climate control mechanisms, and precision nutrient delivery systems that work in harmony to maintain optimal growing conditions throughout the year, irrespective of external weather fluctuations. Scale Efficiencies and Economic Impact Unnati's 100-acre scale unlocks multiple efficiency advantages that smaller hydroponic operations cannot achieve. The infrastructure supports 100 individual hydroponic structures of one acre each, creating an industrial-grade production ecosystem. This scale enables bulk procurement of inputs, standardized operational procedures, and centralized processing and distribution systems that dramatically reduce per-unit production costs. The economic benefits extend beyond cost reduction to revenue optimization. Unnati's strategic tie-ups with retailers, e-commerce platforms, and export channels ensure that produce reaches premium markets quickly and at optimal pricing. The park's integrated business model projects Internal Rate of Return (IRR) between 18-24 per cent annually, making it attractive for both institutional and retail investors. Scale efficiencies also manifest in technology deployment and maintenance. Centralized monitoring systems can oversee multiple growing units simultaneously, reducing labor requirements while improving precision. Automated systems for irrigation, nutrient dosing, and climate control operate more efficiently when managing larger volumes, creating economies of scale that make the technology economically viable for broader adoption. Technology Transfer and Knowledge Creation Beyond immediate production benefits, Unnati serves as a technology transfer hub that demonstrates how advanced CEA systems can be replicated across different regions and scales. The project's success in its initial 30 acres under cultivation provides concrete evidence of technology viability, yield improvements, and economic returns that can be communicated to potential adopters. Brio's Center of Excellence in Gandhinagar has already trained over 500 agripreneurs, significantly enhancing agricultural skills and creating a knowledge ecosystem around hydroponic farming. This knowledge creation function becomes even more critical at Unnati's scale, where the park can serve as a demonstration site for farmers, investors, and policymakers to observe commercial-scale hydroponic operations. Hydroponics vs Traditional Farming: Key Performance Metrics Comparison showing revolutionary improvements in resource efficiency Investor Confidence in Agri-Tech: Making Hydroponics Profitable and Attractive Your early investors highlight transparency, trust, and strong returns as key drivers. How do you make hydroponics, traditionally a capital-intensive venture, both profitable and attractive for institutional and retail investors in India? Hydroponics has traditionally been perceived as a capital-intensive venture with uncertain returns, creating significant barriers for both institutional and retail investors. Brio Hydroponics addresses this challenge through multiple innovative approaches that transform the investment proposition from high-risk speculation to predictable, asset-backed returns. The company's fintech investment platform, launched in 2024, represents India's first digital fixed-return investment platform specifically tailored for the Controlled Environment Agriculture sector. This platform offers investors fixed, assured returns of up to 18 per cent per annum, exemplified by an investment of Rs 10 lakhs yielding Rs 1.8 lakhs annually. The platform has rapidly gained traction, attracting over 125 investors and demonstrating robust confidence in sustainable agricultural practices. Transparency and Trust Mechanisms Investor confidence in Brio Hydroponics stems from the company's commitment to transparency, professional execution, and proven track record. Rajesh Mehta, an Unnati investor, states: "What I value most is trust and assurance. Brio Hydroponics has consistently delivered both with professionalism, transparency, and a proven track record that gave me complete confidence". This trust is built through several mechanisms: Performance Reporting: Regular performance reports and transparent financial disclosures provide investors with real-time insights into their investments. A dedicated investor dashboard offers continuous visibility into farm operations, yield data, and financial performance, fostering trust and ongoing engagement. Agri-Partnership Model: The alignment of investor returns with farm performance ensures that both parties are motivated to achieve excellence in agricultural productivity. This partnership approach transforms investors from passive capital providers to active stakeholders in agricultural success. Proven Track Record: Brio's successful hydroponics projects for major corporate clients including Welspun Group and Adani Group demonstrate the company's capability to execute large-scale, complex agricultural projects. Risk Mitigation and Return Optimization The Unnati model incorporates several risk mitigation strategies that make hydroponics attractive for institutional and retail investors. The cluster-based farming system managed by seasoned professionals at Brio Hydroponics reduces operational risks while ensuring consistent quality and output. Climate-controlled environments eliminate weather-related crop losses, while integrated pest management systems minimize disease and pest risks. Market risk is addressed through diversified crop portfolios focusing on premium categories such as leafy greens, herbs, and exotic vegetables that command higher prices and have growing demand in urban markets. Strategic partnerships with retailers and export channels provide assured market access and pricing stability. The company's ambitious target to raise Rs 100 crores through its investment platform within the first year demonstrates significant investor appetite for structured agri-tech investments. This capital will support the development of additional hi-tech farming projects across India, creating a scalable model for sustainable agriculture investment. Climate and Food Security: Addressing India's Dual Challenge Climate and Food Security: You’ve often spoken about freeing farmers from weather uncertainty. How can hydroponics-based systems like Unnati address India’s dual challenge of climate volatility and food security—and is there a risk of this becoming a solution only for high-value crops rather than staples? India's agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges from climate volatility, with erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events becoming increasingly common. Traditional farming methods, dependent on monsoon cycles and seasonal patterns, leave farmers highly vulnerable to weather uncertainties that can devastate entire crop cycles and rural livelihoods. Research indicates that approximately 52-55 per cent of Indian farmers have no access to irrigation and depend entirely on rain-fed agriculture. This dependency becomes increasingly problematic as climate change intensifies rainfall variability, with longer dry spells followed by intense flooding periods that disrupt crop growth cycles. The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) study found that 87 per cent of tehsils across India experienced decreased Southwest Monsoon rainfall during crucial Kharif crop sowing months from 1982 to 2022. Hydroponics as Climate Resilience Solution Controlled Environment Agriculture systems like those deployed at Unnati offer a compelling solution to climate-related agricultural risks. By creating fully controlled growing environments, hydroponic systems eliminate dependency on external weather conditions, enabling consistent, year-round production regardless of climatic variability. The technology's water efficiency is particularly crucial for India's water-stressed regions. Hydroponic systems use up to 90 per cent less water compared to traditional farming methods, making them especially valuable in drought-prone areas where water scarcity limits agricultural productivity. This efficiency is achieved through closed-loop systems that recycle nutrient solutions and eliminate water loss through soil percolation and evaporation. Climate-controlled environments also enable precise management of temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels, optimizing plant growth conditions that would be impossible to achieve in open-field agriculture. This precision allows farmers to maintain consistent crop quality and yields even during extreme weather events that would devastate traditional farms. Food Security Implications and Staple Crop Considerations While hydroponic systems excel in producing high-value crops like leafy greens, herbs, and specialty vegetables, questions remain about their applicability to staple crops that form the foundation of Indian food security. Currently, most hydroponic operations focus on premium produce that commands higher market prices and provides better economic returns for the capital invested. However, this limitation may not necessarily represent a systemic failure. Hydroponics can contribute to food security through multiple pathways: Nutritional Enhancement: Premium crops grown hydroponically often have superior nutritional profiles and longer shelf lives, improving overall dietary quality. Market Segmentation: By serving premium market segments, hydroponics frees up traditional agricultural land for staple crop production, potentially improving overall resource allocation. Technology Evolution: As hydroponic technologies mature and costs decrease, applications to staple crops may become economically viable, particularly for crops requiring precise nutrient management. The integration of hydroponics with traditional farming systems creates complementary approaches rather than replacement scenarios. Farmers can use hydroponic systems for high-value cash crops while maintaining traditional cultivation for staple grains, diversifying their income sources and reducing overall risk exposure. Scaling Climate-Smart Solutions Brio's partnerships with institutions like Anand Agricultural University and IFFCO position the company to scale climate-smart agriculture solutions across diverse agricultural contexts. These partnerships enable research and development of hydroponic systems specifically adapted to Indian conditions, crop preferences, and farmer economics. The Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) framework emphasizes three key objectives: increasing agricultural productivity, building resilience to climate change, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hydroponic systems align with all three objectives by delivering higher yields per unit area, eliminating weather-related risks, and reducing the need for chemical inputs that contribute to environmental degradation. Global Technologies, Local Impact: Adapting International Solutions Unnati is deploying agri-technologies from France, Israel, and New Zealand. How do you ensure these global systems adapt to India’s local conditions—water availability, smallholder economics, and diverse crop demand? Unnati's deployment of agri-technologies from France, Israel, and New Zealand represents a sophisticated approach to technology transfer that balances global innovation with local adaptation. Rather than implementing foreign technologies wholesale, Brio Hydroponics has developed a localization strategy that adapts these systems to India's specific conditions, including water availability, climate variability, smallholder economics, and diverse crop demands. The partnership with Israeli firm Pic-Plant Ltd exemplifies this approach, introducing patented technologies such as rain protection systems, wire rope configurations, and triple-layer net houses that enable high-yield, superior-quality produce across all seasons. These technologies were specifically modified to address Indian climatic challenges, including high humidity, intense heat, and monsoon conditions that differ significantly from Mediterranean growing environments. French precision agriculture technologies contribute advanced nutrient delivery systems and automated climate control mechanisms that ensure optimal growing conditions. New Zealand's expertise in post-harvest processing, traceability systems, and export quality standards helps establish supply chain excellence that meets international market requirements. Addressing Local Conditions and Constraints India's water scarcity challenges require hydroponic systems to be exceptionally efficient in water usage. The technologies deployed at Unnati incorporate closed-loop water recycling systems that minimize waste and maximize efficiency. Advanced sensors monitor soil moisture, nutrient concentrations, and pH levels in real-time, enabling precise water and nutrient delivery that eliminates overwatering and nutrient runoff. The systems are designed to operate effectively with varying water quality conditions common in Indian agricultural regions. Water treatment and purification systems ensure that even brackish or mineral-heavy water sources can be used effectively, expanding the geographic areas where hydroponic systems can be deployed successfully. Smallholder Economics and Scalability Recognizing that over 86 per cent of Indian farmers operate plots smaller than two hectares, Brio's technology adaptation focuses on scalable solutions that can be economically viable at different scales. The modular design of hydroponic structures allows farmers to start with smaller installations and expand gradually as they gain experience and capital. The company's training programs and technical support systems address the skill requirements that often prevent smallholder farmers from adopting advanced technologies. By providing comprehensive training modules, ongoing technical assistance, and standardized operating procedures, Brio reduces the knowledge barriers that traditionally limit technology adoption among resource-constrained farmers. Diverse Crop Demand and Market Integration India's diverse culinary traditions and regional crop preferences require hydroponic systems to be adaptable to multiple crop types beyond the leafy greens and herbs commonly grown in other countries. Unnati's systems are configured to grow 28 different kinds of leafy greens and various vine crops including colored capsicums, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and French beans. This crop diversity requires sophisticated nutrient management systems that can adjust growing conditions for different plant families and growth stages. The integration of AI-driven monitoring and automated nutrient delivery enables precise management of these diverse crop requirements within the same facility. Technology Integration and Digital Infrastructure The adaptation of global technologies to Indian conditions involves significant integration with digital infrastructure and IoT systems. Unnati incorporates sensors for monitoring electrical conductivity, pH levels, temperature, and humidity, with wireless sensor nodes transmitting data to central control units for real-time monitoring and adjustments. This digital integration aligns with India's Digital Agriculture Mission and AgriStack infrastructure, creating synergies between private sector innovation and public sector digital platforms. The integration enables farmers to access satellite-based weather advisories, market information, and technical support through unified digital interfaces. Blockchain technology is being explored for supply chain transparency and traceability, enabling Unnati's produce to meet international export standards and command premium prices in global markets. This technological sophistication transforms Indian hydroponic produce from local agricultural products to globally competitive commodities. Partnerships as Growth Drivers: Scaling Through Collaboration With alliances like Anand Agricultural University and IFFCO, you’re building strong institutional linkages. What role do you see public–private partnerships playing in scaling hydroponics nationwide, and how do you plan to integrate smallholder farmers into this high-tech ecosystem? Brio Hydroponics' partnerships with Anand Agricultural University, IFFCO, and other institutions represent a strategic approach to scaling hydroponics technology across India's agricultural landscape. These partnerships provide multiple benefits: research and development capabilities, institutional credibility, access to farmer networks, and policy influence that facilitates technology adoption at scale. The collaboration with Anand Agricultural University, located in Gujarat's agricultural heartland, provides research expertise in crop sciences, soil health, and agricultural engineering. This partnership enables the development of region-specific hydroponic solutions that address local crop preferences, growing conditions, and farmer requirements. University research facilities support ongoing innovation in nutrient formulations, crop varieties, and system optimization. IFFCO's involvement brings significant advantages in terms of farmer outreach, input supply chains, and cooperative structure expertise. As one of India's largest fertilizer cooperatives, IFFCO has extensive networks reaching millions of farmers across the country. This partnership enables Brio to leverage existing distribution channels, farmer relationships, and cooperative structures to introduce hydroponic technologies at grassroots levels. Public-Private Partnership Model The public-private partnership approach adopted by Brio creates synergies between government policy objectives and private sector innovation capabilities. Government initiatives like the National Horticulture Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and subsidies for controlled environment agriculture provide policy support and financial incentives that reduce adoption barriers. These partnerships enable Brio to participate in government programs that provide technical assistance, financial subsidies, and market linkages to farmers adopting advanced agricultural technologies. The alignment with national agricultural policies ensures that Brio's expansion strategy supports broader government objectives of agricultural modernization, water conservation, and climate resilience. The integration with India's Digital Agriculture Mission creates opportunities for Brio's technologies to be incorporated into national digital infrastructure for agriculture. This integration can provide farmers with access to hydroponic technologies through existing government platforms, reducing the complexity and cost of technology adoption. Smallholder Integration Strategy Integrating smallholder farmers into high-tech hydroponic ecosystems requires careful attention to economic constraints, technical capabilities, and risk management preferences. Brio's approach involves multiple strategies designed to make advanced technologies accessible to resource-constrained farmers: Modular Technology Design: Hydroponic systems are designed in modular units that allow farmers to start with small installations and expand gradually. This approach reduces initial capital requirements while enabling farmers to gain experience and build confidence with the technology. Training and Capacity Building: Comprehensive training programs provide farmers with technical skills required for hydroponic operations. Brio's Training & Placement Assistance program offers two-week intensive training followed by ongoing technical support, ensuring farmers have the knowledge needed for successful operations. Financial Support and Risk Sharing: The fintech investment platform and agri-partnership models provide alternative financing mechanisms that reduce financial risks for smallholder farmers. Investors can provide capital while farmers contribute land and labor, sharing both risks and returns. Cooperative Integration: Working with existing farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and cooperative structures enables smallholder farmers to access hydroponic technologies collectively, sharing costs and risks while maintaining individual farming operations. Technology Transfer and Knowledge Dissemination Brio's partnership strategy includes significant emphasis on knowledge transfer and skill development. The Center of Excellence in Gandhinagar has trained over 500 agripreneurs, creating a network of skilled practitioners who can support technology diffusion across agricultural communities. This knowledge dissemination approach creates multiplier effects, where trained farmers become technology advocates and informal advisors for their communities. The demonstration effect of successful hydroponic operations encourages broader adoption while providing peer-to-peer learning opportunities that are often more effective than formal training programs. The partnerships also facilitate technology standardization and quality assurance, ensuring that hydroponic systems deployed across different regions maintain consistent performance standards. This standardization is crucial for scaling technology adoption while maintaining quality and economic viability. Beyond Gujarat: National and Global Expansion Strategy With Unnati now underway, what’s your national and global expansion strategy? Do you envision replicating this park model across states—or building smaller modular units that could integrate into farmer clusters? Brio Hydroponics' expansion strategy beyond Gujarat involves both replicating the large-scale park model and developing smaller, modular units that can integrate into existing farmer clusters. The success of Unnati's initial 30 acres under cultivation provides a proven template that can be adapted to different geographic and economic contexts across India. The company has already acquired land for expansion projects, including 36 acres near Mumbai with potential scaling to 60 acres, demonstrating commitment to geographic diversification. This expansion strategy focuses on proximity to major urban centers where demand for premium, pesticide-free produce is highest and supply chain logistics can be optimized. The expansion approach recognizes that different regions have varying requirements based on climate conditions, water availability, crop preferences, and market dynamics. Rather than implementing identical systems, Brio adapts its core CEA technology platform to local conditions while maintaining standardized operational procedures and quality standards. Modular Integration Strategy Beyond large-scale parks, Brio is developing smaller modular units designed to integrate into existing farmer clusters and cooperative structures. This approach addresses the reality that most Indian farmers operate small plots and may not have the capital or inclination to participate in large-scale commercial operations. Modular systems can be deployed at village levels, serving clusters of 10-20 farmers who collectively invest in hydroponic infrastructure while maintaining individual farming operations. This approach leverages existing social structures and cooperative traditions while introducing advanced agricultural technologies. The modular approach also enables faster deployment and lower per-unit capital requirements, making hydroponic technology accessible to a broader range of farmers and geographic locations. Standardized modules can be manufactured centrally and assembled locally, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining quality standards. International Expansion and Export Focus Brio's international expansion strategy includes both technology export and produce export components. The company has already established operations in the Maldives and is finalizing projects in Mauritius and the Caribbean islands. This international expansion leverages India's growing reputation in agricultural technology and Brio's proven expertise in tropical and subtropical growing conditions. The export strategy focuses on regions where water scarcity, limited arable land, or challenging growing conditions make hydroponic systems particularly valuable. Small island nations, desert regions, and urban areas in developing countries represent priority markets where Brio's technologies can address critical food security challenges. International expansion also creates opportunities for technology transfer partnerships with foreign governments and development organizations. Brio's experience in adapting global technologies to local conditions positions the company as a valuable partner for agricultural development projects in emerging markets. Digital Platform and Franchise Model The expansion strategy includes development of digital platforms that enable remote monitoring, technical support, and market linkages for distributed hydroponic operations. These platforms can support franchise-style expansion where local entrepreneurs operate hydroponic systems under Brio's technical guidance and quality standards. Digital platforms enable centralized monitoring of multiple sites, standardized operating procedures, and quality assurance systems that maintain brand consistency across geographic locations. Remote monitoring capabilities reduce the need for physical presence while ensuring optimal system performance. The franchise model creates opportunities for local entrepreneurship while maintaining technical standards and market access. Local operators benefit from Brio's proven systems, training programs, and market linkages while adapting operations to local conditions and preferences. The 2035 Vision: India's Model for Climate-Smart Agriculture If we project a decade ahead, what does success for Brio Hydroponics look like? Is it thousands of acres of soil-less farming, a farmer-first export powerhouse, or becoming India’s model for climate-smart agriculture? By 2035, Brio Hydroponics envisions a transformational impact on India's agricultural landscape that extends far beyond the current scale of operations. The company's vision encompasses three interconnected dimensions: massive scaling of soil-less farming infrastructure, establishment of India as a farmer-first export powerhouse, and creation of a replicable model for climate-smart agriculture that can be deployed globally. The scaling vision projects thousands of acres under hydroponic cultivation across multiple states, supported by a network of technology centers, training facilities, and processing hubs. This infrastructure would serve both commercial operations and smallholder farmers, creating an integrated ecosystem that supports diverse scales and types of agricultural operations. Market projections support this ambitious vision, with India's hydroponics market expected to reach $ 2,227 million by 2035, representing a 21.43 per cent compound annual growth rate. This explosive growth trajectory indicates that hydroponics will transition from niche technology to mainstream agricultural practice, driven by water scarcity, climate change, and increasing demand for premium produce. Farmer-First Export Powerhouse Model The 2035 vision positions India as a global leader in hydroponic produce exports, with farmer prosperity at the center of the value chain. This farmer-first approach ensures that technology advancement translates into improved livelihoods for agricultural communities rather than simply benefiting large corporate operations. The export powerhouse model leverages India's competitive advantages in agricultural innovation, skilled technical workforce, and growing expertise in controlled environment agriculture. By 2035, Brio envisions Indian hydroponic produces competing successfully in premium international markets, commanding prices that reflect superior quality, traceability, and sustainable production methods. This export focus requires significant investment in post-harvest infrastructure, cold chain logistics, and quality certification systems. The integration of blockchain technology for supply chain transparency and adherence to international organic and sustainability standards will enable Indian hydroponic produce to access the highest-value global markets. Climate-Smart Agriculture Leadership The broader vision positions India as a global model for climate-smart agriculture that other developing countries can emulate. This leadership role involves several components: technology innovation, policy framework development, institutional capacity building, and international cooperation. India's experience in adapting global hydroponic technologies to local conditions, integrating smallholder farmers into high-tech systems, and scaling sustainable agriculture practices provides valuable lessons for other developing countries facing similar challenges. The knowledge and systems developed through projects like Unnati can be transferred to other regions through technical cooperation programs and development partnerships. The climate-smart agriculture model emphasizes three key outcomes: Productivity Enhancement: Hydroponic systems consistently deliver higher yields per unit area while using fewer resources, contributing to food security without expanding agricultural land use. Climate Resilience: Controlled environment agriculture systems eliminate weather-related risks and enable consistent production despite increasing climate variability. Environmental Sustainability: Reduced water usage, elimination of soil degradation, and minimized chemical inputs create agricultural systems that support rather than degrade environmental health. Technology Integration and Digital Agriculture The 2035 vision includes comprehensive integration of hydroponic systems with India's digital agriculture infrastructure, creating seamless connectivity between controlled environment agriculture and broader agricultural support systems. This integration enables farmers to access weather advisories, market information, technical support, and financial services through unified digital platforms. Artificial intelligence and machine learning systems will optimize hydroponic operations by analyzing vast datasets on plant growth, environmental conditions, and market demand to make real-time adjustments that maximize productivity and profitability. These systems will enable predictive management that anticipates and prevents problems before they impact crop production. The digital integration also enables new forms of agricultural finance and insurance that are specifically designed for controlled environment agriculture. Satellite monitoring, IoT sensors, and blockchain verification can provide the data transparency needed for innovative financial products that reduce risks for both farmers and lenders. Institutional and Policy Framework Achieving the 2035 vision requires supportive institutional and policy frameworks that encourage innovation, facilitate technology adoption, and ensure that benefits reach smallholder farmers. Brio's partnerships with agricultural universities, government agencies, and international organizations create a foundation for policy advocacy and institutional development. The vision includes establishment of specialized training institutions, research centers, and extension services focused on controlled environment agriculture. These institutions would provide the technical expertise, research capabilities, and farmer support services needed to sustain rapid expansion of hydroponic systems across India. Policy frameworks need to address regulatory standards for hydroponic produce, quality certification systems, and trade policies that facilitate exports. The integration of hydroponics into existing agricultural support programs, including subsidies, insurance, and market linkages, will ensure that the technology remains accessible to farmers of all scales. A New Era of Agricultural Innovation Brio Hydroponics' Unnati project represents more than an agricultural venture; it embodies a comprehensive transformation of how India approaches food production, climate resilience, and rural prosperity. Through the strategic deployment of controlled environment agriculture at unprecedented scale, Brio is creating a replicable model that addresses India's most pressing agricultural challenges while establishing pathways for global leadership in sustainable farming technologies. The answers to these critical questions reveal that hydroponics in India is transitioning from experimental technology to mainstream agricultural practice, driven by necessity, opportunity, and visionary leadership. The success of Unnati and similar projects will determine whether India can achieve its vision of climate-smart, sustainable agriculture that serves both farmers and consumers while protecting environmental resources for future generations. The convergence of technological innovation, strategic partnerships, supportive policies, and market demand creates unprecedented opportunities for transforming Indian agriculture. Brio Hydroponics' leadership in this transformation positions the company—and India—at the forefront of a global agricultural revolution that promises to redefine how the world produces food in an era of climate change and resource scarcity. --- Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com) ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3190/singapores-start-up-prefer-launches-soluble-coffee-and-cocoa-powders.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3190/singapores-start-up-prefer-launches-soluble-coffee-and-cocoa-powders.html Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:16:05 +0530 Prefer, a Singapore-based food tech startup using fermentation to create affordable and sustainable flavours and ingredients, today announced an oversubscribed US$4.2 million fundraising round alongside the commercial launch of its new products: soluble coffee and cocoa powders. The company, which is a spin-off from the Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore’s lead public sector research and development (R&D) agency, also announced its first commercial partnerships for international expansion with Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) Ltd and The Coffee Ferm in Thailand and Australia, respectively.Made from food manufacturing byproducts such as rice and soy, Prefer’s flavours are developed using a proprietary fermentation and roasting process. The company supplies its flavours and ingredients to FMCG brands, food manufacturers, private label retailers, and flavour houses, offering affordable ingredients that replicate the taste and functionality of coffee and cocoa at a fraction of the carbon footprint.According to its life cycle analysis, Prefer’s coffee has up to 85% lower emissions and is 50% more affordable than the current market prices of traditional Arabica. Prefer invites coffee and cocoa companies to connect and sample the ingredients via their website, offering partners a commercially proven ingredient that drives cost savings, strengthens supply chain resilience, and supports the planet.“This funding supercharges our mission to prove that fermentation is the key to unlocking the immense biochemical potential hidden within our food system's byproducts, creating a truly sustainable and resilient way to produce the flavours we love,” says Ding Jie Tan, Co-Founder & CTO of Prefer.“With the support of our new partners, the quality of our new products, and the grit of this team, we’re in a unique position to ensure coffee and cocoa are accessible to the masses while respecting our planet,” says Jake Berber, Co-Founder & CEO. This funding round brings Prefer’s total equity raised to US$6.2 million. The lead investors are At One Ventures and Chancery Hill Capital, with participation from existing investor, Forge Ventures.“We’re in the early stages of a food system transformation, one that decouples beloved consumer products from environmentally harmful supply chains,” says Helen Lin, Partner at At One Ventures and board member at Prefer.“Our investment in Prefer reflects both the urgency of reducing our food system's agricultural footprint and our conviction in this team’s ability to deliver a sensory-equivalent experience with radically lower environmental impact, all while driving cost savings for customers. By reducing the need for commodity coffee and cacao farming, Prefer is enabling a future where taste and climate alignment can go hand in hand.”The startup recently commercialised its coffee products through foodservice channels, collaborating withMelvados, a Singaporean food business. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3093/fao-and-itu-launch-global-initiative-empowering-youth-to-drive-innovation-in-agrifood-systems.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/3093/fao-and-itu-launch-global-initiative-empowering-youth-to-drive-innovation-in-agrifood-systems.html Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:29:08 +0530 Launch “Robotics for Good - Youth Challenge 2025-2026” to tackle global food insecurity At the opening of the AI for Good Summit (8-11 July)  in Geneva today, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) officially launched the Robotics for Good – Youth Challenge 2025–26, a global initiative aimed at empowering youth to drive innovation in agrifood systems. The second edition of this initiative invites young people aged 12 to 18 from around the world to design and build robots that help address one of humanity’s most pressing challenges - food insecurity. “This challenge is not just about robotics,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu during his keynote address at the summit. “It is about empowering youth to become agents of change in the fight against hunger.” FAO will serve as a strategic partner in the initiative, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and support through its Youth Innovation Lab and Transformative Research models. Digital divide In his address, the Director-General also highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing food security and building climate‑resilient agriculture. Qu presented FAO’s vision for inclusive and ethical AI in agrifood systems, designed to empower farmers and rural communities, particularly in low-income countries.   “The digital divide is becoming development divide,” Qu said. “If we allow these gaps to persist, the promises of artificial intelligence to reduce poverty, improve resilience and drive innovation will remain out of reach for those who need it most.” According to the ITU, 1 in 3 people worldwide remains offline, most of them in rural and low-income countries. Nearly 2.6 billion people still lack access to the Internet, and only 26% of people in low-income countries use it at all. According to the World Bank, fewer than 1 in 5 people in Sub-Saharan Africa have access to broadband, limiting not only connectivity, but also the capacity to participate in the digital and AI revolutions. Leveraging the power of AI in agrifood systems The Director-General outlined how FAO is harnessing digital tools to close the connectivity gap and drive transformation across global agrifood systems—from precision agriculture and resource management to food security early warning systems and market access. FAO’s approach focuses on ensuring that AI technologies benefit those who need them most. This includes new AI-powered advisory services tailored to smallholder farmers and delivered in local languages, made possible through partnerships such as with Digital Green. Through generative AI, FAO has already reduced the cost of farmer advisory services from 30 dollars to just 3 dollars per farmer, with further reductions anticipated. Through FAO’s advanced remote sensing and geospatial platforms, AI allows the Organization to rapidly analyze drought, water stress, crop types, land use and forest management. FAO is also leveraging open-source Big Data to track food security threats before they become crises. Predictive models help farmers make better-informed decisions about sowing, harvesting, and marketing their crops. Among its flagship innovations, the Organization is piloting a specialized “knowledge bot” built on its extensive repository of nearly 150,000 scientific publications, and working on the world’s first agrifood-focused foundation AI model to provide tailored, context-specific solutions from planting to post-harvest. As a founding member of the Digital Public Goods Alliance and a signatory to the Rome Call for AI Ethics, FAO continues to champion digital solutions that are guided by transparency, human dignity, and the principle to “do no harm.” The Director General re-affirmed that responsible governance of AI is essential to delivering the Organization’s Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life—leaving no one behind. Qu called on all partners to work together to ensure that AI is inclusive, transparent and human-centered, addressing global challenges while accelerating progress across agrifood systems. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with over 40 UN sister agencies and co‑convened by the Government of Switzerland, the Summit brings together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, startups, civil society, and other stakeholders to harness AI’s potential in solving global challenges.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2978/philippine-spotlights-cutting-edge-developments-in-smart-agriculture-at-innovex-2025-in-taiwan.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2978/philippine-spotlights-cutting-edge-developments-in-smart-agriculture-at-innovex-2025-in-taiwan.html Fri, 30 May 2025 10:22:51 +0530 Philippine modernized agriculture showcased cutting-edge developments in smart agriculture, food technology, robotics, e-commerce, and more Philippines Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS) proudly led the Philippine delegation to InnoVEX 2025, Asia's leading startup showcase, held May 20 to 23 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center to promote Filipino innovation in agriculture. A modernized Philippine agriculture, one that employs innovation and new technologies to increase output and yield to ensure food security, can be achieved by exposing young Filipino farmers to the global stage. The Philippines played a central role in this year's event, featuring cutting-edge developments in smart agriculture, food technology, robotics, e-commerce, and more. As part of the Department of Agriculture's flagship program that empowers youth-led agribusiness ventures, three standout winners of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) flew the flag for the country. With their homegrown, high-tech solutions designed to transform the agriculture sector, they wowed international audiences at the bustling Philippine Pavilion. “These agri-tech startups are just a glimpse of the nearly 4,000 youth-led enterprises we’ve supported through YFC,” said DA Assistant Secretary Atty. Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra. “From capital grants to mentoring and global promotion, we’re investing in young innovators who are driving real change in Philippine agriculture.” The Filipino startups at InnoVEX 2025 included: – Engr. Arvin John Tejeros, founder of iCarus Agritech, who introduced an AI-powered egg incubator that fine-tunes temperature and humidity for better hatch rates; – Engr. Chester Turingan, founder of Chaptu Farm, who showcased a Smart Brooder Technology that simulates ideal environments for healthier chicks; – John Carlo Landayan, founder of Innovsmarter Agri Services, who presented a digital platform combining precision farming, sustainability tools, and smart analytics to boost farm productivity. Their participation drew high praise from leaders in the Philippine economic and trade community. “As we modernize our agriculture sector, engaging with Taiwan’s vibrant tech ecosystem is a game-changer,” said Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Chairperson Cheloy E. Velicaria Garafil. “There’s tremendous potential to co-create impactful, future-ready solutions across sectors like food tech, robotics, logistics, and more.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2955/korean-agritech-innovator-unveils-bk-conveyor-culture-bkcc-a-next-generation-vertical-farming-system.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2955/korean-agritech-innovator-unveils-bk-conveyor-culture-bkcc-a-next-generation-vertical-farming-system.html Mon, 26 May 2025 09:54:57 +0530 Affordable, efficient, and easy to operate, particularly for new-generation farmers and emerging agri-markets Farmers Lab Ltd., a Korean agritech innovator, unveils BK Conveyor Culture (BKCC), a next-generation vertical farming system designed to solve key limitations of traditional fixed-rack setups. BKCC employs a horizontal conveyor structure that rotates trays around a central axis, delivering labor-saving efficiency and simplified daily operations. The system has been fully installed and approved for completion at an R&D center in Singapore. While commercial operation has not yet begun, internal projections estimate a 20% net profit margin from microgreen and baby leaves cultivation under BKCC’s optimized workflow. Its modular, worker-friendly design makes it ideal for labs ranging from small to full-scale commercial farms. BKCC was also recognized as a Finalist in the “Best New Vertical Farming Facility” category at the Vertical Farming World Awards 2024, held in Frankfurt. This recognition highlights the system’s innovation, simplicity, and potential as a scalable alternative in the global vertical farming industry. To strengthen its smart farming capabilities, Farmers Lab Ltd. is partnering with Blue Lab, a technology leader in precision agriculture, to implement AI-based automation for climate and nutrient control. This integration will allow real-time adjustment of environmental factors and further reduce manual intervention. “BKCC was built on years of extensive field experience and practical trials,” said Seungwan Lee, founder of Farmers Lab Ltd. “Our goal is to provide a system that is affordable, efficient, and easy to operate, particularly for new-generation farmers and emerging agri-markets.” BKCC is suitable for a wide range of crops, including microgreens, leafy greens, virus-free seedlings, and specialty plants. Pilot units have been installed in Korea, Singapore and Africa, with discussions underway in Australia, Vietnam, and the Middle East ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2919/the-growhub-partners-with-why-ventures-to-deploy-agri-tech-solutions-empower-vietnamese-farms.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2919/the-growhub-partners-with-why-ventures-to-deploy-agri-tech-solutions-empower-vietnamese-farms.html Mon, 19 May 2025 12:21:49 +0530 Helping local farmers track yield quality, gain direct market access, and ensure end-to-end transparency THE GROWHUB LIMITED, a Singapore-based company leveraging blockchain technology to enhance product traceability and authenticity, announced a strategic partnership with Why Ventures, an immersive learning and business growth platform, to deploy its traceability system across cacao and coffee farms in Vietnam's Central Highlands, with both organizations set to launch this joint inaugural project at Why Ventures' pilot site. This initiative serves as a testbed for implementing The GrowHub's traceability tools and digital solutions aimed at helping local farmers track yield quality, gain direct market access, and ensure end-to-end transparency; from bean-to-bar or bean-to-cup. Following the establishment of the Company's new regional branch in 2024, The GrowHub continues to expand its footprint by focusing on software and research development services, including R&D, tech capability building, and data analytics, laying the foundation to promote tech-driven solutions in agriculture within Vietnam. As part of this partnership, Why Ventures will integrate The GrowHub's traceability platform into its entrepreneurship learning journeys, allowing students, young professionals, and educators to experience how technology can create sustainable value across the agricultural supply chain. The partnership is set to expand beyond cacao and coffee, offering scalable learning and tech integration opportunities for other agricultural sectors in Vietnam in 2025 and beyond. "Vietnamese farmers are already producing world-class cacao and coffee, but they often lack the digital tools to compete in global markets," said Christine Ng, Founder of Why Ventures. "This partnership gives these farmers access to The GrowHub's proprietary traceability solution that aims to help build trust with consumers, improve sustainability, and increase profits through better data and storytelling." Alec Ngo, COO of The GrowHub added: "We are excited to work with Why Ventures to introduce our traceability solutions to farms in Vietnam, where they are already driving meaningful progress in sustainable agriculture. Through this partnership with Christine and Why Ventures, we aim to cultivate a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs who are tech-savvy, environmentally conscious, and globally competitive." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2914/vietnams-nutifood-and-australias-viplus-dairy-form-a-joint-venture-to-co-found-a-premium-milk-brand.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2914/vietnams-nutifood-and-australias-viplus-dairy-form-a-joint-venture-to-co-found-a-premium-milk-brand.html Fri, 16 May 2025 08:37:32 +0530 Strengthening the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Australia launches joint venture namely ViPlus Nutritional Australia Nutifood has officially signed a strategic partnership with ViPlus Dairy - an over 130-year-old dairy manufacturer from Gippsland, Australia - to establish an international joint venture namely ViPlus Nutritional Australia. This milestone marks a major step in Nutifood’s globalization journey, making it the first Vietnamese enterprise to directly co-found an Australian-standard premium dairy brand, GippsNature. Owned jointly by Nutifood and ViPlus Dairy, GippsNature is set to launch as an international premium nutritional brand embodying Australia’s “nature-first” philosophy. The signing ceremony has taken place at the Victoria Global Investment Centre in Melbourne, Australia, witnessed by government representatives from both countries. On the Australian side, Kevin Norman - Senior Global Engagement Manager, Australian Trade and Investment Commission; Huda Albanna - Strategic Advisor to the Commissioner, Victorian Government Trade and Investment Southeast Asia; Annie Jiang - Director of International Investment Asia & MENA at Invest Victoria attended. From Vietnam, Nghiem Xuan Hoa, Minister Counselor and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Viet Nam in Australia, also attended. Kevin Norman - Senior Global Engagement Manager, Australian Trade and Investment Commission stated, “The strategic outcomes that we anticipate will flow from this newly formed Joint Venture between ViPlus Dairy and Nutifood Vietnam, will only strengthen the trade ties between our two nations, both in commerce and in friendship”. Nghiem Xuan Hoa, Minister Counselor and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Viet Nam in Australia also praised the collaboration at the event: “As a strategic collaboration between two leading enterprises, the joint venture will bring practical benefits to consumers in both countries and contribute to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Australia.” The partnership coincides with Nutifood’s 25th anniversary. In 2025, driven by a global vision, Nutifood officially enters its globalization phase by co-creating a premium dairy brand in Australia. The milestone underscores Nutifood’s innovation capacity and integration prowess, with its commitment to putting Vietnamese identity on the global dairy map. GippsNature’s initial product lineup will cater to a wide range of consumers across all life stages, from milk for children and adults to elderly, along with nutritional supplements. The brand is prioritized to be launched first in Vietnam in Q3/2025 before expanding globally. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2745/startup-nation-central-growingil-launches-the-israeli-agriculture-food-tech-landscape-map-for-2025.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2745/startup-nation-central-growingil-launches-the-israeli-agriculture-food-tech-landscape-map-for-2025.html Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:52:39 +0530 In 2024, Isreil saw 33 funding rounds over $1 million, with over 30% of all investments going to startups in the robotics and farming equipment sectors. Israeli agrifood-tech startups are playing a pivotal role in broader emerging innovation areas, driving advancements that extend beyond agriculture and food into health, sustainability, and energy. The Israeli Agriculture & Food Tech landscape map, produced by Startup Nation Central, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Israel's innovation ecosystem globally, and GrowingIL, Israel's AgTech community, celebrates Israel's innovation and impact in food and agriculture. With a strong scientific foundation and a history of agricultural breakthroughs, this sector plays a central role in Israel's innovation legacy. In contrast to the well-established agritech sector, food tech is relatively new, but it has grown rapidly with investments reaching peak levels in 2021 and 2022. This map, curated from Startup Nation Central's Finder business platform, highlights the most impactful startups in the sector in 2024, highlighting those that secured the largest funding rounds. It offers a rich entry point for exploring Israel's innovation landscape. In Israeli agrifood-tech, 2024 was a year of dynamic partnerships, strategic acquisitions, and technological advancements despite global economic challenges and regional instability. Investment remained strong, with 33 funding rounds exceeding $1 million, and more than 30% of all investments directed toward robotics and farm equipment startups, a sector that continues to demonstrate strong growth potential. Strategic partnerships with multinational corporations played a key role in the sector's resilience, as major global players collaborated with Israeli startups to integrate advanced agritech and food solutions into their supply chains. Robotics, in particular, emerged as a critical solution to agricultural labor shortages, with new funding and partnerships accelerating the development of automation and precision agriculture technologies. Agriculture & Food Tech Landscape Map for 2025 Some of the key start-up area includes; Precision Nutrition for Chronic Disease Prevention – AI-powered dietary solutions and functional foods are being developed to combat chronic illnesses like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, signaling a shift toward personalized nutrition and preventative healthcare. AgriTech and Clean Energy – Israeli startups are pioneering solar-powered irrigation systems and carbon-sequestering crops, contributing to the global sustainability movement by reducing agriculture's environmental footprint. Synthetic Biology and Cellular Agriculture – Lab-grown meat, engineered microalgae, and alternative proteins disrupt traditional food supply chains, addressing food security and land conservation challenges. Bioconversion and Upcycling – Startups are developing biotech solutions to transform agricultural waste into high-value products like protein powders, biofertilizers, and biofuels, reinforcing circular economy practices. Agrifood-tech in Israel continues to thrive, demonstrating its resilience through collaboration, investment, and technological advancements. In 2025, multinational companies and investors are expected to deepen their engagement in the ecosystem, reinforcing Israel's position as a global leader in agrifood technology solutions.  Startup Nation Central connects global solution seekers with Israel's innovators and expertise solutions through Finder, the business engagement platform. It provides real-time information, deep business insights, and opportunities for forming valuable business connections into the Israeli tech ecosystem. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2693/bayer-and-pula-foundation-partner-up-to-insure-10-million-smallholder-farmers-in-sub-saharan-africa-and-south-asia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2693/bayer-and-pula-foundation-partner-up-to-insure-10-million-smallholder-farmers-in-sub-saharan-africa-and-south-asia.html Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:17:29 +0530 Aims to make smallholder farmers more resilient to droughts and floods, which threaten harvests, livelihoods, and global food security Bayer Foundation and the Pula Foundation announced at World Economic Forum that they are planning to provide insurance coverage for 10 million smallholder farmers by 2030. The collaboration aims to enhance climate resilience among smallholder farmers, protecting them against the growing impacts of droughts and floods, which threaten harvests, livelihoods, and global food security. It will help build private-public collaborations and shape the insurance market for agriculture in Africa and Asia. The Pula Foundation has developed scalable and data-driven agricultural insurance solutions designed to safeguard smallholder farmers' investments in their farms. By mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, the Pula Foundation ensures that farmers receive financial compensation for yield losses, enabling them to recover, reinvest, and build long-term resilience in the face of climate uncertainty. By 2030, Bayer Foundation’s grant for insurance premium support in the amount of 10 million euros – supported by a donation from Bayer’s Crop Science Division – will unlock a potential insurance coverage of 127 million U.S. dollars for 10 million farmers working with national governments in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Mali. The grant originates from Bayer Foundation’s Social Innovation Ecosystem Fund which targets mature and high-impact solutions for underserved communities. “Our Crop Science division is committed to deliver innovative, farmer-focused solutions that drive sustainable growth and regenerative agriculture. By unlocking climate finance and collaborating with partners like the Pula Foundation, we aim to deliver ecosystem-based approaches that empower smallholder farmers and their communities to overcome challenges and thrive,” added Rodrigo Santos, President of Bayer’s Crop Science Division, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and Executive Director Bayer Foundation. Pula Foundation and Bayer Foundation already demonstrated in 2021 that building such public-private partnerships to offer insurance protection at scale works: Together with the Zimbabwean Government and as part of the Zimbabwean Conservation Agriculture Program, they developed an insurance solution that protects the input investments farmers made. With the catalytic support of Bayer Foundation for this pilot, 31,000 farmers were insured against climate risks such as droughts in the first year, which the public-private partnership network of Pula Foundation scaled to more than 1 million farmers after three years. Rose Goslinga, Director of Pula Foundation says “This partnership with Bayer Foundation will enable us to expand our reach and ensure that millions more farmers can secure their livelihoods and build resilience against climate risks.” According to FAO, in 2023, around 2.33 billion people globally faced moderate or severe food insecurity. Smallholder farmers make a significant contribution to food security and supply in their countries: more than half of the food consumed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is produced by smallholders. Yet, they face heavy challenges that pose severe constraints to their ability to serve their communities. Examples are lack of climate change adaptation tools, lack of access to agricultural inputs and inadequate credit and insurance services. Bayer aims to support a total of 100 million smallholder farmers in LMICs by 2030 by improving their access to agricultural products and services. This also includes collaborations with partners. To achieve this, Bayer strives to create market models that generate benefits and reduce business risks for all partners in the value chain, including smallholder farmers. This is implemented by helping smallholder farmers gain access to the agricultural value chain and increase their productivity and income, as well as by creating resilience to ensure the long-term food security of smallholder farmers, their families and rural regions in LMICs. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2690/ers-genomics-launches-express-license-platform-to-democratise-access-to-crispr-cas9.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2690/ers-genomics-launches-express-license-platform-to-democratise-access-to-crispr-cas9.html Fri, 24 Jan 2025 12:03:29 +0530 The new Express License service removes barriers to accessing this transformative gene editing technology for startups ERS Genomics (‘ERS’), the CRISPR licensing company, announces the launch of its Express License platform to provide small research enterprises and startups with affordable and rapid access to the world’s largest foundational and essential CRISPR/Cas9 patent portfolio.   The goal of ERS Genomics is to make CRISPR/Cas9 technology accessible and responsible. In order to support small and early-stage organizations, ERS now offers a non-exclusive Express License for internal research use, specifically designed for companies with fewer than 15 employees and less than $10 million in funding. This streamlined licensing option enables a broader spectrum of innovators to access CRISPR/Cas9 intellectual property in a cost-effective and efficient way, fostering groundbreaking research and development in areas such as synthetic biology, disease modelling, gene editing, high-throughput screening and functional genomics.  Prof Emmanuelle Charpentier, Nobel Prize Winner & ERS Genomics Co-Founder, said, “Our new express license platform represents an exciting step forward in democratizing access to the foundational CRISPR/Cas9 IP. By simplifying the process and making it more affordable, we’re empowering startups and small companies to innovate and bring groundbreaking solutions to the forefront of science and industry”.  Candidate organizations can secure an Express License by demonstrating their eligibility through scientific credentials such as research publications, academic collaborations, or technology-related patents. Interested organisations can verify their eligibility and submit their application through ERS’ online platform.  John E Milad, CEO, ERS Genomics, said, “Our new Express License platform streamlines and accelerates access to CRISPR/Cas9, making it more affordable than ever for smaller organizations. This initiative represents a major step toward democratizing this Nobel Prize-winning technology, empowering companies of all sizes to harness its transformative potential. We are proud to provide the industry’s most accessible and cost-effective solution for accessing foundational CRISPR/Cas9 intellectual property, honouring Prof. Charpentier’s enduring spirit of innovation.”  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2654/agritech-firm-enfarm-secures-seed-funding.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2654/agritech-firm-enfarm-secures-seed-funding.html Wed, 08 Jan 2025 11:37:38 +0530 Vietnamese agritech company enfarm announced that it has secured a seed funding round led by Touchstone Partners, with participation from Aiviet Venture and Conservation Vietnam. Although the value has not been disclosed, this investment will fuel enfarm's mission to revolutionise agriculture by empowering farmers with data-driven insights to boost yields while minimising environmental impact. By leveraging AI and the Internet of Things to optimise crop nutrition, enfarm addresses the critical agricultural challenge of inefficient fertiliser use. This practice wastes a staggering $120 billion annually, degrades one-third of global cropland, and contributes to 5 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. The company's innovative solution utilises real-time data from soil sensors and smartphone applications. Its platform provides lab-grade precision on NPK readings, coupled with AI-powered actionable recommendations to significantly reduce fertiliser waste and improve crop performance. Recent field trials on coffee farms in the Central Highlands showcased the power of enfarm's technology. Farmers achieved a remarkable 30 per cent reduction in fertiliser use, while simultaneously increasing crop yields by 30 per cent. This success has led to rapid adoption by farmers in southern Vietnam, particularly coffee and durian growers. Khanh Tran, managing partner at Touchstone Partners, said, "We believe that technology can transform the lives of farmers by addressing long-standing challenges in agriculture. By providing farmers with real-time soil data, enfarm’s solution allows farmers to optimise fertiliser use and reduce agricultural waste. By making agricultural production more efficient and sustainable on a larger scale, enfarm boosts productivity while helping farmers reduce costs and improve their livelihoods." "We are thrilled to have the support of these leading funds to accelerate our mission of sustainable agriculture," said Dzung Do Nguyen, co-founder and CEO of enfarm. "This investment will enable us to scale operations, lower product costs, cover more corps, and expand to other ASEAN markets." Nguyen further emphasised the urgency of enfarm's solution. "Climate change is jeopardising traditional farming methods, positioning enfarm as a transformative solution for global agriculture. Low-carbon, high-yield farming practices can meet the 70 per cent increase in food demand forecasted by the FAO by 2050." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2639/indonesias-pln-invites-asias-green-startups-to-join-forces-for-regional-energy-transformation.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2639/indonesias-pln-invites-asias-green-startups-to-join-forces-for-regional-energy-transformation.html Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:42:33 +0530 MoU with Creww, Japan's open innovation platform, marking PLN's first international collaboration under the program Indonesia's state-owned power company, PT PLN (Persero), is calling on startups across Asia to collaborate in driving sustainable energy innovation through its Connext Powered by PLN program. The program supports PLN's transformation into a more adaptive and innovative energy company, striving for net zero emissions, while also strengthening its presence as an active player in the Asia-Pacific startup ecosystem to foster collaboration and growth. Japan Visit: Benchmarking and Collaboration To kick off this effort, PLN representatives visited Japan for a week in October 2024. The country was chosen because of its ambitious Startup Development Five-Year Plan, which aims to create 100 unicorn companies, 100,000 startups and attract JPY 10 trillion in investment by 2027, making it the largest startup hub in Asia. Moreover, Japan leads in energy-related innovation, with over 108,000 patents filed between 2000 and 2023 in areas like hydrogen and fuel cells (10.5%), e-Mobility (21.8%), solar energy (7.7%), energy storage (22.5%), and carbon capture (0.8%). During the visit, the PLN delegation toured and visited several start-up offices involved in renewable technology, hydrogen and ammonia power generation, AI, semiconductor startups, which have the potential to enrich the process of clean energy transition and digital transformation of PLN in Indonesia. PLN also held one-on-one meetings with selected startups at the Google Campus to explore pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives. A notable outcome of the visit was an MoU with Creww, Japan's open innovation platform, marking PLN's first international collaboration under the program. The partnership connects PLN to Creww's network of 8,000 startups and 450 accelerator programs, paving the way for future collaborations with startups across the region. "This initiative is a strategic step in building an ecosystem rich in innovation and collaboration, creating significant opportunities for green energy start-ups. This collaborative effort reflects PLN's commitment to driving economic growth, creating jobs, alleviating poverty and preserving the environment," said PLN President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo. Launched in 2023, the Connext Powered by PLN program connects energy startups in Indonesia to foster innovation in renewable energy. Building on its success, PLN plans to expand its reach in the region, furthering its commitment to a sustainable energy ecosystem. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2627/ninjacart-startup-program-launches-to-empower-foodtech-and-agtech-startups-in-accelerating-growth.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2627/ninjacart-startup-program-launches-to-empower-foodtech-and-agtech-startups-in-accelerating-growth.html Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:23:15 +0530 Accelerates growth of start-ups by providing access to cutting-edge technology, venture capital partners, financial backing, and expert business advisory Ninjacart, India’s leading agri-tech startup transforming the agricultural ecosystem through technology and data, announced the launch of its Ninjacart Startup Program. This agri-tech-focused startup program aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage FoodTech and AgTech startups by providing access to cutting-edge technology, venture capital partners, financial backing, and expert business advisory. With nearly a decade of experience in transforming agricultural ecosystems through technology and data, Ninjacart has partnered with agri-tech innovators globally to optimize supply chains and solve complex distribution challenges. The Ninjacart Startup Program leverages this expertise, network, and proven solutions to help startups scale faster, drive meaningful change, and lead the future of food distribution. The Ninjacart Startup Program offers four key benefits to participants: Access to Ninjacart’s Advanced Technology: Renowned for its comprehensive and innovative technology across the agri-tech ecosystem, Ninjacart’s proprietary solutions set an industry benchmark. Through the Startup Program, startups gain access to a focused suite of Ninjacart’s supply chain management tools to drive growth or enhance operational efficiency. Growth tools include demand forecasting, sales management, pricing intelligence, campaign management, and customer app modules. For operational efficiency, modules for procurement, inventory management, workforce management, logistics, and catalog management are available. Pitch to VC Partners: Startups will have the chance to present to top VC partners such as Syngenta Group Ventures and Base Capital on Demo Day, scheduled for February 2025. Financial Backing: Ninjacart offers credits up to $50,000 to offset platform and implementation fees during the first six months of participation. Expert Business Advisory: Participants will gain access to Ninjacart’s domain expertise and leadership to build scalable supply chains for fresh produce, meat, and staples, offering tailored guidance to shorten their path to profitability. The program is open to emerging startups that were founded in 2020 or later, have raised up to $1 million in funding, and operate outside India. Eligible startups must be post-revenue and focused on innovating the food supply chain. Kartheeswaran KK, Co-Founder and CEO, Ninjacart said “The Ninjacart Startup Program is designed to empower innovators who are driving systemic change in food systems. By offering our expertise, technology, and network, we aim to help startups accelerate their startup journey and propel the collective transformation of the global agriculture ecosystem.” Ninjacart is India's largest agri-tech company revolutionizing the agri ecosystem through technology, innovation, and ideas. Our mission is to provide agri citizens with better commerce, finance, and fulfillment solutions. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2792/the-3rd-agri-food-tech-asia-expo-aftea-convened-global-leaders-in-the-agri-food-tech-and-agri-food-industries-in-singapore.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2792/the-3rd-agri-food-tech-asia-expo-aftea-convened-global-leaders-in-the-agri-food-tech-and-agri-food-industries-in-singapore.html Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:38:00 +0530 Asia’s leading agri-food tech and agri-food industry event; 4-6 Nov 2024 The 3rd edition of Agri-Food Tech Asia Expo (AFTEA) brought together global leaders, experts, and innovators to explore strategies for sustainable food systems on November 4-6, 2025 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo in Singapore. As Asia's premier sourcing and networking platform for the region’s agrifood and foodtech industry, the event was exclusively crafted for policymakers, decision makers, and innovators in food processing, food service operators, retail, and investment.  Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia was officially inaugurated by Dr. Poh-Koon Koh, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Manpower on November 4. On the occasion, Dr. Koh spearheaded a collaborative effort to launch the Singapore Aquaculture Plan (SAP) at AFTEA 2024, involving more than 30 stakeholders across the aquaculture value chain. Based on five key pillars, the SAP aims to drive innovation, collaboration, and sustainable progress in aquaculture in Singapore. The AFTEA conference offered a comprehensive perspective on the latest trends and opportunities in the Asian food industry. Among the topics discussed were novel and sustainable foods, alternative proteins, smart and urban farming applications and systems, cutting-edge technologies, cellular agriculture, aquaculture, food safety, and sustainability management. One of the most unique trade events for bringing together cutting-edge technologies, innovative food solutions, and global investment opportunities to elevate the future of food sustainability and security, AFTEA plays a key role in ensuring food sustainability and security. AFTEA served as the cornerstone event of the Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW), providing a platform for agritech companies to showcase innovative products and solutions that can help future-proof the region's agriculture. AFTEA brought together global leaders, including government representatives, business leaders, venture capitalists and investors, facilitating knowledge exchange and exposure to the latest solutions in Asia's agri-food landscape. During the conference, key decision makers, including food manufacturers, processors, policymakers, farmers, and growers, as well as investors, had the opportunity to discover new technologies and preview innovative food products that will sustain and shape the future of food systems. The event was organised by Constellar Exhibitions Pte Ltd and DLG International GmbH. The event was supported by government agencies and industry partners, including the Singapore Food Agency, Temasek, and Enterprise Singapore as part of Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW). “In a rapidly evolving landscape where concerns about sustainability and food security, powered by technological advancements are transforming the agrifood sector in Asia, AFTEA serves as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation to shape the future of the agrifood industry. I encourage all agribusiness stakeholders to participate in AFTEA 2024, to share and discover groundbreaking innovations in agri and food technology, sustainable and regenerative farming, alternative proteins, aquaculture, and more,” said Mr Chen Yuyuan, Portfolio Director, Constellar. Keeping collaboration at the forefront of agri-food tech helps drive sustainable solutions for food security and production by connecting startups, researchers, and industry leaders. Over 10,000 key players in the global agribusiness value chain attended the AFTEA gathering, including policymakers, decision makers, retailers, and investment professionals. The AFTEA showcases the latest agri-tech and foodtech solutions from exhibitors globally, offering a comprehensive view on the latest agri-tech and foodtech trends and opportunities.  AFTEA 2024 focused on Innovation, Safety, and Sustainability - three key components of agritech business - to drive regional agrifood growth and development. Innovation: Innovative solutions and technologies can help farmers and food tech companies scale food production, accelerate business transformation, expand distribution channels, and bridge financial support gaps. Safety: In parallel, safety solutions and processes for food processing, production, and distribution can benefit consumers, producers, and the environment. A range of solutions covering aspects of food tracking, traceability, hygienic design, fraud prevention, standards and certification, inspection and detection. Sustainability: In order to create positive impacts on people and the planet, sustainable solutions are necessary to transform food production. Solutions that conserve energy and resources, and optimize water and wastewater management while transforming food production. “AFTEA is an essential and valuable platform that brings together global leaders, experts, and innovators to promote sustainable food systems. Showcasing advanced agri-tech solutions, novel foods, alternative proteins, and smart farming applications, AFTEA spotlights cutting-edge trends and technologies. The event emphasises the importance of Public-Private Partnerships which is very much aligned with the priorities of APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security, and the critical role of the Agri-Food Tech World Championship in addressing food security challenges. Amid rising food prices and supply-demand issues, AFTEA is pivotal in promoting public-private cooperation for food security in APEC economies,” said Professor Matthew Tan, Chair for Sustainable in Agriculture & Fishery Sectors, APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security. Enthralling Pavillions and Panel Discussions: AFTEA provided a premier platform for agri-food tech companies to showcase cutting-edge technologies, products and solutions that will future-proof the region's agri-food industries. An international content partner of Constellar, DLG (the German Agricultural Society), AFTEA is a key participant in Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW), which is organized by the Singapore Food Agency and Temasek in collaboration with the Singapore Economic Development Board, Enterprise Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and the Singapore Government Agency for Science, Technology, and Research. It is organized by Constellar and Rethink Events. The AFTEA showcases the latest advancements in the agri-food sector through a living lab demo zone, knowledge sharing on content stages, and pitching competitions. Approximately 10,000 attendees will have direct access to 300 exhibitors this year, an increase of 40 percent from last year, including over 100 start-ups and 17 international and industry groups showcasing the latest innovations, practices, and strategies. For emerging and established players in the agrifood industry, Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA) offers a focused exhibition platform featuring live demonstrations, thematic experiential zones, a sandbox, and community-based learning opportunities. Agrifood-tech stakeholders from the public and private sectors as well as knowledge institutions participated in a networking reception on the show floor to engage in constructive dialogue. The Asia-Pacific Society for Cellular Agriculture (APAC-SCA) supported the Cultivated Meat Pavilion, which returns after its successful debut last year to present the latest products in cultivated meat. A number of leading cultivated meat companies were featured in the pavilion, including Avant Meat, Cell Agritech, DPR Construction Asia Pacific, JS Biosciences, among others.  Farmers and growers, manufacturers, technology providers, MNCs, start-ups, investors, wholesalers, and more are gathered at this pavilion, along with manufacturers, technology solution providers, investors, wholesalers, and more. As a dynamic platform for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the agri-business sector, Founder's Hub hosted a pitching stage for start-up competitions and was a featured event at a global start-up competition organised with Innovate 360. A start-up pavilion led by Innovate 360 and Impact Circle, was also hosted where start-ups could network, collaborate, and explore growth and investment opportunities. Bringing together the largest agri-food technology start-up ecosystem in Southeast Asia, the Championship was designed to identify, support, and celebrate trailblazing start-ups in agritech, food sustainability, health and wellness, and deep technology from Seed to Series A. A structured competition at the event also provided start-ups with the opportunity to connect with investors and corporates, gain exposure, raise funds, and pilot projects. The Grand Championship featured more than 60 teams.  A total of 10 awards have been given out, where prizes include investment term sheets worth about S$3.5 million from pledging VCs, such as First Frontier Ventures, Pine Ventures, TLA (Temasek Lifesciences Accelerator), Elev8, etc. Additionally, Founder's Hub featured over 5 hours of content from 35 international speakers across 13 sessions, encouraging knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inspiration among the next generation of agri-food disruptors. A Living Lab Tech Showcase, featuring Sananbio, an expert in vertical farming and horticultural lighting, offering sustainable bio-based solutions; Inong Agriculture Co Ltd, a Big Data-powered soil microbe expert offering cash-crop-specific solutions that use customized probiotics to boost crop yield; Takamiya, a manufacturer of high-performance greenhouses, demonstrated their latest collaborations. Sanobio's intelligent plant cultivation and LED lighting system were highlights. A new-generation automated plant factory in Fujian Province is currently using this system to produce 1.5 tonnes of vegetables each day for supply to Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Quanzhou.  A variety of engaging formats were used by corporations and industry organizations to showcase and discuss agricultural trends and agritech innovations at the Sandbox, including solo presentations, fireside chats, and panel discussions. Attendees at the event discovered practical solutions for improving crop yield, reducing costs, and understanding agritech solutions.    A combined 30 hours of content were offered across two Sandbox stages on Innovation, Sustainability, and Food Safety. During the conference, 110 speakers from 15 countries and regions shared practical solutions for improving crop yields, reducing costs, and deepening attendees' understanding of agri-tech solutions, as well as presenting the latest agricultural advances, which will be demonstrated by exhibitors. On one of the Sandbox stages, the Climate-Smart Practices Forum featured senior executives from the World Bank, Mars, RIZE, Mae Fah Luang Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The executives shared their expertise on topics such as agricultural decarbonisation and digital transformation, as well as the convergence of agriculture and the Blue Economy. The discussion was staged on the background that the integration of ocean resource stewardship and environmental sustainability has gained traction for its potential to promote sustainable development, address climate change, and enhance food security. The Sandbox also hosted The Agri-Food Tech Demo Day, allowing founders to gain visibility, attract investors, and build relationships with industry leaders who can help propel their businesses forward. Teams from RP Trendlines' Agri-Food Tech Incubation Programme - a collaboration between Republic Polytechnic (RP) and Trendlines Agrifood - presented innovation-driven ideas to a judging panel for cash prizes worth more than S$150,000. Agri-Food Tech Demo Day featured finalist teams from Republic Polytechnic's (RP) Agri-Food Tech Incubation Programme and Trendlines Agrifood's Agri-Food Tech Incubation Programme. Over S$150,000 in cash and in-kind prizes were up for grabs for these innovative teams. Founders had the opportunity to gain visibility, attract investors, and build partnerships with industry leaders who can help propel their businesses forward during the event. Start-up Pavillions: AFTEA 2024 brought together a variety of innovative solutions and technologies across eight key profiles, exploring groundbreaking advancements and opportunities in agri-food technology namely, Aquaculture , Food Safety & Security, Novel Food Technology, Novel Food, Alternative Proteins & Sustainable Food, Smart Processing & Packaging, Sustainability & Resource Management, Technological solutions, Urban/Smart Farming. The AFTEA provided an opportunity for agribusiness players to increase their market share, forge partnerships, expand opportunities, and collaborate across sectors in order to meet regional agri-food demands. AFTEA  platform leveraging Singapore as the springboard for access to Asia's high-potential markets for agri-food tech and food-tech sectors, AFTEA's Agri-Food Tech World Championship is an important step toward empowering start-ups. A robust support system is being built to help start-ups overcome barriers to entry, scale sustainably, and address food security needs with more than S$3 million in investment and access to VCs, accelerators, and industry leaders. As part of this initiative, Innovate 360 reaffirms its commitment to nurturing innovative solutions that can transform agriculture and food systems in the future. At the startup pavilion, attendees had the opportunity to learn about groundbreaking, diverse solutions that are shaping the future of agri-food through food accelerators Impact Circle, SPACE-F, HAOSHI Accelerator, and Innovate 360. A few of the projects include a biomimetic underground irrigation system and an artificial sense platform, a protein-based sugar alternative with zero calories utilizing precision fermentation, and drone technology for spraying insecticides.    AFTEA was also an ideal platform for collaborations and alliances of companies with diverse backgrounds which can complement each other for a synergetic growth in the Agri-Food tech industry globally.  For instance, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Direct Carbon and ARIANETECH PTE LTD in collaboration that marks a significant milestone in Direct Carbon's mission to help indoor growers transition to circular farming practices with our sustainable CO2 enrichment solutions. In South East Asia, Arianetech aims to empower local growers to adopt carbon-neutral practices and attain sustainable growth.  International Pavillions: As an international sourcing platform for agri-food and agri-tech solutions, AFTEA displays agri-food technologies and agri-food solutions from exhibitors worldwide. A number of notable global and federal agencies, including the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Singapore, co-exhibited at AFTEA 2024. The Netherlands Pavilion was inaugurated by Ambassador Anneke Adema and followed by a seminar covering high-tech farming and alternative proteins. Dutch and Singaporean agri-tech companies, Light4Food, DanDutcH ApS and SG VEG, participated in a discussion on the successful application of agri-tech in Singapore and the region. As part of their food-tech solutions, Vivici and TNO presented precision-fermented milk proteins and 3D food printing, respectively. The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (FCCS) organized the French Pavilion, officiated by His Excellency Minh Di Tang, French Ambassador to Singapore, to showcase groundbreaking innovations in sustainable food and agri-technology by leading French companies. Among the notable innovations were those from MYCOPHYTO, POITTEMILL - FORPLEX, and Genopole. In conjunction with the Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW), the BritCham Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia showcased cutting-edge agri-food and food technology, innovative food solutions, and global investment opportunities to forge new partnerships, discover new sales channels, and accelerate your business growth. The Spanish Embassy's pavilion explored the innovation and regulation landscape in foodtech for other Asia-Pacific countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam. An overview of Exhibitors and Visitors: AFTEA 2024 featured over 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest advances and innovations in the key exhibit themes, including pavilions from France, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and The Netherlands, as well as leading industry companies including DPR, Dragino, Eurofins, Grain Arianetech, JS Biosciences, Nexton, Priva, SCIEX, and Shenzhen FY Lighting. Around 100 start-ups were among the exhibitors, contributing to what is considered the largest ecosystem for agrifood and agritechnology start-ups in Southeast Asia. A total of eight profiles were showcased by AFTEA's exhibitors: Novel Food Technology, Smart & Urban Farming, Novel Food, Alternative Proteins & Sustainable Food, Aquaculture, Food Safety & Security, Sustainability & Resource Management, Technological Solutions, Aquaculture. Many new international groups also exhibited, including ones from Japan, South Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan. Gold Partner Nurasa returned to AFTEA this year with its network of collaborators and start-ups dedicated to advancing holistic nutrition and driving sustainable innovation. • Agri-Tech Companies: These are businesses that develop and offer innovative agricultural technologies, products, and services. • Food Manufacturers and Processors: Companies involved in food production, processing, and packaging. • Agribusinesses: Entities engaged in agriculture-related activities, such as farming, distribution, and logistics. Products include seeds, fertilisers, services like crop management and supply chain solutions. • Start-ups: They bring fresh ideas, novel technologies and solutions. • Research Institutions and Universities: Organisations contributing to agri-food research and development. • Farmers and Growers: Farmers, growers, or anyone involved in crop or livestock production. • Food Industry Professionals: Including chefs, food safety experts, brand owners, retail chains, and supply chain managers. • Food Manufacturers and Processors: Sourcing leading-edge technologies, ingredients, and equipment to enhance their own operations. • Government Representatives: Policymakers, regulators, and officials shaping the agri-food sector. • Investors: Those interested in funding agri-food tech startups and projects. • Academics and Students: Interested in learning about the latest advancements in agri-food tech. Further, Singaporean public, private, and academic institutions showcased their innovations at AFTEA 2024.  A*STAR SIFBI (Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation) presented their research, an opportunity to gain insight into how our organization is driving resilience and sustainability. The SIFBI has strengthened its efforts by developing value-added ingredients tailored to Asian palates through sustainable ingredient innovation and ??????? ??? ????????? ????????? through fermentation to enhance food experiences and promote health and wellness. The multidisciplinary approach to supporting a sustainable agri-food ecosystem with food valorization initiatives - bio-converting our agrifood waste into aquafeed and tailoring future food designs to consumer needs.  The 4th edition of Agri-Food Tech Asia Expo 2025 (AFTEA) is returning with all its glory again on 4-6 November 2025, at Singapore’s Sands Expo & Convention Centre  (Halls A & B).  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2579/saudi-arabia-launches-grants-to-addresses-challenges-of-land-degradation-desertification-and-drought.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2579/saudi-arabia-launches-grants-to-addresses-challenges-of-land-degradation-desertification-and-drought.html Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:10:56 +0530 Launches Landmark Young Researchers Awards with $70,000 Prize fund to reward innovation and research  As part of Saudi Arabia's incoming UNCCD COP16 Presidency, the Kingdom has launched the Young Researchers Award at the COP16 Science Pavillion. The prestigious competition, with a total prize pool of $70,000, aims to accelerate groundbreaking research and innovative solutions addressing land degradation, drought and desertification and is open to students and young researchers from across the world. A total of seven awards of $10,000 each will be given to early-career researchers (up to age 35) who can demonstrate impactful contributions to key areas including sustainable land management, drought resilience, and land restoration. The seven award categories are land restoration, sustainable agri-food systems, equitable land governance, community and youth engagement, science, technology and innovation, resilience and climate adaptation, and finance and sustainable land investments. The awards will be presented at a high-profile event during UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh. Nominees will be flown to Saudi Arabia and provided five days of accommodation. Winners will also be given a unique opportunity to be mentored by leading experts. "Land degradation, drought and desertification are leading causes of many of the issues impacting people around the world, be it food insecurity, water insecurity or forced migration. COP16 in Riyadh is an opportunity to find urgent solutions, and help turn the tide on these global crises," said Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency.  The awards seek to accelerate research, innovation and technology that can help tackle land degradation, drought and desertification, and enhance global land restoration and drought resilience efforts. The international competition encourages applicants to demonstrate innovative approaches, long-term sustainability and scalability, and focus on how their work can benefit the Middle East. Submissions are open until November 22nd and will be evaluated by a dedicated scientific committee that includes leading experts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The awards come as Saudi Arabia seeks to accelerate global action on desertification, land degradation, and drought, which affect 3.2 billion people worldwide. With 40% of land already degraded according to the UNCCD, Saudi Arabia's incoming UNCCD Presidency is seeking to mobilize the international community at COP16 in Riyadh to deliver multilateral action on a range of pressing issues, including land restoration and drought resilience. The awards are part of a packed agenda taking place at the COP16 Science Pavilion, a hub aimed at showcasing cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders. The Pavilion will be part of the first ever Green Zone at a UNCCD COP. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2578/singapores-startups-venture-into-the-worlds-first-blue-carbon-innovation-studio.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2578/singapores-startups-venture-into-the-worlds-first-blue-carbon-innovation-studio.html Fri, 15 Nov 2024 09:35:49 +0530 Eleven startups are currently taking part in a groundbreaking programme that aims to enhance the development of a range of blue carbon initiatives A Blue Carbon Innovation Studio organized by Idemitsu and Hatch Blue in Singapore brought together some of the industry's brightest entrepreneurs. “All biologically driven carbon fluxes and storage in marine systems that are amenable to management can be considered as blue carbon. Alongside other ocean and aquatic carbon dioxide removal pathways, blue carbon forms part of a suite of high potential, greenhouse gas significant solutions to combat climate change and regenerate/protect degraded ecosystems. This programme brings together a unique cohort of blue carbon and carbon removal startups, aiming to support ecosystem development,” explains Peter Green, seaweed project advisor and manager at Hatch Innovation Services. “Participating teams are engaging with some of the world’s leading blue carbon experts who truly understand the challenges and opportunities these companies face. We’re so excited to work with these ambitious innovators and to support this critical sector. This initiative seeks to shine a light on the potential global opportunities and at the same time provide an important space for the innovators to connect, grow and collaborate. We’re excited to see what comes out of it,” reflects Wayne Murphy, co-founder and managing partner of Hatch Blue. Keitaro Sugihara, president and CEO of Idemitsu Americas Holdings, adds: “ Idemitsu has been collaborating with Hatch Blue to deeply explore the ocean's potential in decarbonisation. We recognise the tremendous opportunities that blue carbon can offer. As one of the largest energy companies in Japan, with a strong presence in Asia, we have decided to support the acceleration and development of new technologies in this blue carbon sector, particularly those that can be deployed in Southeast Asia and Japan,” The participants1.) BlueGreen Water Technologies: remediates harmful algal blooms using proprietary, regulatory-approved formulas and remote sensing technologies. The ecological balance is restored in a sustainable process that leads to large scale removal of greenhouse gasses and meets multiple sustainable development goals. 2.) Blusink: creates “Blusinkies,” apple-sized disks made from waste materials that, when placed in oceans, support marine life and naturally convert carbon emissions into stable, long-lasting carbon storage. These disks help turn ocean areas into effective carbon removal sites by fostering ecosystems that lock away carbon for thousands of years. 3.) CarbonEthics: is an Indonesia-based developer of tech-enabled natural climate solutions. Starting with developing expertise in blue carbon ecosystems, it is now broadening its expertise to include peatland and green ecosystems. 4.)Distant Imagery Solutions: is a leading provider of aerial and underwater solutions for environmental analysis, monitoring and coastal habitat restoration. Based in the UAE, their products include drones that plant mangroves by shooting seeds into the ground. 5.) Kumi Analytics: a Singapore-based subscription service (data as a service) which has a remote sensing sustainability solution for mangrove carbon sequestration. 6.) MacroCarbon: cultivates floating seaweeds in the ocean and transforms them into sustainable hydrocarbons and biochar. They co-develop a range of carbon-negative, drop-in replacements for aviation fuels, plastic precursors, and chemical inputs currently made with fossil fuels – reducing global dependence on fossil carbon, while sequestering carbon for the long term. 7.) NetaCarbon: their AI-enabled technology tailors corporations’ carbon sourcing process by matching their selection criteria with project developers capable of creating high-quality customised offsets. 8.) Ocean Ledger: is a geospatial software platform that measures and models natural coastal capital and coastal risk. It equips conservation organisations, coastal developers, and re/insurance companies with tools for coastal risk assessment and informed decision-making in coastal adaptation and nature-based solutions. 9.) OoNee Sea Ranch: has developed a restorative aquaculture system for sea urchin ranching in Oregon. By harvesting a delicacy (urchins) from the ocean and then on-growing them on land, it helps with kelp forest restoration. 10.) Scape Carbon Inc: provides cost-effective, onsite decarbonisation for coastal heavy industries by using reactors that sequester CO2 with seawater and minerals, while recovering valuable metals. 11.) ZerOcean Energy: develops commercial structuring to enable a hybrid of project deployment and asset management. It is focused on scaling direct ocean capture and ocean alkalinity enhancement technologies into commercial scale infrastructure. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2577/syngenta-is-investing-around-40-million-swiss-francs-in-the-expansion-of-the-munchwilen-site.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2577/syngenta-is-investing-around-40-million-swiss-francs-in-the-expansion-of-the-munchwilen-site.html Fri, 15 Nov 2024 09:21:00 +0530 New, state-of-the-art laboratory building and the renovation and expansion of existing facilities to strengthen R&D capacities Syngenta is investing around ₣40 million Swiss francs ($45 million ) in the expansion and modernization of its site in Münchwilen in the canton of Aargau as part of an expansion project. By 2027, the investment will include the construction of a new, state-of-the-art laboratory building and the renovation and expansion of existing facilities in order to sustainably strengthen research and development capacities and promote innovation at the home site. The Basel-based agricultural technology company Syngenta, which researches, produces and has its headquarters in Switzerland, is investing around 40 million in the Münchwilen site, where the group operates processes and product development through specialists in the areas of analytics, process technology, formulation and packaging. The production processes for all Syngenta crop protection products worldwide are designed and developed in Münchwilen. These ensure the quality and stability of the products. The investment project, which is scheduled to be completed by 2027, includes the construction of a new, modern laboratory building equipped with the latest technologies and thus meeting the requirements for development in the future. In addition, existing buildings will be renovated and modernized. New meeting areas are planned outside to promote exchange and collaboration among employees and to create an attractive working environment. "With these investments, Syngenta is reaffirming its determination to have a long-term presence in Switzerland and to strengthen Switzerland as a business and export location. We are committed to a future-oriented and innovative environment in order to remain internationally competitive and to ensure our leading position in the research and development of innovative crop protection solutions," said Roman Mazzotta, Country President Switzerland at Syngenta. Sebastien Stoessel, Plant Manager Münchwilen, adds: "Since its founding, Syngenta Münchwilen has established itself as a central location for the development of innovative crop protection solutions. With the comprehensive expansion project, Münchwilen will set a leading international standard in chemical process and formulation development for the benefit of our customers." The expansion measures at the Münchwilen AG site reflect Syngenta's commitment to comprehensive sustainability and corporate responsibility. Through the optimized operating processes and improved infrastructure, the company expects not only increased productivity but also a noticeable reduction in its ecological footprint. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2488/state-of-agricultural-payments-new-bushel-report-shows-payment-trends-in-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2488/state-of-agricultural-payments-new-bushel-report-shows-payment-trends-in-agriculture.html Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:18:30 +0530 Farmers are embracing technology to simplify their operations and enhance financial security Bushel, an independently-owned software technology company focused on developing digital tools for the agricultural supply chain, has released a special report based on its 2024 State of the Farm survey data, highlighting significant changes in payment trends within agriculture. Bushel's 2024 State of the Farm Special Report: Payments in Agriculture reveals a notable 12% decrease in paper check payments to farmers over the past year, reflecting a broader industry shift towards digital solutions. Despite this shift, over 70% of grain settlements are still processed via paper checks, even as the USPS warns of increasing fraud risks. However, the use of digital payment platforms has surged, with adoption rates climbing from 39% last year to 76% this year. The report identifies key demographics driving this change, including younger farmers and those with aggressive growth plans. Nearly 50% of those respondents are now using or planning to use digital payment options. "Farmers are embracing technology to simplify their operations and enhance financial security," said Jake Joraanstad, CEO of Bushel. "The rise in digital payment adoption is promising, but there's still a long way to go to reduce reliance on paper checks. Our goal at Bushel is to provide tools that make these transitions easier and more beneficial for everyone involved including the farmer, lenders, and agribusinesses." To support agribusinesses in navigating this digital shift, the report includes actionable steps industry leaders can take to enhance payment security and streamline operations. Key recommendations include implementing digital payment platforms, offering flexible payment options to farmers, and using integrated tools to automate payment reconciliation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2478/pepsico-apac-greenhouse-accelerator-2024-accolades-the-latest-innovations.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2478/pepsico-apac-greenhouse-accelerator-2024-accolades-the-latest-innovations.html Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:26:10 +0530 Vietnamese startup Alternō’s Thermal Energy Storage Solution Wins PepsiCo APAC Greenhouse Accelerator 2024 PepsiCo, today, unveiled Alternō as the winner of its2024 Greenhouse Accelerator Program - APAC edition, highlighting the company's ongoingdesire to help foster next-generation solutions for a more sustainable future. The GreenhouseAccelerator is an important initiative within PepsiCo’s pep+ strategy, which seeks to promotesustainability across the company’s operations. By supporting entrepreneurs who focus onreducing waste, improving food security, and addressing climate change, PepsiCo is reinforcingits efforts to work towards a sustainable food system that benefits both people and the planet.Selected from a group of 10 finalists across APAC, including Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines,Australia, and China, the 2024 Greenhouse Accelerator Program winner, Alternō, was selectedfor its pioneering approach to reducing carbon emissions across agriculture, industry, andresidential heating through thermal energy.As part of their win, Alternō will receive an additional USD 100,000 grant to further develop itssolution. This grant will be instrumental in helping them to scale their sand-based battery, whichwas recently piloted at PepsiCo’s food plant in Vietnam, completing a pellet drying project with aview to trial heating oil next.“Winning PepsiCo’s APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program 2024 is a pivotal moment for ourstartup,” said Hai Ho, Co-Founder and COO of Alternō. “PepsiCo’s mentorship and resourceshave helped us sharpen our strategy and accelerate our growth. We look forward to furthercollaborating with PepsiCo to expand the reach of our solution and contribute to a moresustainable future.”The Greenhouse Accelerator Program is designed to be a launchpad for startups that arereimagining the future of business through sustainability. Participants receive personalizedmentorship from PepsiCo executives, a USD 20,000 grant, and access to PepsiCo’s extensiveindustry network, positioning them to bring their innovative solutions to market faster. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2441/rouge-agtech-accelerator-launches-first-of-its-kind-real-world-testing-platform-for-agtech-startups.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2441/rouge-agtech-accelerator-launches-first-of-its-kind-real-world-testing-platform-for-agtech-startups.html Thu, 12 Sep 2024 11:26:26 +0530 Hong Kong's Rouge Agtech Accelerator, a pioneering force in agricultural technology, has launched a first-of-its-kind initiative that allows Agtech startups the unique opportunity to test and showcase their solutions in a real-world rice farmland. This groundbreaking platform not only provides startups with access to invaluable data on Asian crops and climate but also opens doors to global investors and business growth opportunities. As the Agtech industry continues to expand rapidly, many startups face the challenge of testing their innovations in real-world conditions, a critical step for refining and validating their products. The Rouge Agtech Accelerator addresses this need by offering a comprehensive platform that includes: Real-world testing on 86,000 square metres of rice farmland. Invaluable Asian crop and climate data. Connections to international corporations and investors. The platform’s development draws on world-class operational practices from Thailand, the world's leading rice exporter, ensuring that startups not only test their innovations but also refine them to meet global standards. This integration of local expertise with cutting-edge technology positions the Rouge Agtech Accelerator as a leader in the industry. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2260/korea-advances-government-sponsored-fund-management-system-to-upscale-agriculture-startups.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2260/korea-advances-government-sponsored-fund-management-system-to-upscale-agriculture-startups.html Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:24:42 +0530 Support Entire Growth Cycle of Startups in Agriculture by setting up a financial support of KRW 47 billion in 2024 Minister Song said that the ministry would expand and advance the government-sponsored fund management system designed to nurture young entrepreneurs and startups in the field of agriculture. Young Farmers Fund, the current sole government-sponsored fund of the kind, has reached a limit for providing a systematic support for young entrepreneurs and agricultural startups. To overcome this limit, the ministry will set up a new fund for providing financial support for each growth stage of an agricultural startup by October this year and substantially increase the fund’s size from KRW 15.2 billion in 2023 to KRW 47 billion in 2024. This way, the ministry will establish the government-sponsored fund management system of supporting the entire growth cycle of a startup.   Out of a total of KRW 47 billion in the new fund, KRW 7 billion will be financed to a startup on the initial stage of starting a business; KRW 20 billion to a startup on the growth stage; and KRW 20 billion to a startup on the stage of inviting a follow-up investment. Also, the ministry will make efforts to expand private investment in agricultural startups. To this end, the ministry will amend the Act on Formation and Operation of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Food Investment Funds so that startup accelerators can act as a fund management firm of the government-sponsored fund for agricultural startups. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2200/philippines-stakeholders-are-charting-the-future-of-digital-agriculture-says-irri.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2200/philippines-stakeholders-are-charting-the-future-of-digital-agriculture-says-irri.html Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:02:08 +0530 Policymakers, scientists, technology experts, and farmers convened to contextualize the current landscape, identify barriers and opportunities, and chart the future of digital agriculture in the Philippines The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna became a hub of digital agricultural innovation as it hosted the Philippine leg of the highly anticipated ICTforAg 2024. This year’s theme, “Localizing Impact through Inclusion, Inspiration, and Innovation,” underscored the need to tailor digital solutions to local agricultural landscapes' unique challenges and opportunities.  Co-hosted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and the Department of Agriculture Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), ICTforAg kicked off with an opening program where Dr. Yvonne Pinto, IRRI Director General warmly welcomed the participants, and highlighted IRRI’s commitment to driving digital innovation in the sector “Together, we are leveraging information and communication technologies to drive transformative change in the agriculture sector,” she stated. The event, attended by a diverse mix of policymakers, researchers, farmers, and technology enthusiasts, showcased the intersection of agriculture and technology in the Philippines. An exhibit viewing session also commenced where attendees explored cutting-edge technologies and initiatives that promise to transform agriculture. The keynote address, delivered by Engr. Christopher Morales, DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, discussed the government’s efforts to integrate digital tools into rice farming practices. “As we look to the future, we envision a Philippine agriculture sector where digital technologies are a cornerstone of our national growth. However, this journey cannot be without challenges, and we must address issues such as digital literacy among farmers, infrastructure limitations, and data security,” said Usec. Christopher Morales. In the face of climate change and fluctuating market prices, a shift to a more digital landscape in the agriculture sector can highly benefit farmers. In the Philippines, high labor costs are key factors in the country's lower rice production efficiency. To remain competitive, farmers can adopt ICT tools such as satellite remote sensing, drone mapping, and digital literacy programs. These technologies can boost yields, enhance productivity, and ensure food security. Through several breakout sessions and plenary talks, ICTforAg delved into these various innovative projects and programs revolutionizing agriculture in the Philippines. Topics like linking producers and consumers through digital platforms, data-driven decision-making, and the digital agriculture landscape in the Philippines, highlighting tools like D4AgPH and the Global Market Intelligence Platform (GloMIP), showcased innovative applications of precision spraying using vision-based velocity estimation. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2195/startlife-partner-with-corteva-agriscience-to-foster-resilience-of-food-system.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2195/startlife-partner-with-corteva-agriscience-to-foster-resilience-of-food-system.html Fri, 07 Jun 2024 11:18:09 +0530 The partnership marks an important milestone for AgriFoodTech advancement, enabling solutions through open innovation and creating a bridge between the hundreds of startups StartLife partner with strategic partnership with Corteva Agriscience, a global leader in crop protection and seed technologies. The partnership marks an important milestone for AgriFoodTech advancement, enabling solutions through open innovation and creating a bridge between the hundreds of startups in the StartLife ecosystem and Corteva. In practical terms, the collaboration between StartLife and Corteva will foster knowledge sharing between corporate players, startups, and investors aligned in their mission to deliver positive change in the AgriFood value chain. Corteva has been promoting innovative solutions in the European agricultural landscape since its inception in 2018. Three years later, it opened an integrated R&D center in Eshbach (Germany), followed by the launch of its first Applied Seed Technology Center in Europe, the CSAT, a year later. Corteva recently introduced "Corteva Catalyst", a platform dedicated to investment and partnership aimed at accessing and commercializing agricultural innovations aligned with the company’s R&D goals, fostering value generation and positive impact. Corteva Catalyst collaborates with entrepreneurs and innovators to expedite the advancement of pioneering technologies in their early stages, facilitating farmers’ ability to produce food and fostering the resilience of the food system. Connecting to early-stage startups “StartLife has been a pioneer in promoting global innovation in the AgriFood technology space, helping grow a host of successful startups that went on to drive impact in their application markets,” shared Tom Greene, who leads Corteva Catalyst. “We look forward to collaborating with StartLife to connect to early-stage startups that align with our research priorities.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2157/sparklabs-cultiv8-announces-2024-accelerator.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2157/sparklabs-cultiv8-announces-2024-accelerator.html Mon, 27 May 2024 11:02:10 +0530 The 2024 accelerator will bring the number of companies supported by SparkLabs Cultiv8 to over 50 SparkLabs Cultiv8 announced the nine innovative cleantech companies selected for its annual accelerator program. More than $AUD 750 million has been raised by their portfolio companies, which boast a combined value of more than $1.75 billion and have created over 750 jobs globally. Founder Jonathon Quigley said the companies had been selected for their contributions towards creating a more sustainable and efficient global food production system.  "As we endeavour to support a resilient and profitable agricultural system, technologies that curtail emissions and increase productivity are not just vital today but will become indispensable in the future" added Quigley. Located in Orange NSW, the SparkLabs Cultiv8 Cleantech Agri-Food Accelerator has been at the forefront of nurturing start-ups and scale-ups since 2017, facilitating their growth both within Australia and on the international stage. The SparkLabs Cultiv8 Cleantech Agri-Food Accelerator runs for six months, utilising a global network of experts and advisers. The 2024 cohort includes:  Alkiira Therapeutics specialises in Australian grown, Australian made botanical extracts and nutraceutical ingredients for global markets, valorising untapped waste streams from local agriculture. Bovotica is adding mass and reducing gas in cattle via a proprietary technology probiotic/prebiotic feed supplement that decreases methane production and increases weight gain.  Carbon Friendly provides end-to-end carbon technology solutions that enable the agricultural industry to develop and monetise large-scale carbon inset and offset projects. Levur is a cutting-edge biotech company harnessing yeast and sustainable methods for customisable, high-quality oil substitutes for the cosmetic and food industries. Nitronic is developing technology to produce on-site, zero-carbon fertilisers, mitigating price volatility and the dependence on imported fossil fuel-based products. NonTox is developing non-toxic, natural herbicides to manage resistant weeds along with animal farm anti-pathogen.  Invenios is exploring the untapped potential of microbes to develop innovative biological solutions tailored to market needs. Pyx Global is developing advanced digital architecture to ensure secure exchange of data and credentials along supply chains. Unibaio has created a microparticle from natural origins to formulate more efficient pesticides and fertilisers, boosting active ingredient uptake by plants.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2112/pepsico-drives-sustainable-innovation-in-apac-food-beverage-arena.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/2112/pepsico-drives-sustainable-innovation-in-apac-food-beverage-arena.html Thu, 09 May 2024 10:50:41 +0530 Announces 10 Startup finalists from Australia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines for the second edition of APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program PepsiCo, a global leader in convenient foods and beverages, has unveiled the 10 finalists selected for the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program 2024. The Greenhouse Accelerator program launched in January this year invited applications from startups across APAC. The finalists were selected by a committee of leaders within PepsiCo based on their ability to deliver innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and climate action. Each finalist was chosen for their unique approach to addressing environmental and sustainability challenges—key criteria aligning with PepsiCo's transformative pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) initiative. The program underscores PepsiCo’s commitment to a future-forward food system where both people and the planet thrive. In 2024, PepsiCo has expanded the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program to include a critical new focus area: sustainable agriculture. Recognizing the essential role that agriculture plays in our food systems, PepsiCo has identified two trailblazing startups from this sector as finalists, each contributing innovative approaches to sustainable farming practices. In a significant step to widen the scope of the program further, PepsiCo has also forged new partnerships with its bottlers Suntory PepsiCo Beverage in Thailand and Vietnam, which both are strongly committed to creating positive impact on the environment and driving impactful sustainability initiatives across their operations. These alliances aim to deepen the sustainability efforts across the region by engaging stakeholders and amplifying the scope of impact through collaborative action. The Greenhouse Accelerator aims to catalyze the growth of these startups, enhancing their capability to contribute meaningful advancements within the industry. Representing a broad spectrum of APAC’s entrepreneurial talent, the finalists embody PepsiCo’s pursuit of diverse and potent environmental solutions. Central to PepsiCo’s mission is the integration of these innovative approaches into its global value chain, furthering the company’s commitment to improve its ecological footprint. By 2025, PepsiCo aims to ensure all packaging is recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, or reusable, alongside a targeted 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Providing an ecosystem of support, the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program connects finalists with PepsiCo’s extensive network of mentors, industry experts, and resources. This framework is designed to foster development, accelerate market readiness, and enhance the scalability of their solutions. “As we welcome the newest cohort of startups to the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program 2024, I’m excited about the potential these innovators bring,” stated Wern-Yuen Tan, CEO of PepsiCo APAC and Chief Commercial Officer. Their inventive solutions are tackling pivotal issues within the circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and climate change — all of which are critical to our pep+ agenda. We're optimistic about the prospects of how these partnerships will expedite progress. This year, our collaboration with bottlers has significantly expanded our ability to pilot and scale these innovative solutions across a broader spectrum.” The 2023 APAC edition saw seven pilots across the PepsiCo network, which drove 110% growth in six months for the finalists, along with $1.5 million in sales growth. The finalists selected for the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program 2024* are: AIIEV, Thailand; CIRAC, Thailand; Alternō, Vietnam; Grac, Vietnam; Mi Terro, China; Takachar, the Philippines; ELIoT Energy, Australia; Wildfire Energy, Australia; X-Centric, Australia; Captivate Technology, New Zealand; ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1902/australias-grdc-extends-platform-for-agri-tech-innovators-with-improved-grain-farming-practices.