MassChallenge

MassChallenge is a non-equity startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK. Founded in 2009, it focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting high-potential startups across various industries globally. MassChallenge provides expert mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and access to corporate partners without taking any equity from the startups. Its programs, including specialized initiatives like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, aim to facilitate partnerships between startups and established companies to drive innovation and growth. To date, MassChallenge has helped over 1,200 alumni raise more than $2 billion in funding and create over 65,000 jobs, demonstrating its significant impact on the global innovation ecosystem.

Cait Brumme

Acting CEO

Cait Brumme

Managing Partner

Siobhan Dullea

CEO

Matt Lashmar

Managing Director

Camila Lecaros

Managing Director

Yonit Serkin

Managing Director

Devon Sherman

Founding Director, Head of MassChallenge FinTech

Michelle Williams

Vice President and Head of Texas Strategy

Past deals in Agriculture

Algdeha

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Algdeha specializes in sustainable biotechnology solutions aimed at industries reliant on fish-based products. The company focuses on developing innovative methods for large-scale algae production, utilizing natural resources such as wave energy, sunlight, and ambient heat to minimize costs. By providing an alternative to traditional animal feed derived from fish, Algdeha's approach supports sustainability and reduces the environmental impact associated with fish dependency in animal agriculture.

Costa Rica Insect Company

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
We create healthy and sustainable solutions for the world based on insects. A very nutritive and eco friendly food source. Currently we are using about 50% of the habitable land for agriculture and the livestock industry is the major contributor to CO2 emisions, but In just 30 years the amount of food available will not be enough for the world`s population. By making healthy, and tasty products from insect powder such as flour for bread, cake mix, and even protein shakes, we are able to reduce the amount of livestock usage and also provide a sustainable and scalable solution. Our business model is based on 3 keypoints: >Mass and Standarized Production which is possible using our insect incubator (which is patent pending) >Sustainable and efficient Production since Costa Rica has the perfect weather conditions, >And our Partner Program to provide jobs and income to the poorest sectors of Costa Rican society. Our partner program is supported by BID Lab and Fundecooperación who are helping us deliver the program on a national scale. Costa Rica Insect Company and we Save the World Eating Bugs!

DTA-Agrícola

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
DTA-Agrícola is a modular solution that automates traditional agricultural equipment, optimizes parcel management, increases productivity, and reduces risks associated with chemical and physical factors, based on the use of Artificial Intelligence and Data Mining. It does not require a large investment by the farmer, it allows real-time monitoring and control of irrigation systems. Which implies an increase in quality, saving natural resources and agricultural inputs.

GreenBTS

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
GreenBTS specializes in high-tech solutions for agriculture, focusing on the manufacturing of organic biofertilizers and biopesticides. The company's products are designed to enhance urban farming, plant care, and food production by protecting crops from pests and diseases. With specially formulated ingredients tailored to different crop types, GreenBTS aims to improve growth and quality, helping farmers to maintain their crops effectively until the harvest.

NjordFrey

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
NjordFrey provides aquaponic starter kits, seasonal input product lines (seeds and fingerlings), and operational training to developing farmers, allowing them to become independent. It also provides stakeholder mapping and tailored routes to market for farmers we work with. Therefore, both the technology and commercial model is innovative and new to farmers.

Lepidext

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Lepidext specializes in managing populations of Lepidoptera pests through the development of species-specific bio-pesticides. Founded in 2015 by Angelika Fath-Goodin and Bruce Webb in Lexington, Kentucky, the company aims to enhance crop security and promote agricultural prosperity. By leveraging a deep understanding of insect biology alongside farmers' expertise, Lepidext provides safe and effective pest control solutions that reduce reliance on genetically modified plants and chemical pesticides. Their technology specifically targets the corn earworm and other harmful insects, offering an innovative approach to pest management that is user-friendly and environmentally responsible.

Freshspire

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Freshspire is a mission-driven company based in Raleigh, NC dedicated to using strong technology to empower food communities.

NILE AGRO VALUE CHAIN

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Nile Agro Value Chain is an agribusiness startup in agriculture that identifies the set of actors and activities that bring a basic agricultural product from production in the field to final consumption, where at each stage value is added to the product. Nile Agro value Chain achieves this through vertical linking or a network between various independent business organizations and by involving them into food processing, packaging, storage, transport and distribution. The startup also engage in traditional agricultural value chains by generally through spot market transactions involving a large number of small retailers and producers. The venture also characterize agriculture value chain by vertical coordination, consolidation of the supply base, agro-industrial processing and use of standards throughout the chain. The venture achieves its mission in agriculture value chain through agricultural mechanization, traditional farming, farm portfolio investments, interstate trade of agricultural commodities, online trade of food produce through its online marketplace, aggregating farmers into a multipurpose cooperative society, linking farmers to off-takers, contract farming, food processing, providing extension services and collaborating with different stakeholders in the agriculture value chain in Uganda,Africa and beyond. We are currently working with over 1,200 farmers in Ibanda District aggregated or organized under our farmers groups and cooperative society.

