AgFunder

Wittaya Aqua International Inc. is a Toronto-based company founded in 2017 that operates the Wittaya AquaOp platform. This platform is designed to enhance the operational efficiency of aquaculture farms by aggregating and analyzing production data, which is often underutilized in the industry. Many aquaculture operations still rely on outdated paper or spreadsheet methods for management, hindering their ability to effectively benchmark, forecast, and optimize their processes. Wittaya Aqua addresses this gap by utilizing mathematical and nutritional models to optimize feeding practices and compute performance metrics. The platform enables farmers to automate and monitor their operations, ultimately supporting the growth of aquaculture, the fastest-growing food sector globally, while promoting data-driven decision-making for improved productivity and cost efficiency.

Biodefense is a company focused on enhancing food safety through innovative microbial defense technologies. Its flagship product, Bioshield, is a protective coating derived from food sources that aims to maximize the safety, freshness, and shelf life of fresh produce. The company specializes in extracting and trapping pathogenic microbes from various environments, including water, consumer goods, and pharmaceutical products. This technology enables clients to achieve contaminant-free end products with precise, quantitative results at a single-cell level, significantly increasing confidence in food safety and quality. By addressing microbial threats effectively, Biodefense positions itself as a leader in the biodefense sector, fostering safer food supply chains.

Fashol is a technology-driven agricultural startup focused on enhancing the food supply chain by connecting farmers directly to markets. The company sources fresh produce from farmers and facilitates last-mile delivery to smallholder retailers, ensuring that customers receive traceable and safe food products. By streamlining the supply chain, Fashol aims to reduce complexity, time, and costs associated with traditional distribution methods, thereby empowering farmers and improving access for consumers.

Umaro Foods focuses on creating a sustainable plant-based protein derived from ocean-farmed seaweed. The company aims to provide an alternative to traditional animal products by offering nutritious and flavorful food options, including crispy and umami-rich bacon alternatives. By leveraging seaweed farming, Umaro seeks to promote a more humane treatment of animals while also supporting environmental sustainability. The innovative approach positions seaweed as a viable and scalable source of protein, which can surpass traditional soy production, contributing to a thriving planet.

LYRO Robotics, established in 2017 and based in Eight Mile Plains, Australia, specializes in developing robotics and AI solutions for order fulfillment in warehouses and logistics. The company creates pick-and-pack robots, computer vision systems, and grippers, along with advanced algorithms, enabling robots to handle a wide range of items, including fresh produce. LYRO's robots are designed to operate intelligently, using machine learning to integrate perception and manipulation, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing waste in the supply chain, particularly in the food industry.

Exosomm is an innovative foodtech start-up focused on developing nutritional solutions derived from natural milk exosomes. The company was founded based on research from Hadassah Medical Center, led by Prof. Reif's team. Exosomm's flagship product is a specialized food formula designed for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This product utilizes a patented active anti-inflammatory ingredient sourced from milk exosomes, which are isolated using a natural and environmentally friendly process. By targeting health and immunity, Exosomm aims to provide effective solutions for individuals with specific dietary needs.

The Kawa Project is a materials science company dedicated to developing functional materials derived from food waste, with a primary focus on upcycling coffee waste. By transforming this byproduct into valuable alternatives to traditional cocoa powder, the company aims to contribute to climate change mitigation while offering clients innovative solutions for food waste management. Through its efforts, The Kawa Project seeks to create less-toxic materials that not only enhance sustainability but also provide practical applications across various industries.

TablePointer is an artificial intelligence company that provides solutions specifically designed for small and medium commercial facilities. Its end-to-end AI technology focuses on optimizing energy efficiency, monitoring operations, and managing assets. The software is particularly beneficial for decentralized commercial facilities, including those in the food and beverage industry, allowing clients to easily implement the system across multiple locations. By leveraging this technology, businesses can achieve significant energy savings and enhance their profitability while pursuing sustainability goals.

Intello Labs is a technology company that specializes in using image matching and machine learning to assess the quality of agricultural crops. It has developed an advanced analytics platform that employs artificial intelligence, computer vision, and deep learning to facilitate decision-making within the food commodities sector. The company's image recognition technology enables the grading and quality monitoring of agricultural products, providing transparency and standardization for growers, traders, retailers, and food service companies. By offering smartphone applications that utilize these image-based technologies, Intello Labs aims to reduce value risk and minimize wastage in agricultural supply chains.

LYRO Robotics, established in 2017 and based in Eight Mile Plains, Australia, specializes in developing robotics and AI solutions for order fulfillment in warehouses and logistics. The company creates pick-and-pack robots, computer vision systems, and grippers, along with advanced algorithms, enabling robots to handle a wide range of items, including fresh produce. LYRO's robots are designed to operate intelligently, using machine learning to integrate perception and manipulation, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing waste in the supply chain, particularly in the food industry.