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1902/australias-grdc-extends-platform-for-agri-tech-innovators-with-improved-grain-farming-practices.html Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:30:00 +0530 The 12-week accelerator program helps companies seeking support and guidance in go-to-market commercialisation and investment Australia's GRDC is inviting innovative agtech solution who are at the forefront of agricultural technology to redefine grain growing in Australia. Innovators that meet the following eligibility and criteria are encouraged to apply. The program also includes an industry Demo Day event where innovators demonstrate their solutions to potential investors and growers. Expressions of interest are now open for the GRDC GroundUp Program and startup founders with innovative, real-world solutions to improve grain farming productivity and practices are encouraged to apply. The GroundUp Program, a partnership between the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Agtech and Logistics Hub, is part of a suite of GRDC investments aimed at accelerating agtech innovation for the Australian grains industry. The program is calling for innovators to work directly with growers to ground-truth their potential commercial solutions before going to market. GRDC business development manager Tim Spencer says industry being involved from an early stage will ensure results are tailored to the needs of grain growers and provide real-world solutions. “The GroundUp program is looking to help support innovators to take their technologies to the next level and deliver solutions for grain growers,” Spencer says. Agtech and Logistics Hub Director Thomas Hall says the accelerator was crucial given the importance of grain growers to Australia’s economy. “The grains industry is our largest agricultural sector, with more than 22,000 grain farms across the country. It’s important for grain growers to have access to new technologies that can improve their environmental practices, while increasing productivity and profitability. Last year’s program accelerated some incredible technology, including advanced drones - capable of locating pests and diseases bigger than five millimetres, and revolutionary spray technology from a company that has just signed an agreement to distribute to Australian and New Zealand growers. “We look forward to seeing what this year’s GroundUp innovators bring to the table and seeing how we can provide them with an opportunity to work with industry to advance their solutions" explains Thomas Hall. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1812/uks-bright-tide-launches-the-regenerative-farming-accelerator-programme.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1812/uks-bright-tide-launches-the-regenerative-farming-accelerator-programme.html Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:29:17 +0530 Ten aquaculture startups join Bright Tide's inaugural regenerative farming accelerator Bright Tide, an environmental consultancy in the UK, has announced the launch of its first regenerative farming accelerator- connecting 20 ventures from around the world to integrate land and ocean farming practices. Bright Tide aims to encourage a nature-informed approach to food production for improving soil health, boosting terrestrial/marine biodiversity and carbon sequestration, as well as providing resilient, long-term livelihoods for farmers around the world. The participants in the first accelerator represent diverse farm sizes, geographical locations and agricultural sectors. At sea, they are: Algapelago, Atlantic Mariculture, Pine Island Redfish, Aquit, Three-Sixty Aquaculture, Ficosteera, Healthy Seaweed Cafe, Oyster Restoration Company, Ole Blu and Sea Ventures. On land, they include: Nunwell Farm, New Foundation Farms, Wildfarmed, Gentle Farming, Sea Water Solutions, Agreed Earth, Tierra Foods, Chirrup AI, ReGeneration and Afro Valley.”In the face of such pressing issues as biodiversity loss, climate change, and food insecurity, our commitment to nurturing sustainable practices is more pertinent and urgent than ever,” explained Harry Wright, Bright Tide’s CEO and founder, in a press release.The belief that regenerative farming is a feasible and necessary solution is also shared by the accelerator’s partner organisations: Hogan Lovells, Muzinich & Co, Kennedys, Ecosulis, CreditNature, Barclays, Cadman Capital Group, Next Energy Group, Boatfolk and Bankers for NetZero. Bright Tide hopes that by harnessing the benefits of both systems, the programme will maximise resource utilisation and ensure a holistic approach to sustainable food production. And they believe that fostering collaboration across these different farming communities will allow for fresh knowledge exchange and encourage the adoption of regenerative practices on a larger scale. The three main pillars of the programme are high-level networking, upskilling, and fostering collaboration between the ventures. A three-step agenda A series of exclusive in-person networking events at the offices of Hogan Lovells on 22 February and the House of Commons on 4 March, 2024. These events will provide ventures with the opportunity to network and connect with potential new customers, policy makers and investors. An 8-week virtual programme that will take place between mid-March and mid-May 2024. This will offer over 20 hours of free technical, advisory, and pro bono legal support to the cohort. Bright Tide has confirmed that global experts, mentors and private sector organisations from around the world will deliver this support. A showcase pitching event will also occur at the Barclays offices in Canary Wharf on 24 May. At this event, ventures will have the chance to pitch their business in front of an audience of up to 150 potential supporters, customers and investors. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1768/john-deere-announces-its-2024-startup-collaborators.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1768/john-deere-announces-its-2024-startup-collaborators.html Mon, 29 Jan 2024 13:19:57 +0530 Companies demonstrate John Deere commitment to customers' future needs. Deere & Company announced the names of six companies chosen for its 2024 Startup Collaborator program. The John Deere Startup Collaborator program was launched in 2019 to enhance and deepen the company's interaction with startup companies whose technology could add value for ag and construction customers. "The startup program is mutually beneficial for John Deere and the startup companies that participate," said Dennis Muszalski, VP, Module & Electrification Systems Engineering. "The program is based on finding benefits for our customers. The goal is to learn together and explore new ways to help customers unlock more value in ways they never thought possible." The companies participating in the 2024 Startup Collaborator include: Constellr – a company measuring land surface temperature and water from its own satellites at unprecedented accuracy levels to enable insights for a more sustainable future. Geminos – an artificial intelligence company empowering businesses to understand and leverage causality for enhanced decision-making. SB Quantum – a quantum sensing company focused on navigation based on a novel quantum magnetometer. Fermata Energy – a leader in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) bidirectional charging platform technology. goFlux – a Brazil based logistics company focused on digital solutions to connect the ecosystem for freight transactions. Cloudscape Labs – a production management software company focused on providing job site visibility across the construction team to help meet production, cost, and safety targets. "The cohort this year represents a diverse group of solutions that are applicable across a range of challenges and opportunities that our customers face," said Cody Sorge, Business Development Manager for the John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group. "We look forward to working side by side with these companies to learn together regarding their solutions and how they can apply to John Deere customers in Agriculture and Construction." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1734/global-agri-food-advancement-partnership-gaap-invests-in-biotech-startup-proxima-research-development.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1734/global-agri-food-advancement-partnership-gaap-invests-in-biotech-startup-proxima-research-development.html Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:23:00 +0530 Proxima has developed proprietary technology to better isolate, characterize, and engineer microbes for applications within agriculture, food, and pharma Saskatchewan's Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership (GAAP) has made an undisclosed investment round into Proxima Research and Development in Canada and to expand in Canadian agriculture market. Proxima has developed proprietary technology to better isolate, characterize, and engineer microbes for applications within agriculture, food, and pharma. Proxima offers unique microbial solutions along with developing pro-priority technology solutions. Proxima has a vibrant and diverse R&D program which focuses on the isolation and genetic characterization of microbes with applications in food, biofuel, bioproducts, and pharmaceuticals. These bioprospecting activities support numerous objectives including the discovery and commercialization of novel microorganisms. A prominent example of Proxima’s work in this area is the development of new yeast strains for brewing applications, providing the means for brewers to develop new and exciting beer varieties and bring them to consumers around the world. Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership (GAAP) is a privately run and operated agri-food investment incubator looking for cutting-edge technologies from early and rapid-growth companies seeking to improve efficiency, sustainability and profitability within the global agriculture and food sector. This investment came out of GAAP’s strong relationship with Ag-West Bio, Saskatchewan’s bioscience industry association in terms of support, mentorship, and investments. Dr. Zachery Belak, CEO and co-founder, and Iain Wallace, CSO and co-founder, explains "Ag-West Bio’s on-going support and participation in GAAP’s incubator will help accelerate Proxima business to the next stage. We are excited about this investment from GAAP because of the access to advanced equipment and facilities that it will provide”. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1695/malaysia-accelerator-program-plug-and-play-fosters-start-up-innovation-in-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1695/malaysia-accelerator-program-plug-and-play-fosters-start-up-innovation-in-agriculture.html Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:48:37 +0530 Plug and Play hosts inaugural Malaysia Expo Day in Kuala Lumpur with strategic partners Khazanah Nasional, CelcomDigi, Sime Darby Plantation, and EDOTCO Group Plug and Play held the inaugural Expo Day for its newly launched Malaysia Accelerator program which seeks to accelerate the growth of the innovation ecosystem in the country by working with leading corporations and startups across the globe. The event featured pitches from 10 startups that were selected to be part of the first batch of its Malaysia-based accelerator program. At the event, Khazanah Nasional ("Khazanah") shared about the Future Malaysia Programme and its commitment to accelerating innovation within the country. Together with other Malaysian conglomerates such as CelcomDigi, Sime Darby Plantation, and EDOTCO Group, Plug and Play aims to scale the startups' solutions and drive substantial socio-economic impact within Malaysia. The Malaysia Accelerator program focuses on pivotal founding themes such as Digital Society & Technology Hub, Sustainability & Climate Resilience, and Food Security & Agriculture. Khazanah Managing Director Dato' Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said, "Khazanah, through our Advancing Malaysia strategy, is committed to nation-building and economic empowerment, in support of the government's aspiration of bolstering the nation's resilience, advancing economic transformation and improving socioeconomic outcomes. The Future Malaysia Programme, an initiative under Dana Impak, is a representation of that commitment specifically for local entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses to spur innovation and economic growth, by driving strategic collaborations within Malaysia's startup and corporate venture ecosystem." "It is encouraging and exciting to be part of something that is driven by innovation, especially creating new synergies between startups and corporates. We are committed to collaborating with other companies and exploring new solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, IR4.0, Web 3.0, digital SME solutions, electrification, etc. This is further made possible through CelcomDigi's Innovation Centre, which is dedicated to exploring and developing innovative technologies while creating a vibrant ecosystem where startups can thrive and make a meaningful impact," shared T. Kugan, Chief Innovation Officer, CelcomDigi. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1596/malaysias-agritech-startup-qarbotech-lands-7m-to-bring-unprecedented-agriculture-productivity-to-global-farmers.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1596/malaysias-agritech-startup-qarbotech-lands-7m-to-bring-unprecedented-agriculture-productivity-to-global-farmers.html Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:06:49 +0530 The funding is led by 500 Global, with additional grants secured from notable institutions such as the Temasek Foundation and Dana Impak, an initiative by Khazanah Nasional. Qarbotech, a leading Malaysia-based agritech startup, announced today that it has raised $700,000 in Seed funding and grants. The round was led by multi-stage venture capital firm, 500 Global, and includes innovation grants from the Temasek Foundation for winning the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge 2023, and Khazanah Nasional’s Dana Impak for winning the Khazanah Impact Innovation Challenge (KIIC) 2023.  Qarbotech’s patented photosynthesis enhancement nanotechnology is an on-plant or in-soil solution that boosts agricultural productivity - increasing crop yields by up to 60%. The company’s unique formulation contains biocompatible organic compounds with properties similar to chlorophyll, thus increasing the photosynthesis rate of leafy plants. By optimising photosynthetic efficiency and shortening growth cycles, farmers and growers of all sizes can enhance their crop yield.  Chor Chee Hoe, CEO and Co-Founder of Qarbotech said, “As the industry’s most accessible photosynthesis enhancer, we are pioneering a new and disruptive solution that will reshape conventional approaches to farming. The strategic support from our investors propels us towards scalable growth, but more importantly, allows us to empower more farmers around the world to feed the rest of us.” With this round of financing, Qarbotech will make significant investments in strengthening their research & development, and expand its manufacturing facility to produce up to 50 times its current capacity to serve farmers and growers in new markets across Southeast Asia. “Qarbotech's journey, from the labs of the university to the fields of commercial farms, shows the transformative power that research and innovation can have in our lives. This milestone not only signifies Qarbotech's commitment to driving positive change through science, but is also a proud moment for Universiti Putra Malaysia, where our groundbreaking research took root and flourished,” said Dr. Suraya Abdul Rashid, Chief Scientist and Founder of Qarbotech, and Deputy Director at Universiti Putra Malaysia's Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Innovation is required in Southeast Asia’s agricultural sector The population in Southeast Asia is estimated to grow by 12%, from 670 million in 2020 to 750 million by 2035. This population surge and climate volatility are expected to drive a 40% increase in food demand by 2050. Limited agricultural resources, widespread land degradation, and diminishing arable land caused by urbanisation and industrialization in the region pose a threat to food production. Qarbotech’s technology is essential for farmers to grow more with less arable land.  “Agriculture is an industry that’s ripe for investments. When we have the privilege to meet a team that’s catalyzing a step change for farmers, we back them. Qarbotech's technology has exciting potential to solve the global food security challenge of the world’s growing population, of which about 30% do not have food security. We believe that when Qarbotech wins, these 2.3 billion people win too," shared Khailee Ng, Managing Partner, 500 Global. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1558/35-start-ups-to-discover-at-the-asia-pacific-agri-food-innovation-summit.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1558/35-start-ups-to-discover-at-the-asia-pacific-agri-food-innovation-summit.html Wed, 04 Oct 2023 09:47:12 +0530 Meet the innovators accelerating the transition to a climate-smart food system at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit on 31 October – 2 November, Singapore  As climate change and population growth increasingly put increasing pressure on the stability of food production and distribution, new technologies and solutions are emerging to revolutionise Asia’s agri-food systems.    Working with international investors, accelerators and incubators GROW, ENTERPRISE SINGAPORE, TRENDLINES GROUP and THE YIELD LAB ASIA PACIFIC, the summit will showcase the most innovative and exciting early-stage companies to present their breakthrough technologies and solutions during the Daily Pitching Hours and in the Start-Up Arena.   The event’s flourishing Start-Up Arena will introduce a diverse selection of early-stage agri-food entrepreneurs from around the world. Delegates will have the opportunity to connect with founders and innovation teams at their booths, and get up-to-date with the most recent developments.   Taking place on all three days of the summit, each Pitch Hour is dedicated to a sector: Agri-Tech, Food-Tech, Indoor AgTech and Blue Food, allowing start-ups to take to the main stage and present their technology or solution directly to an engaged target audience of investors and potential corporate partners.    Some of the exciting innovators featured include:   Agri-Tech: AGROS (Singapore), BLOOMFIELD ROBOTICS (USA), ECOPHAGE (Israel), GRA&GREEN (Japan), HILLRIDGE TECHNOLOGIES (Australia), PLANTAE BIOSCIENCE (Israel), POLKINGHORNES (Singapore), RAINSTICK (Australia) – with solutions ranging from solar water irrigation systems and biodynamic farming airdomes to farm robotics, weather-based insurance platforms, crop intelligence systems, biopesticides and novel variable electric field technologies, fully biodegradable BHPV plastics, and sustainable beef production systems.   Food-Tech: ALLIUM BIO (Singapore), ALLOZYMES (Singapore), BIOTIC (Israel), FISHEROO (Singapore), FORSEA (Israel), JIMI BIOTECH (China), MICROHARVEST (Germany), PREFER (Singapore), REEWILD (UK), SOLVEAT (Israel) – offering new developments in cell-cultivated meat and seafood, biomass fermentation, functional ingredients, customised enzymes, next-gen bean-free coffee, and climate tech platforms.   Indoor AgTech: AEROSPRING HYDROPONICS (Singapore), AGROSCOUT (Israel), AG-UNI (South Korea), AVISOMO (Norway), MPW TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL (Singapore), VGREENS (Germany) – with modular vertical farming systems, automated vertical farms, AI & gene-editing technologies, low-pressure hydroponics, and energy-efficient lighting.   Blue Food: BIOFISHENCY (Israel), INSECTTA (Singapore), LUMINIS WATER TECHNOLOGIES (Singapore), PEPTOBIOTICS (Singapore), SEADLING (Malaysia), SEAWEEDERY (Australia), – presenting functional seaweed, marine and insect extracts for feed and food, microbiome analysis and eDNA, RAS water treatment solutions, and synthetic biology alternatives to antibiotics.   The programme also features the climax of the Innovation Challenge with THAI UNION, for start-ups developing ‘Novel Ingredients and Applications from Ocean-Derived Ingredients’. Shortlisted from over 60 high-level global applicants, three finalists INGREDIOME (Israel), 350PPM BIOTECH (Germany), and OCEANIUM (UK) will pitch their solutions live on stage, with the winner unlocking valuable bespoke mentorship and R&D support from Thai Union’s global innovation team.   Full profiles of all the featured start-ups and exhibitors, along with the three-day programme, speaker faculty and delegate registration are available at www.agrifoodinnovation.com/start-ups.   Innovation, investment, and partnership are dominant themes across the three days of the summit, with on-stage sessions focused on scale-up success stories, investor insights and case studies, and breakout networking roundtables hosted by experts.    To take advantage of special delegate rates and opportunities for start-ups at the summit, connect with the organisers via henry.tonkin@rethinkevents.com.    The Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit is the anchor leadership event of the Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW) and takes place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Conference Centre from October 31 to November 2, 2023.      ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1344/launchvic-opens-investment-support-for-agtech-startups-in-australias-victoria.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1344/launchvic-opens-investment-support-for-agtech-startups-in-australias-victoria.html Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:38:24 +0530 A new sidecar fund, the $1 million Hugh Victor McKay Fund, is now open for applications and will invest up to $200,000 into at least five early-stage startups in the next 12 months. The fund is named after pioneering Victorian inventor Hugh Victor McKay, who patented the original combine harvester in the 1880s – widely credited as one of the most important agricultural innovations in recent history. Like LaunchVic’s highly successful Alice Anderson Fund, the fund will co-invest with private sector investors, who will match the government’s contribution by a minimum of 2:1. Tenacious Ventures Founder Matthew Pryor is part of the Investment Committee for the fund, which will meet bi-monthly to review applications. Pryor said "the Hugh Victor McKay Fund would provide critical support for founders building the future of on-farm productivity and sustainability. Early-stage ventures in AgTech are often working with hardware and deep tech. These can be essential innovations in agrifood transition, since you can’t eat software. The early stages of growth can be more capital intensive for these startups, so additional leverage on early capital is very catalytic.” In addition, LaunchVic also announced the first round of seven new grant recipients from the AgTech Grants program, which offers equity-free $50,000 grants to aspiring AgTech founders. LaunchVic CEO Dr Kate Cornick urged the state’s AgTech sector to take advantage of the array of support on offer. Aspiring founders can undertake pre-accelerator programs to test their startup ideas, obtain a grant to build their capability and access seed funding when ready to scale. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1256/chinese-business-tycoon-jack-ma-invests-in-fishery-and-agri-startup.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1256/chinese-business-tycoon-jack-ma-invests-in-fishery-and-agri-startup.html Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:32:25 +0530 The startup, based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has a registered capital of 110 million yuan ($15 million) and is involved in the processing, wholesale, and retail sales of agricultural products According to recent reports, Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba and a Chinese billionaire, has invested in a startup called 1.8 Meters Marine Technology (Zhejiang) Co in China, which is a fishery and agriculture startup. The startup, based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has a registered capital of 110 million yuan ($15 million) and is involved in the processing, wholesale, and retail sales of agriculture products, as well as the development of offshore wind power systems. Simon Hu, a former chief executive of Ant Group, also owns a 5.5 per cent stake in the startup. The controlling shareholder is Hong Kong-based 1.8 Meters Technology Holding Ltd, which holds an 80 per cent stake.  It is noteworthy that Ma has shown a keen interest in the agriculture and food sector since his retirement from Alibaba, and he has recently travelled internationally to learn about sustainable food production. He has even accepted an invitation to teach as a visiting professor at the University of Tokyo, where he will give lectures on management and sustainable agriculture. His research area will focus on sustainable agriculture and food production. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1213/australias-vff-partners-with-agtech-angel-investor-network.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1213/australias-vff-partners-with-agtech-angel-investor-network.html Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:03:28 +0530 Partnership aims to bridge the gap between startups and established agricultural businesses that drive the commercialisation of AgTech innovations, to create valuable collaboration opportunities across Victoria. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has partnered with AgTech Angel Investor Network to drive innovation, foster AgTech startups, and support the commercialisation of cutting-edge agricultural technologies. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between startups and established agricultural businesses that drive the commercialisation of AgTech innovations, creating valuable collaboration opportunities, and contributing to the growth and competitiveness of regional AgriBusiness across Victoria. Furthermore, the collaboration is aiming to ensure that AgriBusiness remains at the forefront of innovation, enabling a sustainable and prosperous future for the agriculture industry. While technology and innovation play a critical role in shaping the future of agriculture, VFF’s partnership with the AgTech Angel Investor Network will work towards integrating mutual industry knowledge, expertise, and resources to provide unparalleled support to AgTech startups in Australia. AgTech Angel Investor Network’s “Pitch to Paddock,” will be held at the prestigious AgSmart Expo on 7th September in Bendigo. This event will serve as a platform for AgTech startups to showcase their groundbreaking innovations and gain exposure to potential investors, customers, and industry experts. It will be a unique opportunity for the VFF members to witness firsthand the transformative potential of AgTech solutions in addressing the challenges faced by the agriculture sector. AgTech Angel Investor Network conference is scheduled for 24 and 25 July in Melbourne. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1149/upl-and-radicle-growth-launch-the-radicle-npp-challenge-for-agtech-start-ups.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1149/upl-and-radicle-growth-launch-the-radicle-npp-challenge-for-agtech-start-ups.html Fri, 07 Jul 2023 09:38:33 +0530 UPL and Radicle Growth dedicates $1.75M in global AgTech Start-ups that are advancing natural and biological solutions to protect crops from biotic stresses UPL a global provider of sustainable, agriculture products and solutions, and Radicle Growth, a company-building platform investing in early-stage agriculture and food technologies, have launched, "The Radicle Natural Plant Protection (NPP) Challenge by UPL". The Challenge sets out to invest $1.75M in start-up companies that are advancing natural and biological solutions to protect crops from biotic stresses such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects, arachnids, and weeds. A $1 million investment will be made in The Challenge winner and a $750,000 investment in the second place winner in order to accelerate their growth. In 2022, $1.25M was invested in early-stage companies under “The Radicle Carbon and Soil Challenge by UPL”. NPP is a business unit of UPL, offering growers an extensive portfolio of natural solutions to increase crop resilience and protection, improve nutrition, and support soil health. Over the past decade, there has been a growing demand for natural solutions as an alternative or complement to synthetic chemistries as means of protecting crops whilst safeguarding the environment. Mike Frank, CEO of UPL Corporation Ltd. said: “Amidst the multitude of challenges facing farmers and food systems, natural solutions are critical to advancing agriculture in a way that delivers prosperity for growers, consumers, and the environment. Guided by our OpenAg purpose, we’re working with Radicle Growth to seek out start-ups that are pioneering the next generation of game-changing solutions. We invite entrepreneurs who share our aspirations to apply and join our journey to Reimagine Sustainability.” Kirk Haney, Managing Partner, Radicle Growth, said: "to transform agriculture system and advance sustainable solutions in the food value chain, we need to find new technologies that are working on natural and biological control solutions. We are working collaboratively with UPL to find and fund the best entrepreneurs worldwide who are solving these issues." Investment decisions will be made during a "Pitch Day" in March 2024. A judging panel of industry experts will hear from 4-6 finalists who will be chosen from the global applicant pool. In addition to the funding, the winners will also get access to advice from both UPL and Radicle senior executives to help accelerate their company's business and technical efforts. