Startups to Receive Farmer-Led Business Development, Investment and Farm Trial Support

MEMPHIS, TN – Seven new agtech startup companies that are addressing today’s most pressing farm and food production and sustainability issues have been selected to participate in AgLaunch365, a world-class accelerator program conducted by Memphis-based AgLaunch Initiative. 

The seven startups were selected from a global pool of applicants representing seven countries and 25 U.S. states. The startups competed in a six-months long farmer-led application and selection process, which included an in-person Challenge Week in Memphis and several pitch events with the AgLaunch farmer selection committee, in coordination with Farm Journal Media.  

“AgLaunch Farmers were critical to the selection process, collectively investing about 150 hours vetting the startups based on the value of each technology to the industry and their own farms, as well as the suitability for farm trials,” said Margaret Oldham, AgLaunch Director of Entrepreneurship. “This farmer-led approach is what makes AgLaunch different, and which has led to this outstanding cohort of game-changing entrepreneurs and innovators that we believe will find market success.”

As a signature component of AgLaunch365, the startups will work directly with AgLaunch farmers to farm-trial new technologies ranging from AI-based insect monitoring and bio-based plant nutrients to livestock health and reproduction, on-farm energy production and precision agriculture. Additional accelerator programming includes sessions on investments, business development, market strategy and one-on-one coaching and mentorship from AgLaunch and its national network of agricultural and business experts. 

Unique to the AgLaunch model, members of AgLaunch Farmers, LLC will earn an equity stake in the startups in exchange for their participation in and support of farm trials which will be conducted in Iowa, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, and other states across the MS Delta, Appalachia, and Midwest. 

The seven selected startups are: 

Bioverse Labs enables farmers to monitor insect populations in the field through a low-cost subscription to a mobile app that can be integrated with digital sensors. The platform is designed to monitor population dynamics autonomously and help farmers reduce crop loss risk and inputs by managing biological control with precision. 

EVOIA brings the ecological benefits of fire to production agriculture in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Based on patented, proprietary technology, fire is used to convert sustainable raw biomass to plant-beneficial compounds, which transforms them into highly active, consistent bio-stimulants in easy-to-use liquid form. 

GenoTwin is revolutionizing bio-surveillance and sustainability for livestock operations with advanced genomics and other biological molecule insights into infectious diseases. GenoTwin’s insights support decisions that reduce mortality, increase yield and improve the effectiveness of targeted treatment in livestock.

Motion Grazer AI uses artificial intelligence and deep learning to quantitatively evaluate animal gait, posture and condition to measure in real-time health and predict productivity in breeding swine. The outcome is increased farm efficiency and profitability as well as improved animal health, welfare and productivity. 

ReproHealth uses embryology and engineering to create devices to improve cattle reproduction. Their patented intravaginal embryo culture device creates embryos in the cow, rather than the lab, and brings the ‘Lab to the Farm.’ 

Sentinel Fertigation leverages precision fertigation through crop monitoring and nitrogen management solutions. Sentinel’s N-Time software platform delivers image-based nitrogen application recommendations shown to increase yield per unit of nitrogen applied by 25% compared to current farmer management. 

TrackerSled patent-pending SunFarmor™ modules stabilize farmers’ energy and fertilizer costs while affording a path to carbon-free farming, increased profits, and rural economic renewal. SunFarmor™ modules can be assembled in hours so farmers can own an operating solar farm within weeks without the constraints of traditional, immovable infrastructure. A 3.5-acre solar set-up will make a 1,000-acre grain farm, or a 2,000-acre regenerative farm, energy independent. 

Beginning in January and over the course of the next two years, startup teams will participate in monthly AgLaunch365 entrepreneurship sessions during which they will also be paired with AgLaunch farmers to begin farm-trials. AgLaunch currently has more than 40 members from across 10 states in its select network of innovative farmers.  

AgLaunch365 alumni include such startup companies as Rantizo, Nori, Continuum Ag, and Grain Weevil, which have been successful in attracting significant investment and building commercially viable business models. For more information about AgLaunch Initiative and its portfolio of startup companies visit www.aglaunch.com. 

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About AgLaunch 

AgLaunch is revolutionizing the way that innovations in agriculture and food are brought to market by bridging the present and future to grow a more diverse and sustainable farm economy and provide healthy food for all. AgLaunch leverages its distributed network of farm incubators, entrepreneurial farmers, aligned capital partners, research consortia, technical consulting, and best-in-class accelerator programming to effectively challenge the status quo and thoughtfully create value for farmers and the communities they serve. The AgLaunch vision is a transformed regional agriculture and food economy centered around farmers, innovation, and prosperity. AgLaunch has been designated as a Regional Innovation Cluster by the US Small Business Administration, the only one focused on production agriculture and as a Build-to-Scale awardee from US Economic Development Administration. Additional funding support has been provided by state agencies and foundations across the US.  

About Farm Journal Media

Farm Journal Media is the nation’s leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. Started 142 years ago with the preeminent Farm Journal magazine, the company serves the row crop, livestock, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; events; nationally broadcasted television and radio programs; a robust mobile text marketing business; and an array of data-driven paid information products. Farm Journal also is the majority shareholder of the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. In 2010, the company established the nonprofit, public charity Farm Journal Foundation dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment.