Agricultural technology, or AgTech, is a booming market, with growth inspired by a growing population and the need to combat issues like decreasing soil quality, lack of space, and compromised biodiversity. From indoor farming to technology aimed at protecting bees, innovations continue to impress investors who understand the need to fund ventures that could literally be the future of food.

AI, Big Data, and Soil Quality

Food can’t just grow anywhere. Crops need soil rich in nutrients with decent drainage to allow water to flow in and out—plants can suffer from being too wet and too dry! Soil also needs bacteria and other microorganisms, as without these, it basically becomes a desert incapable of supporting any life. Poor soil quality is one of the biggest threats to global food security.

Biome Makers is an AgTech company based in California with the world's largest reference database of microorganisms. They use this data alongside AI, advanced genomics, and microbial science to provide unprecedented insights into soil quality. Utilizing their “BeCrop” solutions has led to a 20% reduction in the need for chemical fertilizers.

AgTech Apps and Platforms

AI now helps offer advice on crops to farmers, links them with suppliers, and improves the efficiency of the agricultural supply chain. Check out startups like DeHaat™ in India that provide weather reports, alerts, and agricultural advice to more than 1.4 million farmers. The company raised $60 million at the end of 2022 and is now valued at nearly $800 million.

Moving away from traditional farming methods, indoor farming is swiftly becoming an app-powered enterprise. Indoor and vertical farming could help solve the problem of reduced fertile space for agriculture. Apps allow growers to automate watering and other processes and monitor the progress of their farms from anywhere with internet connectivity.

AgTech and Sustainability

We touched on sustainability with the BeCrop soil improvement tech, which helps ensure there’s land to grow food on in the future. Sustainability is a major motivator for innovations in AgTech, as climate change impacts growth cycles, waste, and multiple other aspects of farming.

Purdue University is currently utilizing drone imagery to collect data on soybeans. The goal is to understand which soybeans will give the highest yields in the future, and drones empower them to collect this data across vast areas.

Companies like Vestaron create peptides as an alternative to conventional pesticides, helping protect pollinators like bees.

Meanwhile, reforestation of the Amazon rainforest could be in the hands of robots. A collaboration between Junglekeepers and ABB Robotics sees the world’s most remotely placed robot handling automated planting tasks. If successful, this could have huge implications for both conservation and agricultural projects.

Final Word

Getting funding for your AgTech innovation is simpler when you work with a team that can attract the right investors. Book a 15-minute introductory call and find out how Arch Collective can support your marketing and branding efforts.

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