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1120/new-zeelands-start-up-produces-worlds-most-sustainable-leather-from-fungi.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1120/new-zeelands-start-up-produces-worlds-most-sustainable-leather-from-fungi.html Fri, 30 Jun 2023 11:21:29 +0530 Sapro-Tech has raised a $1 million pre-seed round to harness the power of fungi, mycelium fibres to manufacture textiles The New Zealand-based start-up Sapro-Tech has raised a $1 million pre-seed round for its world-first process of creating leather alternatives from fungi for the global textile market. By harnessing the power of fungi, mycelium fibres are used to manufacture textiles that are comparable to traditional leather with less toxic effects on the environment. Globally, the leather goods industry contributes around $400 billion to greenhouse gas emissions. Aiming to make sustainable materials more widely available, Sapro-Tech owes to future generations to pioneer a sustainable, long–term economy. The startup is also well-connected into international collaborations and dealflow and has received close advice from global pioneers in this space. The investment will be used to productionise SaproTech’s research and development in this space, including building out both innovation and business development teams. “Our competition grow mycelia in the form of a ‘foam’ which they then compress to produce a textile. Sapro-Tech has pioneered a way of producing layers of mycelia that can be grown together in sheets. This method is more controllable and sophisticated, therefore allowing us to create a variety of textiles that are more consistent, more scalable, and more similar to animal-based leather than existing products”, says Sapro-Tech Founder Dr Keith Hudson. By leveraging the inherent properties of fungi, Sapro-Tech produces innovative, long-lasting, and visually appealing textiles that disrupt the conventional textile industry. Sustainable alternatives are aimed at revolutionising the fashion industry and extending their reach to other industries. “As consumer demand for more environmentally friendly products increases, we believe Sapro-Tech is well-positioned to become a global industry leader in this space. Not only do their materials have a very natural feel and appearance - which is key when seeking to replace something - but, importantly, they’ve found a cost-effective production method that is unique, setting them apart from their competitors,” comments Warren Bebb, Investment Manager for Sprout. “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges our generation will face. Using organisms like fungi, together with other disruptive technologies will be game-changing for entire industries. We’ve barely scratched the surface in terms of the problems these organisms have the potential to solve and it’s exciting to be part of a team pioneering new approaches,” comments Dr Erin Stroud, Sapro-Tech’s lead scientist. Launch of prototypes and licensing will follow, initially to handbag manufacturers - a lucrative niche that values sustainability and favors novelty over price. Sapro-Tech is the sixth investment of over thirty NZ$1 million agritech and foodtech investments Sprout Agritech LP will make over the next five years. Sprout Agritech LP is on a mission to help entrepreneurs build agritech and foodtech businesses into investable, global companies. Through their accelerator, Sprout has helped grow over 80 early-stage companies which have raised over$50m+. Having joined forces with investment partners US-based Finistere Ventures, Kiwi dairy giant Fonterra and Israeli venture builder OurCrowd, as well as Callaghan Innovation’s Tech Incubator programme designed to support the commercialisation of early-stage deep tech ventures in New Zealand. This investment was made off the back of Sprout’s 12-week accelerator designed to support startups who are solving agricultural and food value chain's toughest problems.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1004/australias-sparklabs-cultiv8-launches-cleantech-accelerator.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/1004/australias-sparklabs-cultiv8-launches-cleantech-accelerator.html Wed, 31 May 2023 10:07:48 +0530 The new accelerator will bring the number of companies supported by SparkLabs Cultiv8 to 50 at a combined value of more than $1.6 billion SparkLabs Cultiv8, Australia’s most active Agri-Food Tech accelerator, has thrown its weight behind cleantech, funding and supporting ten startups through its new SparkLabs Cultiv8 CleanTech Accelerator. ​The new accelerator will bring the number of companies supported by SparkLabs Cultiv8 to 50. More than $AUD half a billion has been raised by the companies, which boast a combined value of more than $1.6 billion and have created over 750 new jobs. Created in 2017 in partnership with Asia’s largest accelerator, SparkLabs Group, SparkLabs Cultiv8 has become a leader in addressing climate change through innovation. Partner and Agri-Food Tech veteran Malcolm Nutt said the addition of cleantech to the portfolio made sense as Australia faces the mounting pressures of climate change. “Australia should be globally recognised as a leader in this space - the Australian Agri-Food Tech scene has an exceptional track record of innovation and there is more happening all the time,” he said. “Agriculture is essential to any conversation around climate change, we are excited to contribute through innovation and collaboration with the leading research houses in Australia.” The GATE, located at the Orange Agricultural Institute, where SparkLabs Cultiv8 launched in 2017, will be home base for the startups, which are predominantly from NSW, for the next six months. They include: AusBioEnergy is a closed loop manufacturing system to produce competitively priced, scalable and sustainable biomethanol. Blue Carbon S2C is focused on developing and financing blue, teal and green carbon projects that help to restore large-scale nature-based ecosystems. Carbonaught is delivering organic fertiliser derived from enhanced rock weathering to permanently remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and promote sustainable agriculture. Clean Eyre Global is a land based Asparagopsis seaweed production business committed to accelerating the commercialisation of ruminant animal feed supplements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. DownForce Technology provides a novel platform for precise and efficient calculation of natural capital and ecosystem services, empowering farmers and land stewards. ExoFlare has developed a platform for the food and agricultural industries to evaluate and manage biosecurity hazards in real-time while adhering to reporting standards. NanoSoils uses silica nanoparticles to directly administer agrochemicals to plants, reducing pesticide residues in the environment. Packamama has reinvented the wine bottle to make it more climate-friendly. Savings in space, weight and energy mean better bottles that slash carbon emissions in the supply chain. Ten Carbon Chemistry has developed unique antimicrobials that are in trials on fresh produce to extend shelf life; on packaging to improve safety and reduce emissions as well as other industrial, agricultural and hygiene industry applications. Wollemi has developed a platform that automates scenario analysis and climate vulnerability assessment, enabling seamless integration of climate risk into decision-making. Their technology quantifies and reports climate risks for land-based and agricultural assets, from asset to portfolio level. The accelerator is powered by Cultiv8 Funds Management, an Agri-Food Venture Capital Fund founded by Malcolm Nutt and Jonathon Quigley in partnership with Challenger Group. The new accelerator builds on the successful SparkLabs Cultiv8 Accelerator program and is enhanced by the support of the Department of Primary Industries, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Cotton Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Agriculture Innovation Australia (AIA), Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), Hort Innovation and Science and Technology Australia (STA). “Our globally recognised program is an opportunity to highlight the innovation occurring within NSW and broader Australia, and provides industry expertise to support the companies on their commercialisation journey,” said Jonathon Quigley, Partner of SparkLabs Cultiv8. “This year’s participants zero in on areas such as biodiversity, resource efficiency and renewable energy, and we are excited to partner with these businesses that will contribute to a more sustainable planet.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/989/israels-steakholder-foods-unveils-3d-bio-printing-model-for-cultivated-meat.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/989/israels-steakholder-foods-unveils-3d-bio-printing-model-for-cultivated-meat.html Fri, 26 May 2023 10:12:39 +0530 The business model will focus on selling 3D bio-printers and bio-inks designed to develop delicious, nutritious, safe, and consistent cultivated meat from ethically harvested cells Steakholder Foods Ltd. an international deep-tech food company at the forefront of the cultivated meat industry, today announced that it has focused its business model to target B2B meat manufacturers and cultivated meat producers, by offering manufacturers the ability to produce a cultivated meat product that aims to closely mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional meat. The Company intends to monetize its 3D printers and bio-inks that are needed to support printer operation. The Company's competitive advantage lies in its top-of-the-line expertise in 3D bio-printing technology and its ability to create highly–sophisticated, structured end products that aim to closely mimic real meat in terms of taste, texture, and appearance.   3D bio-printersThe Company's 3D printers are state-of-the-art technology designed to produce cultivated meat products that mimic the texture, taste, and appearance of conventional meat. The Company is developing two types of printer platforms: Ready to Cook (RTC) printerThe flagship product, the RTC printer, produces a hybrid cultivated meat product made from a mixture of cultivated and plant-based ingredients. The Company plans to offer lab- and industrial-scale printers using one of two types of technology to produce different end products. DropJet technology, based on drops of gel-based materials to create a 3D structure, is ideal for producing fish and seafood products, while for all other meat products, Fusion technology extrudes paste materials through a narrow nozzle, enabling the creation of fiber texture that best simulates conventional meat fibers. 3D printer for incubated productsThe Company's innovation team is developing a 3D printer for an incubated product, such as tissue-engineered steak, considered the holy grail of the industry.  Bio-inksBio-inks are an integral part of the Company's 3D printing technology. Steakholder Foods' bio-inks are made of plant-based ingredients and cultivated cells. They are developed to ensure the production of tasty, safe, and consistent products. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/949/start-up-nation-central-partners-with-microsoft-to-promote-israeli-agrifood-tech-startups.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/949/start-up-nation-central-partners-with-microsoft-to-promote-israeli-agrifood-tech-startups.html Thu, 18 May 2023 07:39:00 +0530 Collaboration aims to integrate innovative agricultural data companies with core technologies of AI, Cloud & Machine Learning with Microsoft's AI tools to develop models for optimal, sustainable agriculture across the value chain Start-Up Nation Central has collaborated with Microsoft to promote Israeli AgriFood Tech startups in the international marketplace. The collaboration focuses on connecting AI, data, cloud, and machine learning technologies from agricultural information to Microsoft's AI tools. In the first phase of the collaboration, Start-Up Nation Central and Microsoft will promote a series of tech challenges to propel mapping Israeli startups and relevant technologies within the AgriFood Tech sector. Together, Start-Up Nation Central and Microsoft will work to identify global AgriFood Tech challenges, with an emphasis on connecting AI technologies that can help develop durable models for optimal and sustainable agriculture across the entire value chain. Led by Microsoft AgriFood CTO Ranveer Chandra, the collaboration will identify relevant innovative companies in Israel that are using agricultural data for cutting edge applications. It will also examine how these technologies can be integrated into Microsoft's cloud-based agriculture-focused business tools. Israeli AgriFood Tech entrepreneurs will benefit from exposure to global opportunities through Microsoft's network of connections. Potential opportunities include collaborations with strategic partners, access to new markets, and showcasing market-ready technologies on a global scale. Start-Up Nation Central CEO, Avi Hasson said "Israel boasts over 250 leading cloud agriculture startups that offer fertile ground for innovation in this rapidly developing sector. The Israeli AgriFood Tech industry is well advanced in data, software, and connectivity, and offers incredible potential for Microsoft in the growing field of data-driven agriculture". The first two tech challenges are already underway with a focus on water management and sustainable agriculture. As part of these challenges, over 40 relevant Israeli startups were mapped, and two Israeli AgriFood-Tech companies– Projini (developers of innovative pesticide solutions) and Saturas (developers of a breakthrough sensor-based precision system for optimized irrigation) – were selected to collaborate with Microsoft at this event and have the opportunity to collaborate with Microsoft's global technology and investment teams. Start-Up Nation Central is a non-profit organization that connects Israeli innovation to the world in order to help international entities solve global challenges. Supported by the Israeli technology ecosystem, the organization provides a platform that nurtures business growth and generates partnerships with corporations, governments, investors, and NGOs to strengthen Israel's economy and society. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/894/the-agfunder-grow-impact-accelerator-announces-2023-cohort-of-agrifoodtech-startups.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/894/the-agfunder-grow-impact-accelerator-announces-2023-cohort-of-agrifoodtech-startups.html Mon, 08 May 2023 09:00:00 +0530 The 10 chosen startups focus on a range of themes including food as medicine, climate-smart agriculture, food system decarbonization, agri-fintech for financial inclusion of farmers, and planetary health. GROW, the Singapore-based agrifoodtech ecosystem builder backed by agrifoodtech investor AgFunder, has unveiled the 10 startups participating in the 2023 AgFunder GROW Impact Accelerator. The accelerator launched in 2019 with the aim of supporting the growth of emerging technologies in the agrifood space while strengthening their efforts towards sustainability.   GROW chose this year’s startups from its largest-ever pool of applicants: 600 companies from 82 countries applied to the program, nearly double the number received for the previous cohort. The 10 chosen startups focus on a range of themes including food as medicine, climate-smart agriculture, food system decarbonization, agri-fintech for financial inclusion of farmers, and planetary health. Half of the startups are led by women founders or have women in leadership roles. Chosen startups are:  AgriFi (India): Digital credit platform increasing financial inclusion for smallholder farmers and reducing lending risk for institutions. Amatera (France): Accelerating the breeding of climate-resilient perennial crops, starting with coffee and woody crops. CarbonFarm (France): Providing satellite-verified carbon credits to help rice farmers accurately quantify their emissions and fund their transition to sustainable practices. DHF Platforms (Vietnam): Smallholder-driven fresh produce platform delivering traceability, transparency and tech-optimized logistics to reduce waste. Exosomm (Israel): Improving health with a novel bioactive food ingredient containing natural miRNA, milk exosomes. FaunaTech (India): Novel smartphone-based diagnostics platform for rapid testing of milk and bovine health at the farmgate. IIF (Australia): A platform enabling everyday folks to invest in agriculture without owning a farm. The Kawa Project (US): Upcycling coffee waste to create valuable, less-toxic cocoa powder alternatives. NTP Technologies (US): Enabling on-site, salt-free, sustainable and organic nitrogen fertilizer production.  OlsAro (Sweden): Developing salt-tolerant crops using AI-enabled trait discovery.  Participation in the 20-week programme comes with a $100,000 investment in each company from AgFunder along with access to AgFunder’s co-investors and GROW’s network.  “GROW Impact Fund's vision is to attract the smartest, most innovative entrepreneurs with a passion for revolutionizing the food system. With climate change beginning to materially impact crop production, animal health and productivity, fisheries and water availability, particularly in emerging markets, we have no time to waste in accelerating these potentially transformative technologies” says AgFunder’s founding partner Michael Dean.  The programme’s demo day will coincide with the Singapore International Agri-Food Week which will run from 30 October to 3 November, 2023.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/880/exosomm-introduces-new-bioactive-ingredient-for-medical-food-space.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/880/exosomm-introduces-new-bioactive-ingredient-for-medical-food-space.html Wed, 03 May 2023 09:03:32 +0530 EXOSOMM introduces proprietary immune supportive natural exosomes from upcycled whey Jerusalem headquartered, Israeli BioFoodTech start-up EXOSOMM, Ltd., has explored the natural mechanisms inherent in human breastmilk to create a novel bioactive ingredient that can potentially support millions of adults with inflammatory disorders. Based on its scientific findings EXOSOMM developed an innovative technology that isolates exosomes—natural particles in maternal milk that play an important role in the healthy development of the immune system. EXOSOMM upcycles byproducts of the traditional cheese making process to create this potent functional ingredient. While still a young start-up, it has already reached commercial production capacity of its patent-protected exosomes for the medical food space. “Exosomm’s technology is based on cutting-edge scientific discoveries and is inspired by the virtues of mother’s milk and its unique health properties,” enthuses Reif. “We believe adults, can benefit from exosomes as a valuable nutrient to help better manage chronic metabolic inflammatory disorders and to boost overall well-being. Further clinical research is in the pipeline, and we currently are focusing our studies on the role of exosomes in managing IBD conditions, such as Crohn’s and Colitis.” Maternal milk is recognized as the key vital resource for infants to provide them with the essential elementary nutrients needed to promote optimal growth and wellbeing. It has been linked to protection against various diseases, such as infections, inflammation, and obesity, and plays a crucial role in developing the immune system. Scientific inquiry attributes these benefits predominantly to the presence of exosomes. Exosomes are small nanoparticles produced by the body’s cells that naturally accumulate at high concentrations in mother’s milk. They contain beneficial microRNAs: small, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules shown in studies to have a significant impact on early child development and also on the infant’s future health. The Exosomm research team were astonished to find that different mammals (human, cow, or sheep) share similar exosome composition, indicating the evolutionary importance of exosomes in offspring. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/857/bangkok-to-host-agriconnect-conference-exhibition2023.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/857/bangkok-to-host-agriconnect-conference-exhibition2023.html Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:17:01 +0530 Address Southeast Asia's agriculture industry challenges with smart farming innovations ; On May 24/25, at True Digital Park in Bangkok, Thailand The AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023, organized by the German Agricultural Society (DLG) and VNU Asia Pacific with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives as official co-host, is set to address the challenges facing Southeast Asia's agriculture industry. The conference and exhibition will take place on May 24, 2023, at True Digital Park in Bangkok, Thailand. The event will convene over 300 participants from various sectors to discuss sustainable agriculture practices and farm visit options on May 25, 2023. The theme of this transformative event is "Eco-efficiency: Solutions for Environmental Farming Business." Eco-efficiency combines cross-cutting topics to integrate sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment, the economy, and society. The AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 is powered by AGRITECHNICA ASIA and HORTI ASIA, Southeast Asia's leading exhibitions in agriculture. The event will feature more than 30 speakers from nine countries and innovative sponsors. In addition, keynote speakers and representatives from international organizations, such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), will share their best practices and solutions in more than 15 sessions. On May 24, 2023, the exhibitors will showcase their latest agriculture-related services and products. In addition, the AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 offers a diverse range of sessions and speakers covering various topics relevant to sustainable agriculture. Some of the highlights include:Environmental Protection: Narapat Kaeothong, Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, who will provide an overview of the ministry’s initiatives on environmental protection.; Takayuki Hagiwara, Regional Programme Leader of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will discuss the graduation process from farmer to entrepreneur. Innovations in Smart Farming: Matthew McDonald, APAC Precision Technology Product Manager at CNH Industrial will speak on Pivotal role of technology in securing a prosperous future for Southeast Asia; Stewart Andrews, CEO of BioSci(Thailand), Ltd., will expound on his experiences in implementing actionable data insights and intelligent farming.; Tobias Fausch, CIO of BayWa AG will explain Sustainable food security and digital Twin German-Thai Cooperation Project for Clusterfarms, the Department of Agricultural Extension and the Thai Society of Agricultural Engineering will discuss views on the achievements, challenges and opportunities of adopting Smart Farming technologies in Thailand. Dr. Bjöern Ole Sander, Country Representative of Vietnam for the International Rice Research Institute will discuss Carbon market regulations in Southeast Asia agricultural sector. A exclusive panel discussion on vertical farming will discuss characteristics of successful business models in vertical farming. Panel features Christine Zimmermann-Loessl, Chairwoman and Co-Founder of the Association for Vertical Farming, Ralph Becker, CEO/Founder of Urban Greens Hydroponics Systems, Inc., and Sansin Sriphiromrak, CEO of Distar Fresh. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions and roundtable discussions. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Germany (BMEL) will offer an in-depth exploration of the challenges related to sustainable production in Southeast Asian agriculture, providing valuable insights into opportunities for German agribusiness companies. Similarly, the Sino-Thai Agricultural Young Farmers Exchange Conference will conduct an interactive workshop on "Future Farmer: Strategies for Success in Sustainable and entrepreneurial agriculture by Young Chinese and Thai Farmers," featuring the perspectives of young farmers from China and Thailand. May 25, 2023, will involve farm visits. Participants can visit the Choncharoen Farm in Kanchanaburi, run by Chia Tai x True Digital Solutions to witness technologies surrounding irrigation systems, weather stations, drones, and robotics, are integrated into sustainable farming practices. Alternatively, participants can visit DiStar Fresh Farm, Thailand's largest indoor vertical farming facility. Participants can see how soilless growing using Perlite and Vermiculite provides protection from pests and pathogens while maintaining optimal water usage and an ideal environment for crops. All this is accomplished while controlling LEDs, AC, nutrients, and CO2 levels for an ideal balance of light, atmosphere, and nutrients. AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 will bring experts, stakeholders, and industry leaders in the agriculture sector to discuss and showcase sustainable agriculture practices, innovative technologies, and best practices for achieving eco-efficient farming. The event promises to provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and new business collaborations for participants from various sectors, including agribusiness, the food industry, and agriculture. To register for the AGRICONNECT Conference & Exhibition 2023 visit www.agritechnica.com/agriconnect/ ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/839/brinc-and-enterprise-singapore-launch-food-technology-program.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/839/brinc-and-enterprise-singapore-launch-food-technology-program.html Thu, 27 Apr 2023 08:08:00 +0530 The Program is tailored for startups focused on plant-based meat or dairy, novel ingredients, nutraceuticals or food as medicine, food safety, shelf life stability, or sustainable packaging. Brinc, a leading venture accelerator with a global sustainability focus, and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), a Singapore government agency promoting enterprise development, have partnered to launch the Food Technology Program. The initiative aims to provide the tools, expertise, and commercial network necessary to support Singapore-based food technology startups looking to enter the mainland China market. The Program is part of EnterpriseSG’s Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) initiative in China, which connects Singaporean startups with business and technology communities in major innovation hubs. The Program is tailored for startups focused on plant-based meat or dairy, novel ingredients, nutraceuticals or food as medicine, food safety, shelf life stability, or sustainable packaging. Participating in food technology, startups will receive support through educational content, network access, and advisory services. The virtual program will be run on a rolling basis, with startups participating in cohorts of two-to-three per intake to allow for personalized, hands-on support. Applications for the program are open, with the first cohort expected to start in May 2023. Over 12 weeks, participants will leverage Brinc and EnterpriseSG’s extensive networks in the food technology industry to meet potential commercial partners, including mainland China-based food brands, hospitality groups, restaurants, and grocery stores. The Program’s educational content will focus on go-to-market and commercialization best practices in the context of mainland China, with an emphasis on portability, regulation, pricing, market sizing, and customer discovery. Participants will also be able to work out of Brinc’s Shanghai office to connect directly with potential customers and partners and gain access to Brinc and EnterpriseSG’s regional investor networks during and after The Program. Manav Gupta, Founder and CEO of Brinc, said, “To be successful in the region, we believe it is essential for companies to craft a strategy rooted in a deep understanding of local consumer behavior, taste preferences, and sensory expectations.” Eugene Toh, Director of Food Manufacturing and Agritech at Enterprise Singapore, added, “We are happy to partner with Brinc on this regional market accelerator program and encourage startups looking to establish a presence in the Chinese market to tap this program.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/771/wakao-foods-is-all-set-to-go-global-with-its-foray-into-singapore.