Brightseed, Inc. is a pioneering biosciences company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. It specializes in the discovery of bioactive compounds in plants that have beneficial effects on human health, particularly for chronic disease management. Utilizing its proprietary Forager platform, which incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning, Brightseed accelerates the identification and validation of these naturally occurring compounds, transforming what was once a lengthy process into a matter of months. By mapping bioactives to specific health outcomes, Brightseed provides valuable insights and science-backed solutions to partners across the consumer health continuum. The company's innovative approach aims to illuminate the connections between nature and human health, ultimately improving quality of life and addressing health challenges through the exploration of previously uncharted plant compounds.

Mooji Meats is a sustainable food manufacturing company specializing in the production of plant-based steaks designed to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat. Utilizing a proprietary platform, Mooji Meats effectively mimics muscle structure using plant fibers, offering consumers an alternative to rib-eye steaks that delivers both indulgence and satisfaction. The company emphasizes health and environmental consciousness in its products, ensuring they are non-genetically modified organisms (GMO). Through its innovative approach, Mooji Meats aims to provide a luxurious dining experience while catering to the growing demand for sustainable food options.

LYRO Robotics, established in 2017 and based in Eight Mile Plains, Australia, specializes in developing robotics and AI solutions for order fulfillment in warehouses and logistics. The company creates pick-and-pack robots, computer vision systems, and grippers, along with advanced algorithms, enabling robots to handle a wide range of items, including fresh produce. LYRO's robots are designed to operate intelligently, using machine learning to integrate perception and manipulation, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing waste in the supply chain, particularly in the food industry.

Umaro Foods focuses on creating a sustainable plant-based protein derived from ocean-farmed seaweed. The company aims to provide an alternative to traditional animal products by offering nutritious and flavorful food options, including crispy and umami-rich bacon alternatives. By leveraging seaweed farming, Umaro seeks to promote a more humane treatment of animals while also supporting environmental sustainability. The innovative approach positions seaweed as a viable and scalable source of protein, which can surpass traditional soy production, contributing to a thriving planet.

Integriculture Inc., established in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing cellular agriculture products, focusing on clean meat and clean foie gras. The company's core business involves creating a patented large-scale cell culture system that can cultivate various cells without the need for expensive external growth factors, aiming to make clean meat more affordable and accessible. Additionally, Integriculture offers scientific visual content production services.

Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd is a company that specializes in developing and providing advanced vertical farming technology for indoor food production. Founded in 2013 and based in Dundee, United Kingdom, the company offers a plug-and-play solution that includes an indoor vertical farming demonstration facility. This facility features an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled power and communications platform, incorporating patented electrical, electronic, and mechanical technologies. Intelligent Growth Solutions is committed to creating optimal growing environments for plants and enhancing user experience through continuous innovation and effective design.

Juicy Marbles is a food-tech company specializing in the production of thick, juicy, and marbled plant-based steaks. Utilizing proprietary protein texturing technology, the company creates whole cuts of plant-based meat designed to closely resemble and taste like traditional animal-derived products. Juicy Marbles aims to provide a diverse range of meat alternatives that match the taste, price, and convenience of conventional meats, thus facilitating a shift towards healthier eating habits. The company's vision includes a commitment to significantly reduce meat consumption by 2030, contributing to a more sustainable future for the meat industry.

Ai Palette is a company that specializes in AI-driven product development solutions for the food and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors. It focuses on creating innovative product concepts that align with a brand's identity and existing portfolio. The company leverages insights from millions of digital conversations combined with proprietary company data to identify consumer needs and trends. Utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, natural language processing, and image recognition, Ai Palette's platform aids FMCG companies in determining the most promising product launches, thereby enhancing their chances of market success. Through its technology, Ai Palette addresses unmet consumer demands and supports businesses in developing products that resonate with their target audience.

Ganaz Inc. is a public benefit corporation that specializes in workforce management solutions tailored for the agriculture and food manufacturing sectors. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company offers a platform that connects farmers and agribusinesses with farm workers. This application streamlines communication by allowing employers to send work-related updates, manage individual conversations, and automatically translate messages, facilitating effective interaction across language barriers. Additionally, the platform aids in recruiting, onboarding, training, and paying workers, ultimately helping employers save time, effort, and resources in managing their workforce.

Brightseed, Inc. is a pioneering biosciences company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. It specializes in the discovery of bioactive compounds in plants that have beneficial effects on human health, particularly for chronic disease management. Utilizing its proprietary Forager platform, which incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning, Brightseed accelerates the identification and validation of these naturally occurring compounds, transforming what was once a lengthy process into a matter of months. By mapping bioactives to specific health outcomes, Brightseed provides valuable insights and science-backed solutions to partners across the consumer health continuum. The company's innovative approach aims to illuminate the connections between nature and human health, ultimately improving quality of life and addressing health challenges through the exploration of previously uncharted plant compounds.

Integriculture Inc., established in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing cellular agriculture products, focusing on clean meat and clean foie gras. The company's core business involves creating a patented large-scale cell culture system that can cultivate various cells without the need for expensive external growth factors, aiming to make clean meat more affordable and accessible. Additionally, Integriculture offers scientific visual content production services.

Alpha Foods is a company specializing in the production of plant-based food products, emphasizing taste, texture, and sustainability. Founded in 2015, it is committed to providing delicious meat alternatives that are derived from non-dairy and non-genetically modified organisms ingredients. The company focuses on helping consumers maintain their health by offering cholesterol-free food options with enhanced protein content. Alpha Foods aims to create convenient, flavorful meals that reflect a return to a healthier diet while promoting sustainable practices within the food industry.

Hyphen specializes in automating culinary operations for the restaurant and foodservice industry. The company develops a food technology solution aimed at reducing the cost of fresh food through the use of robotics. Their technology features modular hardware and reprogrammable software, which employs computer vision technology to assist restaurants in managing peak hours during lunch and dinner, while also preventing human errors in food preparation.

Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd is a company that specializes in developing and providing advanced vertical farming technology for indoor food production. Founded in 2013 and based in Dundee, United Kingdom, the company offers a plug-and-play solution that includes an indoor vertical farming demonstration facility. This facility features an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled power and communications platform, incorporating patented electrical, electronic, and mechanical technologies. Intelligent Growth Solutions is committed to creating optimal growing environments for plants and enhancing user experience through continuous innovation and effective design.

Chinova Bioworks Inc. is a Canadian company established in 2016, specializing in the development of natural antimicrobials for the beverage industry. Based in Fredericton, the company utilizes a chitosan polymer derived from fungal-sourced technology, specifically natural fibers from mushrooms. This innovative antimicrobial offers broad-spectrum protection against spoilage, effectively enhancing the shelf life of fresh juices and other products. Chinova's preservative is recognized for being a natural and healthy ingredient, making it suitable for use not only in foods and beverages but also in cosmetics and personal care items. By providing solutions that improve quality and freshness while reducing food waste, Chinova Bioworks aims to increase consumer satisfaction and support manufacturers in their efforts to deliver premium products.

Ai Palette is a company that specializes in AI-driven product development solutions for the food and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors. It focuses on creating innovative product concepts that align with a brand's identity and existing portfolio. The company leverages insights from millions of digital conversations combined with proprietary company data to identify consumer needs and trends. Utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, natural language processing, and image recognition, Ai Palette's platform aids FMCG companies in determining the most promising product launches, thereby enhancing their chances of market success. Through its technology, Ai Palette addresses unmet consumer demands and supports businesses in developing products that resonate with their target audience.

Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd is a company that specializes in developing and providing advanced vertical farming technology for indoor food production. Founded in 2013 and based in Dundee, United Kingdom, the company offers a plug-and-play solution that includes an indoor vertical farming demonstration facility. This facility features an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled power and communications platform, incorporating patented electrical, electronic, and mechanical technologies. Intelligent Growth Solutions is committed to creating optimal growing environments for plants and enhancing user experience through continuous innovation and effective design.

Chinova Bioworks Inc. is a Canadian company established in 2016, specializing in the development of natural antimicrobials for the beverage industry. Based in Fredericton, the company utilizes a chitosan polymer derived from fungal-sourced technology, specifically natural fibers from mushrooms. This innovative antimicrobial offers broad-spectrum protection against spoilage, effectively enhancing the shelf life of fresh juices and other products. Chinova's preservative is recognized for being a natural and healthy ingredient, making it suitable for use not only in foods and beverages but also in cosmetics and personal care items. By providing solutions that improve quality and freshness while reducing food waste, Chinova Bioworks aims to increase consumer satisfaction and support manufacturers in their efforts to deliver premium products.

Connecterra is a technology company specializing in the dairy industry. It develops software that employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to transform raw data into actionable insights, enhancing farm productivity and sustainability. The company's core product, the Intelligent Dairy Farmer's Assistant, uses sensors and AI to identify issues on farms, recommend solutions, and support farmers in transitioning to more sustainable practices. This not only benefits farmers but also their industry partners, such as dairy processors, animal feed, and genetic companies. Connecterra's ultimate goal is to enable more productive, humane, and sustainable use of Earth's natural resources, feeding future generations while minimizing environmental impact.