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/771/wakao-foods-is-all-set-to-go-global-with-its-foray-into-singapore.html Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:23:32 +0530   Wakao Foods is entering the Singaporean market with Seven plant-based products. Wakao Foods, a leading plant-based food brand, is pleased to announce its foray into the Singaporean market. The company will launch seven popular products, including Butter Jack, BBQ jack, Raw Jack, Continental Burger Patty, Jack Supreme Burger Patty, Hot & Spicy Sausages, and American Herbs Sausages, in the Singapore market. These products will be available at retail stores such as Everyday Vegan Grocer and HoReCa and online on popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, Amazon Singapore, and Redmart. In addition to retail stores and e-commerce platforms, Palate Sensations, a culinary school in Singapore, will also use Wakao Foods' products. The school is known for its innovative and sustainable approach to cooking, and Wakao Foods' products are a natural fit for its philosophy. Wakao Foods has a reputation for creating plant-based foods that are both delicious and nutritious, and their foray into the Singapore market is an exciting milestone for the company. Wakao Foods' plant-based products are a perfect fit for the Singaporean market, which has seen a surge in demand for plant-based foods in recent years. "We are thrilled to be bringing our range of delicious and healthy plant-based products to Singapore," said Sairaj Dhond, Founder and CEO of Wakao Foods. "Our products have high-quality ingredients, and we believe they will be well-received by the Singaporean market. We are excited to be partnering with Everyday Vegan Grocer, HoReCa, and various e-commerce platforms to make our products easily accessible to consumers across the country." VK Vidyarthi, General Manager of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), said that the vegan sector can benefit small farmers by using jackfruit for companies like Wakao Foods to reduce wastage and create employment. APEDA supports plant-based firms like Wakao through its National Programme on Vegan Products. Sanjay Sethi, Exec Dir, Plant Based Foods Industry Association said India has potential to lead in plant-based foods. Success of companies like Wakao Foods is a testament. PBFIA supports members such as Wakao Foods as they expand and make plant-based foods more accessible globally. Their foray into Singapore is an example of how Indian brands can leverage export opportunity to promote growth. We look forward to continuing our support for the entire plant-based foods industry for a sustainable and healthier future. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/767/plant-based-dairy-alternatives-to-hit-the-us-market-using-ai-and-data-science.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/767/plant-based-dairy-alternatives-to-hit-the-us-market-using-ai-and-data-science.html Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:09:00 +0530 Climax Foods and Bel Group partners to leverage AI and data science to empower new generation of plant-derived cheese mimicking traditional dairy products Climax Foods Inc., a US-based biotech start-up with innovative plant-based dairy alternatives and Bel Group, a global leader in cheese production, have partnered to develop a new generation of plant-derived cheese with the goal to tackle key challenges of the food transition such as taste, nutrition and indistinguishable from dairy cheeses while reducing carbon footprint. The two companies will collaborate to create plant-based cheese versions under the brand names Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Boursin®, Babybel®, and Nurishh® using data science and artificial intelligence (AI). Bel acquired an equity stake in Climax to support its disruptive solution development. The partnership between Bel and Climax Foods will utilize AI and data to help change the game and meet the challenge of scaling up quickly and effectively. Climax's team of food scientists have already succeeded in creating various prototypes with all the characteristics of specialty cheeses, including blue, brie, feta, and goat varieties. Bel aims to launch these new plant-based products in the U.S. and Europe by the end of 2024. This will contribute to achieving the Bel Group objective to balance its portfolio with 50 percent of dairy products and 50 percent of plant-based/fruits products. "Bel, have a strong determination to explore new territories and develop innovative solutions that will define the future of food, for all. The products we will develop can meet the three-fold challenge of being sustainable, nutritious, and accessible. This collaboration epitomizes our co-innovation strategy by combining their distinctive technological data science and AI platforms and expertise with Bel's pioneering and historical knowledge," said Cécile Béliot, CEO of the Bel Group. Dr. Oliver Zahn, CEO and founder of Climax Foods Inc., adds, "AI and data can be game changers in food in terms of delivering optimal taste and texture while making it affordable and sustainable. We must accelerate food evolution due to climate change and consumer preferences." Climax Foods' predictive analytics and AI enable a deep understanding of animal-derived foods at the molecular level. Climax leverages this knowledge to replicate animal-derived products with plant-based versions that match their texture, flavor, and nutrition density. Climax Foods' AI-powered product development significantly reduces the time required to create plant-based recipes that harness more from the vast plant kingdom. Bel brings together deep expertise and innovation capabilities, both in dairy cheese and non-dairy alternatives, to make new generation of cheese accessible. As part of Bel Group's pioneering strategy towards feeding 10 billion people by 2050, this new partnership combines the best of both plant and animal worlds. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/762/agri-genomics-startup-singrow-opens-indoor-rd-farm-in-singapore.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/762/agri-genomics-startup-singrow-opens-indoor-rd-farm-in-singapore.html Wed, 12 Apr 2023 10:53:34 +0530 Signs MoU for expansion for plots to Malaysia and Thailand Singapore's Agri-genomics startup Singrow has opened a new indoor farm in Singapore to serve as its main R&D hub. The R&D hub will develop novel crop varieties using Singrow’s proprietary genomics technology. Singrow signed agreements with its new franchise farm partners: TreeGrow in Malaysia and PREINO Co. in Thailand. These collaborations will make Singrow’s technology and strawberries available to more farmers, particularly in regions heavily impacted by climate change. The company’s crop list will expand as well, with Shengjie highlighting rice, corn, sustainable palm oil, and “other staple vegetables. Singrow’s holistic approach to controlled environment agriculture handles every step of the grow process from seed breeding to harvesting. In contrary, most conventional indoor farms use either off-the-shelf technology or build software and hardware that only services a part of the operation, such as seeding or harvesting. Singrow’s approach enables the company to breed crops suited to certain environments (e.g. drought) and automate much of the growing and harvesting tasks later on in the process. The company made headlines earlier this year for its “climate-resilient strawberries” designed to be grown in tropical climates such as Singapore. The Singapore-based company will also expand to Malaysia and Thailand via franchise farm partnerships with TreeGrow Sdn Bhd and PREINO Co, respectively. The partnerships will expand availability of Singrow’s technology as well as its climate-resilient strawberries to climate-impacted regions. Singrow is tackling the challenges of growing food in an age of limited resources and natural disasters (drought, fire, etc.) brought on by climate change. This is especially true in Singapore, where just 1% of the city-state’s land mass is available for farming, and bolstering food security is a major part of the national agenda. Shengjie said that with the new R&D hub, Singrow will be able apply its agri-genomics technology — which leverages genome sequencing and annotation, and gene adaptation and application — to other crops. Farmers around the world would then be able to produce more climate-resilient crops, thus strengthening food security and their own livelihoods. “Our proprietary genomics-based farming protocols further allow for these crops to be grown more efficiently. In fact, our indoor farming technology is at least 40% more energy-efficient than other indoor farms, allowing us to produce crops in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner” said Singrow founder, CEO and chief scientist Dr. Bao Shengjie. “Our ultimate goal is to bring our technology and crop varieties to more farmers and communities worldwide, particularly in regions where agricultural challenges have been exacerbated by climate changes and natural disasters,” he added. Singrow will also expand into China — a leading strawberry producer — in the near future. The company joined a key tech hub, the China-Singapore Smart Park in Guangzhou, this year and plans to have a seedling production facility at Guangzhou Knowledge City by 2024. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/697/israels-start-up-nation-embraces-innovative-agrifood-tech-initiatives-to-advance-commercialization.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/697/israels-start-up-nation-embraces-innovative-agrifood-tech-initiatives-to-advance-commercialization.html Fri, 31 Mar 2023 10:17:00 +0530 Start-Up Nation Central and SVG would collaborate on long-term programs in Israel and the USA to build closer links among the two agrifood innovation ecosystems through co-marketing efforts, events, ecosystem access, and business opportunities. Leading AgriFood innovation and investment platform SVG Ventures|THRIVE will collaborate with Tel Aviv-based Start-Up Nation Central to create an Israel – North America bridge to support the mutual growth of both countries’ AgriFood Tech ecosystems and the connections between them.   SVG Ventures|THRIVE, a leading AgriFood Innovation and Investment platform headquartered in Silicon Valley, and Start-Up Nation Central, a nonprofit that promotes the Israeli innovation ecosystem around the world, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining a strategic collaboration to connect and support the AgriFood tech sectors in both countries.  The collaboration between Start-Up Nation Central and SVG would include long-term programs in Israel and the USA pursuing opportunities to build closer links between the two agrifood innovation ecosystems using co-marketing initiatives, events, ecosystem access, and business opportunities. Through the collaboration with SVG, Start-Up Nation Central aims to solidify relationships with the global AgriFood tech community, particularly in North America, to help Israeli startups scale faster in international markets and increase access to high-value Israeli innovation technology. Start-Up Nation Central provides a platform that connects Israeli innovation to the world, nurtures business growth, and generates partnerships to strengthen Israel’s economy and society. SVG Ventures|THRIVE is an established leader in the agrifood tech sector and has developed an expansive global ecosystem of startups, corporate partners and a multitude of industry associations, producer co-ops and investment and government partners. Through this collaboration both partners will leverage their platforms to drive innovation and create unparalleled access for entrepreneurs to scale globally to solve the biggest challenges facing the food and agriculture industries.  “Our platform delivers incredible opportunities for startups and we are excited to partner with Start-Up Nation Central to support and accelerate innovative Israeli companies focused on advancing a more sustainable future for the global food and agriculture industries” said John Hartnett, Founder and CEO SVG Ventures|THRIVE Director of Global Partnerships at Start-Up Nation Central, Emma Vardimon: “We are happy to team up with SVG, a leading partner in the AgriFood tech innovation ecosystem, to promote joint initiatives for this sector. This partnership will allow us to expand our global connections for the benefit of Israeli tech and propel deal flow opportunities to the SVG innovation platform. The mutual commitment to promoting the AgriFood ecosystem and finding opportunities will allow us to promote leading Israeli technological solutions to address a common global challenge”.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/691/provectus-algae-expands-carbon-negative-biomanufacturing-ingredients-platform-in-australia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/691/provectus-algae-expands-carbon-negative-biomanufacturing-ingredients-platform-in-australia.html Thu, 30 Mar 2023 09:40:40 +0530 Provectus Algae is set to introduce a non-GMO, red and natural colorant for meat alternatives that changes color when cooked, as well as new ingredients for cosmetics market Sugar-eating organisms such as yeast and bacteria dominate industrial fermentation today. According to Australian food and cosmetic ingredients startup Provectus Algae, organisms that consume more sustainable feedstocks will be the 'predominant biomanufacturing platforms of tomorrow'. Nusqe Spanton, the CEO and founder of Nusqe, has developed a "carbon negative" growth platform that he claims can unlock the potential of algae as a source of high-value ingredients. The innovative start-up advocating decarbonizing supply chain has just secured a strategic investment from CJ Bio, part of Korean biomanufacturing giant CJ CheilJedang. Provectus Algae is set to introduce a non-GMO, red and natural colorant for meat alternatives that changes color when cooked, as well as new ingredients for cosmetics market from two demonstration plants in Australia. “Our production technology allows us to deliver a more stable red color at a price over the next two years that will be able to compete with beetroot powder. We’re expecting regulatory approvals this year in Australia, New Zealand, the US and potentially moving forward into Singapore next year. And then we’ll look at the European market” he adds. By contrast, yeast, fungi, and bacteria rely on sugar as a feedstock, an agricultural product with an environmental footprint that is also subject to pricing fluctuations that could make the economics of precision fermentation increasingly challenging. “A 200,000-liter precision fermentation facility using Pichia [yeast] making 50 tons of product generates about 250-300 tons of carbon dioxide. Whereas our facilities are carbon negative. We pump air into our reactors and the microbes capture the carbon dioxide, convert it into carbon and release oxygen and clean water. We need lighting, but if facilities run on renewable energy, you’re looking at an extremely low cost of operating and a carbon negative positioning, which we must move towards if we want to decarbonize the supply chain. But yeast cells are not well equipped to produce some of the more complex molecules found in nature, which is prompting renewed interest in algae and plant cells, which have different internal machinery” adds Spanton. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/666/syngenta-launches-global-platform-to-address-complex-challenges-in-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/666/syngenta-launches-global-platform-to-address-complex-challenges-in-agriculture.html Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:59:24 +0530 “Shoots by Syngenta™” will also include a startup accelerator, providing a supportive ecosystem for early-stage companies developing new agricultural technologies. Syngenta Group announced the launch of “Shoots by Syngenta™,” a global platform designed to help tackle agriculture’s most complex challenges, increase innovation, and advance more sustainable agriculture. Starting with science-based innovation challenges, the platform will connect scientific discovery and creativity, bringing together academics, research institutes, startups, and cross-industry sectors to collaborate with Syngenta’s global network of 5,000+ scientists. “Shoots by Syngenta™” will also include a startup accelerator, providing a supportive ecosystem for early-stage companies developing new agricultural technologies. Cohorts of startups will enter a program connecting them with mentors, resources, and funding to accelerate their growth and impact. “Helping growers sustainably feed a rapidly growing human population requires a strong collaboration focus, not just across agriculture but across industries,” said Gusui Wu, Global Head of Seeds Research. “Collaboration is at the heart of how our scientists approach innovation every day. It’s embedded in our scientific culture, and we are continually seeking out different technologies, solutions and partners to help us better serve farmers.” “Shoots by Syngenta™” will spotlight specific innovation needs from across the Syngenta Crop Protection and Seeds businesses. Science-based innovation challenges will be posted on the website, enabling anyone with a scientific interest to submit proposals in response to the challenges or other areas of focus. Proposals are quickly evaluated, and if there is a mutual fit, they are progressed to a collaboration partnership to take forward the research or technology that might eventually be licensed. “We know that science holds the answer to the challenges we face, so we’re open to sharing and helping others benefit from our world-leading findings and experiences,” says Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Research for Syngenta Crop Protection. “Shoots by Syngenta™ gives us gives access to real, proven data and insight, which can inform and accelerate future science-led breakthroughs.” Additionally, the startup accelerator will provide early-stage companies the opportunity to pilot their technology at Syngenta’s Farm of the Future and select grower farms globally, mentorship and access to industry experts, and an opportunity to present and test ideas with relevant business leaders and investors. Participants will get one-on-one mentoring by Syngenta business leaders that is customized based on each team’s specific requirements. "Our vision is to create an ecosystem that drives innovation and collaboration in the agricultural industry, creating a more sustainable and efficient future for farmers, consumers, and the planet," said Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Syngenta Group. "We believe that the most promising solutions to global food security, sustainability, and productivity will come from bringing together innovative and technology-driven start-ups with growers and industry experts.” Leaders from Syngenta Group will be present at this week’s World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit and the IUPAC International Congress of Crop Protection Chemistry to engage with fellow innovators and share more on “Shoots by Syngenta™.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/598/agmatix-partners-with-nasa-harvest-to-aid-sustainability-at-global-agricultural.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/598/agmatix-partners-with-nasa-harvest-to-aid-sustainability-at-global-agricultural.html Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:46:30 +0530 Promotes Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture practices by deploying agricultural remote sensing tools to assist onsite farm decisions; Initiates with smallholder farms in India and commercial farms in Brazil, aiming to expand globally Agmatix, a start-up AgTech business specializing in turning agronomic big data into powerful models and insights, has  partnered with NASA Harvest - NASA's global Food Security and Agriculture Consortium. The initiative aims to support sustainable practices for crop production at the field level and mitigate the impact of climate change globally. The collaboration is expected to help even food manufacturers meet consumer expectations for more sustainably sourced products. A combination of ground sampling and remote sensing data will be used to support farmers in their transition toward sustainable agriculture. Through this partnership, farmer efforts will be tracked and guided to assist them in improving sustainability levels along with conservation management. "According to the World Economic Forum, sustainable agriculture practices must triple in order to prevent climate change. Currently, adoption is hindered by a lack of consistent and acceptable measurements at scale. Our collaboration will promote resilient agriculture beginning with smallholder farms in India and commercial farms in Brazil, and lead to further expansion worldwide," comments Ron Baruchi, CEO of Agmatix. "NASA Harvest is excited to partner with Agmatix to advance the use of satellite-based information to help inform on-farm decisions which can ultimately result in increased resilience while reducing waste," comments Inbal Becker-Reshef, NASA Harvest Director. NASA Harvest will provide its expertise on agricultural remote sensing and leverage tools developed by the consortium, which will then be combined with field data from Agmatix and processed using a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. These data-driven insights can help farmers make field-level decisions that impact sustainability most effectively, such as cover crop selection and fertilizer application. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/505/entocycle-secures-5-mn-series-a-to-license-tech-solutions-for-insect-farms.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/505/entocycle-secures-5-mn-series-a-to-license-tech-solutions-for-insect-farms.html Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:22:17 +0530 The new funding confirms Entocycle as a leading global player in the rapidly-growing insect industry The UK’s leading insect technology company Entocycle has announced a $5 million A Series investment in a funding round led by Climentum Capital, a Climate-Tech Venture Capital firm based out of Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm. The new funding confirms Entocycle as a leading global player in the rapidly-growing insect industry as it looks to place its cutting-edge technology at the heart of large-scale insect farms worldwide. The company will use the investment to roll out a suite of products and services to serve established insect companies and new entrants into the insect industry globally. Entocycle will expand the team from its current headcount of 21 as it seeks to commercialise operations and make its products and services more accessible to the market. The company has also developed a turn-key modular fly cage, a highly efficient breeding system and offers a full BSF farm design, commission and build service to new entrants to the insect industry, with growing interest from large-scale food producers looking to secure protein-supply or waste management companies looking to upcycle organic waste into higher-value products such as protein or lipids. The investment is a boost for the climate and natural world as the growth of alternative proteins, such as insects, is considered to be a key driver to reducing environmental issues, including deforestation linked to soy, overfishing and pollution related to agricultural waste disposal into our rivers and seas as well as improving food security. According to a recent study by WWF, the UK could replace 20 per cent of its soy imports with insect protein by 2050. The global insect protein market is showing no signs of slowing down, with demand for insect protein forecast to reach 3 million tonnes and be worth $9.46bn by 2030. According to another recent report, the global black soldier fly market specifically is expected to grow 30.5 per cent CAGR from 2022 to reach $3.96b by 2033. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/474/israel-launches-tool-for-flood-management.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/474/israel-launches-tool-for-flood-management.html Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:56:48 +0530 The Ministry has allocated a sum of NIS 30 million spread over 3 years Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is launching an innovative digital tool which for the first time will help the drainage and streams authorities as well as decision-makers in the planning field, to form basin plans and manage risk floods, using a ‘step-by-step’ approach. For the formation process of these plans, the Ministry has allocated a sum of NIS 30 million spread over 3 years. Through the website, from now on, each citizen or authority, interested in the information, can now understand where flooding might happen, what is the scope of the expected damage, in which location development should take place and to which risk-free areas it should be moved. Basin plans for managing flood risks serve as a strategic means for preparing towards climate change, and their purpose is to form a data-based action plan, in order to tackle basin flooding risks and to develop viable solutions, such as nature-based ones, to strengthen Israel’s climate resilience. In light of their importance, the Ministry of Agriculture is encouraging the drainage and streams authorities to approach these plans from a fresh angle, including amongst others, budget subsidies and digital accessibility. The digital tool is the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with the Agma Centre for River and Streams Runoff Basins, which was established by inter-ministerial collaboration and philanthropic support, aiming to make accessible the information and knowledge of floods, streams and surface water runoff. The new website standardises all the relevant information and know-how relating to flood risks and transforms complex hydrological language into one that is user-friendly and intelligible, by utilising unique visual and graphic tools. The digital tool accompanies the planning authorities and professionals in designing ‘step-by-step’ plans for managing flood risks, starting from the initial charting and ending with offering a feasible response, in line with the new national methodology. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/450/food-crowd-encourages-the-uae-community-to-support-local-farms.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/450/food-crowd-encourages-the-uae-community-to-support-local-farms.html Fri, 20 Jan 2023 14:40:21 +0530 In support of its sustainability goals, Food Crowd obtains a variety of fruits and vegetables from regional farms in the United Arab Emirates. Food Crowd, the UAE’s local online shopping platform, announced its dedication to assisting regional farmers and elevating the value of consuming locally farmed food. Along with its extensive supply of local products and golocal cashback reward program, Food Crowd is continually enhancing its platform to help and encourage the nation to support domestic farmers and take part in lowering carbon footprints in the New Year.  In support of its sustainability goals, Food Crowd obtains a variety of fruits and vegetables from regional farms in the United Arab Emirates and promotes the purchase of these products through its golocal loyalty program, which rewards users with cashback on locally purchased items. Guaranteeing consumers have access to the freshest and best-quality products available while also supporting the local farming community and reducing the customer and producer’s carbon emissions.  Soula Baroudi the Head of Food Crowd stated, "We think it's crucial to support local farmers and the local economy. In addition to giving our customers the freshest and tastiest fruits and vegetables possible, we support the survival of the regional farming sector by purchasing our products from nearby farms. Being more sustainable would hopefully be one of the many New Year's resolutions made each year, and we aim to support such resolutions with the user-friendly platform of Food Crowd.” Additionally, consuming locally farmed produce also lessens the environmental impact involved with importing fruits and vegetables from other nations. This is crucial in the UAE because of the country's limited water supplies and hot environment. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/441/china-sees-robust-farm-produce-online-retail-sales-in-2022.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/441/china-sees-robust-farm-produce-online-retail-sales-in-2022.html Thu, 19 Jan 2023 12:00:08 +0530 Official data showed that China's online retail sales expanded 4 per cent year on year in 2022 to nearly $2 trillion. It is estimated that China's online retail sales of farm produce achieved a rise of about 10 per cent in 2022, as the agriculture sector further embraced the booming e-commerce market.  The robust agriculture e-commerce business has been built upon the country's growing farm produce processing industry. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, this industry is estimated to log an increase of about 4 per cent in the revenue of major firms in 2022.  Over 16,000 facilities for refrigerating and preserving agricultural products were built last year.  Official data showed that China's online retail sales expanded 4 per cent year on year in 2022 to nearly 13.8 trillion Yuan ( $2 trillion) consolidating its status as the top online retail market on the planet.  A total of 50 modern agriculture industrial parks were established nationwide last year, and 200 rural townships were recognised as national leaders in terms of their strong competitiveness in certain agricultural industry sectors.  The rapid development of industries in rural areas has led to rising income for local residents, who saw their average per capita disposable income expand 4.2 per cent year on year in 2022, further narrowing the gap with that of urban residents.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/436/global-foodtech-challenge-announces-winners-of-2-mn-prize.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/436/global-foodtech-challenge-announces-winners-of-2-mn-prize.html Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:19:08 +0530 Aquagrain, Orbisk, Revoltech, and Sustainable Planet will receive a combined prize of up to US $2 million to scale up their business models in the UAE. The second edition of the global FoodTech Challenge, which seeks to find the next wave of technology innovations on the cusp of transforming traditional agriculture practices, efficiently and sustainably, announced the competition's four winners at an awards ceremony at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023. The winners, Aquagrain, Orbisk, Revoltech, and Sustainable Planet, were selected from a pool of 12 finalists chosen from an initial 667 submissions from 79 countries. The finalists, who showcased their high-tech concepts at ADSW, represented a diverse demographic – with 33 per cent led by young CXOs between the ages of 22-35 years old, highlighting the role of the next generation in developing sustainable solutions to food security.  With a pooled prized of up to $2 million, the four winners will be invited to scale up their business models within the UAE and will be supported with a cash award plus R&D, start-up acceleration, commercial incentives, and mentorship from an extensive range of partners, including ASPIRE, Silal, ADQ, Emirates Foundation, Hub71, Ma'an, The Catalyst, ADGM, ADRO, the Competitive Office of Abu Dhabi, and Khalifa Fund. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/418/lexasure-partners-with-agrion-to-offer-mobile-agri-insurance-to-farmers-in-indonesia.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/418/lexasure-partners-with-agrion-to-offer-mobile-agri-insurance-to-farmers-in-indonesia.html Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:14:51 +0530 Flourish, will be integrated with the AgriON app, providing easy access to purchase and manage agricultural insurance. Lexasure Financial Group, a leading reinsurance and insurtech provider in Southeast Asia, has partnered with AgriON: PT iSAN to offer easily accessible, mobile agriculture insurance products to thousands of smaller farmers in Indonesia. AgriON promotes financial inclusion for Indonesia's farmers through a mobile fintech platform that includes a digital bank account, digital loans for seeds, fertilizer, and farming tools, automated payments, and tools to benchmark yield, sales, and productivity. Currently, more than 4,000 farmers are registered with the AgriON platform in Indonesia, which is expected to grow to 20,000 by the end of 2023. Under the strategic partnership, Lexasure's digital insurance offering for farmers, Flourish, will be integrated with the AgriON app, providing easy access to purchase and manage agricultural insurance to provide farmers with greater resiliency against adverse events. The launch of Flourish with the AgriON app is planned for the first quarter of 2023. "AgriON is doing groundbreaking work by bringing a suite of digital banking and management tools to smaller farmers across Indonesia, a sector that has historically been unbanked or underbanked without access to credit or high-quality inputs to drive productivity," said Ian Lim, Founder & CEO of Lexasure Financial Group. "For this reason, they make an ideal channel partner for Lexasure's Flourish digital insurance offering for farmers, enabling producers to achieve resiliency and have a solid foundation for productivity growth and investment. Our shared goal is to leverage digital tools to create scalable, cost-effective fintech products that are adapted to the needs of customers in Southeast Asia and promote food security for the region." Insurance products that will be available on the platform will include crop insurance, livestock & bloodstock (Equine Insurance), and agriculture machinery and equipment insurance, provided through licensed insurers in Indonesia.  In addition to financial solutions, AgriON enables the traceability and sustainability of farmers' products using digital technology, thereby empowering farmers to maximize the yield and value of their products when using sustainable farming practices. "Digital insurers are now fully aware that the digital transformation of the insurance industry is well underway," Lim added. "We will continue to pursue innovative partnerships to help our clients digitize the entire insurance value chain and reach underserved populations across the region." ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/352/xt-com-lists-agn-in-its-main-zone.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/352/xt-com-lists-agn-in-its-main-zone.html Wed, 28 Dec 2022 13:29:13 +0530 AGN tokens will provide farmers in both developed and developing countries to sell their products at fair prices directly to end consumers. XT.COM, the world's first socially infused trading platform, announces the listing of AGN on its platform in the Main & Web3 Zones. The AGN/USDT and AGN/ETH trading pairs have opened for trading from 2022-12-26 at 8:00 (UTC). About AGN token AGN is an ERC-20 token deployed on the Ethereum blockchain with a total supply of 3,690,000,000 tokens. The tokens will be used to create an efficient supply chain within the Agrinode agricultural ecosystem. AGN tokens will provide farmers in both developed and developing countries to sell their products at fair prices directly to end consumers while expanding their own financial options without liquidity being locked up by middlemen in traditional supply chains. Consumers will also be able to purchase a monthly subscription of farm produce with AGN tokens and receive full transparency regarding where and how the involved farm products are within the supply chain. AGN tokens will also act as agricultural crop insurance for farmers that need to be financially covered, especially those who have difficulties receiving coverage from traditional banking services due to their rural and financial state. About Agrinode Blockchain Agrinode is a blockchain-based agricultural platform that provides supply chain and business solutions to agricultural and financial challenges found in traditional agricultural practices. The project provides farmers who don't have access to proper banking services or financial support. This removes limitations such as excess waiting periods on loan approval and eliminates intermediaries. Agrinode's Smart contract will also solve payment delay issues arising due to business intermediaries by facilitating auto-payments. Farmers would then be paid immediately upon the delivery of goods received by end consumers. Any potential food contamination can be easily traced with minimal delays that can minimize damage to the public by implementing immediate recalls.  This will ultimately help prevent food fraud, false labelling, and help manage wastage. Agrinode's transparent supply chain system easily keeps track of perishable goods using on-chain data while calibrating to spontaneous weather conditions, keeping each person within the newly revised supply chain updated in real-time. End users on the consumer side would be able to directly purchase monthly subscriptions from farms without going through business intermediaries which adds unnecessary costs to the base price. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/347/right-farm-taps-the-waste-lab-to-drive-uae-sustainability-forward.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/347/right-farm-taps-the-waste-lab-to-drive-uae-sustainability-forward.html Mon, 26 Dec 2022 17:47:23 +0530 The partnership will effectively contribute towards realizing key UAE initiatives like the National Food Security Strategy 2051, UAE Net Zero 2050 and Ne’ma Pledge. Right Farm, a disruptive UAE-based Business-to-Business (B2B) digital platform for the food service sector, announced its partnership with The Waste Lab, an impact-driven startup that helps divert food and organic waste from landfills and uses them to create healthy compost and other byproducts that benefit the UAE’s soil, farms, food, and creates jobs. At a total cost of AED 13 billion, 3.27 million tons of food go to UAE landfills each year; it is estimated that each resident contributes, on average, a resounding 197kg of waste. Right Farm and The Waste Lab will collaboratively work towards minimizing and repurposing food wastage while simultaneously enhancing the UAE’s circular economy so that it can tackle pressing challenges like food security, climate change, biodiversity loss, and waste. The partnership will effectively contribute towards realizing key UAE initiatives like the National Food Security Strategy 2051, UAE Net Zero 2050 and Ne’ma Pledge. Furthermore, it will also align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) to help achieve zero hunger, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and life on land. Right Farm aims to continuously optimize its efficient management of generated food scraps from fruits, vegetables, and trimmings in a sustainable and regenerative manner that gives back to the soil and creates local resources. The Waste Lab will accordingly deploy an allocated treatment of compostables whilst advising on segregation guidelines and streamlined collection procedures and processes that are carried out through composting and various repurposing channels. The partnership also aims to build awareness around the importance of repurposing food waste and composting, and the impact of diverting these resources from landfills can have on reducing GHG Emissions and giving back to the soil. With UAE food trade exceeding AED 100 billion every year, companies and people are increasingly seeking out solutions to combat any negative impacts that are associated with a growing population and rising demand for natural resources. Right Farm has been consistently looking to leverage partnerships in its pursuit of a brighter future for our region’s food systems and the planet’s environment.  Elie Skaf, Co-Founder & CEO of Right Farm, said, “Reducing food waste, which accounts for 8 per cent of global GHGs, can improve air quality, save lives, and gets us one step closer to fully realizing a seamless circular economy. This is just one of the many reasons that working towards a zero-waste future is essential. The global food tech market is projected to reach $342 billion by 2027 because it is becoming a proven method of enhancing food security and sustainability. We look forward to contributing to this growth, through a prosperous partnership with The Waste Lab, to achieve a more sustainable food system that is spurred forward through innovation and technology.” Lara Hussein, Co-Founder & CEO of The Waste Lab, added, “Consumption of food in the country is anticipated to surpass 52.4 million tonnes by 2025, and with this increase, there are more chances for wastage. That is why we are working with communities and businesses to bring awareness and to build practices around proper segregation at the source, repurposing and nature-based composting, building soil and reducing GHG emissions.” ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/346/uae-ministry-of-climate-change-organises-first-meeting-of-farmers-council.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/346/uae-ministry-of-climate-change-organises-first-meeting-of-farmers-council.html Mon, 26 Dec 2022 16:50:22 +0530 The Council explored the finance solutions offered by Emirates Development Bank to modern agricultural SMEs and start-ups and highlighted the next steps in developing targeted extension services for farmers. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) hosted the first meeting of the Farmers’ Council, presided over by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment. The meeting highlighted the government’s directions to promote sustainable modern farming systems across the UAE to increase the agricultural sector’s productivity and commercial value and enhance food security. The Minister said: “Food security is a strategic priority of the UAE that we seek to achieve through strengthening our agricultural sector and mainstreaming advanced agricultural practices with the support of concerned stakeholders in the country.” She added: “Establishing the Farmers’ Council will drive this priority, as it will highlight the challenges faced by the sector and the best approaches to overcoming them. Through its membership, representing all regions of the country, the Council aims to ensure that farmers’ voices are heard, and raise awareness about relevant government plans and ways to support them among the farming community.” She applauded local farmers for the important role they play in developing the sector through their compliance with related laws and regulations and their shift to modern agriculture that reduces the sector’s impacts on the environment and climate. The meeting agenda featured an overview of the Council’s mandates. These include promoting the adoption of state-of-the-art cultivation practices, developing an annual agricultural plan, identifying applicable agricultural systems, authorising applied agricultural research programmes to be executed at selected farms, organising capacity-building and experience-sharing activities for farmers, and approving annual agricultural production programs and produce marketing plans. Members outlined the Council’s work processes for identifying priority challenges and projects, developing action plans, and assigning tasks and timeframes. They also discussed the pledge signed by government entities at the UAE Annual Government Meeting on November 22, 2023, where they commit to securing 50 per cent of their food-related purchases from local farms by 2023 by boosting local farms' production capacities and encouraging and increasing investment in food sectors to 100 per cent by 2030. Moreover, the Council explored the finance solutions offered by Emirates Development Bank to modern agricultural SMEs and start-ups and highlighted the next steps in developing targeted extension services for farmers. In this context, MOCCAE will update farmers’ databases over the next few weeks. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/313/chinas-harbin-to-become-a-city-of-modern-agriculture.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/313/chinas-harbin-to-become-a-city-of-modern-agriculture.html Thu, 15 Dec 2022 14:41:52 +0530 In Wuchang, 25,000 farmers have installed the Smart Agriculture APP on their mobile phones, so they can communicate with agricultural experts anytime. China’s Northeast city Harbin contributes one-fifth to Heilongjiang's total rice production. The black soil in the region is suitable for rice planting. In recent years, Harbin has applied advanced digital technologies in agricultural production. Focusing on rice production as the leading industry, Wuchang in Harbin has built a high-quality national modern agricultural park and launched a number of smart agriculture projects. Wuchang has been world-renowned for its agricultural products including ‘Wuchang Rice’. The application of agricultural helicopters and UAVs has greatly improved work efficiency. All data about the paddies such as water level, oxygen content and water temperature have been monitored all weather in the AI monitor room in the Agricultural IoT Service Centre of Wuchang.   In Wuchang 25,000 farmers have installed the Smart Agriculture; APP on their mobile phones, so that they can communicate with agricultural experts anytime. The centre also has a rice traceability system, social service system, agricultural product electronic information system and government resource system, which are linked with another two platforms of Big Data and Expert Cloud, so as to ensure that consumers can buy authentic Wuchang rice. The Big Data 4.0 Platform developed by the centre also provides farmers with precise data on the price trends and marketing of various crops. In recent years, Harbin has significantly improved its agricultural production automation, precision and intelligence, and realised more efficient management. While labours are reduced, the utilisation rate of water resources, fertilizers and pesticides has significantly increased. With the accelerated transformation of agricultural development mode, a number of replicable and promotable integrated application models of digital agricultural technology have emerged to boost agricultural modernisation. Harbin has seen a bumper harvest of grain for 19 consecutive years. The comprehensive mechanisation rate of planting and harvesting major crops has reached 98.3 per cent, with a stable grain output of more than 12 billion kg. In addition, agricultural product processing is also developing at a faster pace. The per capita disposable income of rural residents achieved a two-fold increase. The sustainable and high-quality development of modern agriculture has laid the solid foundation for Harbin to build a ‘City of Modern Agriculture’. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/272/chinas-pinduoduo-wins-2022-fao-innovation-award.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/272/chinas-pinduoduo-wins-2022-fao-innovation-award.html Wed, 07 Dec 2022 13:56:50 +0530 Pinduoduo agriculture platform is used by more than 16 million farmers to sell their produce to 880 million consumers who shop on the platform. Pinduoduo China’s largest agricultural e-commerce marketplace has won the 2022 FAO Innovation Award for developing a unique platform to connect smallholders with the market while improving the lives and livelihoods of millions of farmers. The award ceremony took place at FAO Headquarters in Rome on the sidelines of the 171st Session of the FAO Council. Having started as an online fruit seller, Pinduoduo soon became the leading direct-to-consumer agriculture platform in the country and is used now by more than 16 million farmers to sell their produce to 880 million consumers who shop on the platform. In this way, smallholder farmers are able to increase their incomes and invest in their farms to make them more productive and environmentally sustainable. The consumers benefit because they are able to access a wider selection of agricultural products directly from the people who grow them and get better value for their money. “Innovation has always been a key component of the new FAO’s vision,” said QU Dongyu FAO Director-General in his opening remarks at the ceremony. “We need science and innovation to deliver on our common goals of transforming our agrifood systems to nourish people, nurture the planet, advance equitable livelihoods and build resilient ecosystems.” Qu highlighted that Pinduoduo’s technological innovations in the management of farming systems and emissions reduction were making significant contributions to sustainable agricultural development worldwide, and to global food security. “This Innovation Award is an affirmation of technology as a force multiplier that can break barriers, connect people, and unleash the creative energies of a sector that is as old as civilization itself,” said Xin Yi Lim, Executive Director for Sustainability and Agricultural Impact at Pinduoduo while accepting the prize.  This year FAO launched the newly structured FAO Awards to recognize progress in the transformation of agrifood systems and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/244/can-the-agritech-sector-benefit-from-the-contemporary-b2b-model.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/244/can-the-agritech-sector-benefit-from-the-contemporary-b2b-model.html Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:18:06 +0530 By Tarun Arora, Director, Single Family Office, IG International Business-to-Business (B2B) is a business model in which the agritech sector obtains goods and/or services from another company. More than any other sector, agribusiness has the most to gain from a B2B business strategy. From the production of agricultural products to their marketing, B2B has revolutionised the industry’s customary internal processes. It has brought technology to the farm, thereby increasing output; it has opened up new markets by going directly to consumers; it has eliminated middlemen, thereby increasing the growers’ profit margin; and it has vastly improved logistics, which was a major concern and a source of loss for the producer. The B2B model has fit in like a glove, ushering in many advantages into the inner workings of the agritech sector. Using technology, agritech businesses are establishing market connections, including B2B markets and digital agricultural platforms. In recent decades, a substantial portion of the conventional supply chain across several industries has experienced a major setback. B2B marketplaces have emerged as a solution to this problem  by providing excellent items at affordable pricing and dependable delivery schedules, along with regular credit terms. They are immediately capable of addressing India’s agricultural input concerns. Due to the multitude of connections on these digital platforms, agricultural enterprises are able to locate new prospects, clients, and suppliers, as well as manage the daily challenges encountered by farmers. Farmers may get the necessary data, procedures, and efficiencies from them for both pre-harvest and post-harvest applications. In addition, B2B marketplaces provide a variety of buying and selling channels. Precision is power Precision agriculture is one of the most often used B2B services in the agricultural business. It enables you to maximise the productivity of each work shift by maximising your workforce. The data you get is current, making it more actionable and less static. Additionally, superior GPS technology enables your employees to operate in low-visibility conditions. You need not worry about blind areas since you can follow your agricultural equipment in real time using GPS data. In addition, it lets the producer enhance and improve the soil, reduce the use of natural resources such as land, and water, and improve productivity by implementing a series of focused key interventions, a feat that may be accomplished with the application of sophisticated technology. In fact, it makes agribusiness a profitable and prosperous profession irrespective of climate change and other catastrophic occurrences. Entering the e-commerce era  The majority of agricultural goods entered the e-commerce platforms via B2B models. This is because B2B helps connect farmers to retailers through the use of technology at each stage of the value chain. Thanks to the proliferation of online retailers, farmers are now able to sell their goods directly to customers rather than merely through mandis or other intermediaries. E-commerce has enormous potential to alleviate a number of issues afflicting the Indian agriculture industry.  The potential for e-commerce disruption in conventional agricultural value chains, where middlemen eat into farmers' profits, is great. By creating direct connections between farmers and purchasers, agri-e-commerce may help eliminate middlemen. Direct connections with potential customers and good storage facilities can help reduce post-harvest waste, especially for goods that go bad quickly.  Mobile apps boost agri-income Some B2B platforms have developed mobile programs to make the process of buying and selling goods more straightforward. This is in response to the rising stress on the agricultural sector to fulfill the needs of the growing population. Through these platforms, the buyer receives delivery right to their doorstep, while the seller is able to completely avoid stockpiling their products, which contributes to the generation of better margins for the goods. Besides, by using these platforms, the farmer may discover the correct distributor for a given geographic region. It is also helpful in identifying high-potential areas of development, which ultimately leads to an improvement in profit margins. Expand logistics possibilities Logistics is one of the toughest components of the agriculture sector. Due to the product's frequent transference, grain logistics is particularly difficult. Multiple times, the cargo needs to travel thousands of kilometers via many middlemen before reaching the market. Besides safety, the freshness of the produce has to be maintained throughout the journey. With B2B systems that connect shippers and carriers, warehouses, and other services in the most efficient manner, the farmer can extend his market outside his perimeter, resulting in increased income for the agri business. Aggregates all advantages  Today, India is home to more than a hundred agritech businesses. These companies have mostly implemented B2B models on farms. In addition to supplying farmers with technology, these B2B companies are bringing capital investment to the industry, which is vital for modernisation. With the influx of venture capital, traditional agricultural business is seeing a new horizon in terms of how well the product can be sold. This means that the returns are higher and more predictable, and most importantly, the producer is protected from the volatility of traditional markets. Focus on security Additionally, agricultural firms have significant IT requirements. Since there are so many agricultural businesses in rural locations, it is not always necessary to dispatch an IT professional. Today, B2B information technologies allow agricultural businesses to conduct remote IT work. Even agricultural businesses must now consider cybersecurity concerns. Entire data supply chains have been hacked by malware and man-in-the-middle assaults. Since so much of your infrastructure and operations are dependent on this data, it makes sense to hire top-tier protection via B2B channels. In addition, IT specialists can keep your hotspots operational, enhance encryption, and synchronise your devices. The world is one farm In conclusion, B2B facilitates the collaboration of agri producers across geographies. Farms in a faraway area are collaborating with local farmers, exchanging everything from seeds and saplings to technology and growing techniques in order to increase the amount and variety of food to suit the needs of diverse global markets. For instance, an American apple producer produces similar fruits in India for the South Asian market utilising CEA-Controlled Environment Agriculture. Vantage view  The agriculture sector is also benefiting from the use of big data, AI, and machine learning. Advanced data may aid the farmer in forecasting and estimating crop output. The most spectacular return on investment (RoI) may be accomplished by correctly using this relevant information while also helping the farmer spend money more prudently. With so many advantages, it is certain that B2B will continue to exist as a business model in the present and the future. As a result of these technological improvements, it is anticipated that agricultural businesses will continue to improve. Every day, the agribusiness industry changes as farmers find new ways to grow their businesses and make more money. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/242/singapore-based-temasek-leads-dehaats-series-e-funding-round.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/242/singapore-based-temasek-leads-dehaats-series-e-funding-round.html Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:16:25 +0530 DeHaat aims to add more farmers on its agritech platform and broaden its service offerings  Agritech startup DeHaat has raised $60 million in a Series E funding round co-led by existing investors Singapore’s Temasek Holdings and Belgium’s Sofina Ventures as it seeks to add more farmers on its agritech platform and broaden its service offerings. Other existing investors RTP Global Partners, Prosus Ventures and Lightrock India, also took part in the round. Incorporated in 1974, Temasek is an investment company headquartered in Singapore. Supported by 12 offices globally, Temasek owns a S$403 billion (US$297 billion) portfolio as at 31 March 2022, mainly in Singapore and the rest of Asia. Prior to this round, the DeHaat raised $115 million in a Series D round led by Sofina and Lightrock India in October 2021. Temasek co-invested in the round with participation from existing investors, including Prosus, RTP Global, Sequoia Capital India and Dutch development bank FMO. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/194/bangkok-progresses-in-becoming-foodtech-silicon-valley.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/194/bangkok-progresses-in-becoming-foodtech-silicon-valley.html Wed, 16 Nov 2022 17:42:53 +0530 NIA encourages investment opportunities for the Thai food sector and encounter global food security crisis through Space – F Project The National Innovation Agency (NIA) (Public Organisation), Thailand or NIA targets to stimulate the use of deep tech as the main engine to drive Bangkok towards becoming the FoodTech Silicon Valley – an innovative food hub of Southeast Asia and the world. Dr Pun-Arj Chairatana, Executive Director of NIA said that the deep-tech business in food and agriculture continues to enjoy its equal growth as the e-commerce and fintech worldwide, the food companies in Thailand also relish robust supply chains. FoodTech startup incubation and acceleration is the key to secure global food security goals, as well as help drive Bangkok in becoming "FoodTech Silicon Valley" or "Food Innovation Hub of Southeast Asia and the World". Dr Pun-Arj is confident that Thailand's capital will contribute as an important meeting ground for startups and investors in advanced food technology from around the world. Bangkok will also serve significantly as a locally-sourced raw material development centre.  Thailand has sufficient raw material to serve growing demands, the country also has a top-notch logistics service. These attributes make the Thai food industry exceptional and position Thailand as the kitchen of the world. The utilisation of innovation and technology in the food industry is not diverse and still lacks research and development. The NIA, therefore, stepped in to encourage the use of innovation in this particular industry. Intending to feed the world through innovation, the 'SPACE-F' project was initiated in 2019 to incubate and accelerate the growth of FoodTech startups in Thailand. The project brings together FoodTech startups and corporates through innovative mentorship, business connections, and a co-working program.  ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/175/pinggu-city-becomes-the-peach-hub-of-china.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/135/175/pinggu-city-becomes-the-peach-hub-of-china.html Fri, 11 Nov 2022 13:24:48 +0530 The annual output of peaches in Pinggu has reached 170 million kg with total revenue of more than 1.2 billion RMB. China’s Pinggu district in Beijing has become the hub of Peaches.  The annual output of peaches in Pinggu has reached 170 million kg with total revenue of more than 1.2 billion RMB. The peach economy has also driven sales of other agricultural products in the district and promoted leisure agriculture featuring bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), camping and rural cuisine. Peach farmers in Pinggu are selling peaches online since 2017. A professional team was set up to teach farmers to sell their peaches with mobile phones and transform the local peach industry into a modernized internet-plus business. Peach sales via e-commerce across Pinggu stood at 25 million kg in 2021. Zhang Guorong a leady peach seller from Pinggu sells 70kg of peaches per day with live streaming on her smartphone during the peach season from July to October.   The online demand for peaches has also boosted the development of the local logistics industry. Many logistics giants, such as SF Express and China Post, have been brought in, thus slashing the delivery fees. According to Xiong Yujin, director of Pinggu's e-commerce service centre, this year from January to July, the district saw a total of 2.34 million express deliveries of peaches, up 20 per cent year on year. With government support, Pinggu started building itself into an agricultural innovation hub last year, focusing on the modern seed industry, biotechnology, smart farming and food safety. ]]>