Boundless Robotics

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Building the largest distributed hydroponics farm in the world via robotics and AI

AgZen

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
AgZen is a company focused on developing innovative pesticide sprays that enhance the efficacy of agricultural chemicals while minimizing environmental impact. Their patented, food-safe additives and retrofits for sprayers allow pesticide droplets to adhere more effectively to plants. This technology enables farmers to achieve the same level of protection with significantly lower volumes of pesticides, thereby reducing pollution associated with agricultural practices. By optimizing pesticide application, AgZen supports farmers in maintaining plant health and yield while promoting sustainable farming methods.

Vertum Technologies

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Vertum Technologies designs & builds robotic farming assistants that help indoor farmers increase yield and improve environmental sustainability.

Organifarms

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Organifarms specializes in the development of innovative harvesting robots tailored for greenhouses and vertical farms. These robots address significant challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly the labor shortage and escalating labor costs faced by growers. By automating critical processes such as harvesting, quality control, and monitoring, Organifarms enables efficient cultivation of labor-intensive crops in indoor farming environments. Their technology not only enhances productivity but also supports sustainable farming practices by allowing for pesticide-free cultivation methods. Through these advancements, Organifarms aims to provide growers with effective tools to improve profitability and streamline operations in the evolving landscape of agriculture.

Green and Seed

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Green and Seed Corporation innovates rice farming by growing rice outside of the water without sacrificing yield by using the weeding and moisturizing functions of biodegradable films.

Zowasel

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Zowasel is helping growers and agribusinesses solve the two deepest pain points in the agricultural industry: access to immediate working capital financing and market within 24 hours. Our solution is at the convergence of tech, finance, and agriculture. Launched at the Founder Institute Lagos, we’re raising funds to create Africa's first online commodity trading platform for grains and cash crops, we have built an alternative financial solution for growers and agribusinesses to grow their trade and improve their livelihoods. The Founder Institute portfolio company uses blockchain to secure an end-to-end transparent pricing and AI to significantly speed up loan process under 24hrs at a reduced rates, against banks that takes months to process loans. In return, Zowasel receives a commission of 5% for commodities sold on its platform and charges an interest rate of 5% on working capital loans disbursed.

Poultry Farmers Management Systems

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Poultry farming Management system provides quality animal feed, expert training, Poultry Construction while monitoring & evaluating small/medium scale poultry farmers in Cameroon while facilitating farmers to gain certification with the government for protection and compensation in case of an outbreak (Bird Flu). Due to lack of Veterinary personnel’s, we develop SAVE OUR CHICKENS App which uses Artificial intelligence (AI) to perform instant disease diagnosis by scanning Poultry Farmers chicken’s droppings; screens and analyzed the DNA/RNA to display the results and prescribes the needed treatment by matching the confirmed diagnosis on a smart phone to over 1260 farmers in our database. The App efficiently identifies and discretely recognizes while evaluating the examined images to optimized the diagnosis with more than 95 percent accuracy. The app performed similar to a well-trained veterinarian, and generates decision on each case with referred for treatment within 30 seconds. It’s able to review more than 200,000 scans conducted the same time within a minute and solves the problems of increasing mortalities which confirms 1 out of every 50 chicken now dies a natural death. This promotes decent work for farmers with our pay -as-you-go revenue model of $1 USD per diagnosis.

Microbe Plus

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Microbe Plus specializes in the development of innovative microbiological bio-products aimed at enhancing plant growth and protection. The company manufactures multi-strain probiotics for plants, which are formulated to safeguard crops against a wide range of pathogens, including diseases and pests. By utilizing carefully selected beneficial bacteria, Microbe Plus seeks to increase crop yields while minimizing the need for synthetic pesticides. Their mission is to create efficient and cost-effective solutions that support the health of various plants, including crops, orchards, flowers, and ornamental species, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

ClearLeaf

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
ClearLeaf uses patent-pending technology, organic certified in the EU and Japan, to control and manage a wide range of harmful pests while maintaining natural balances on the farm, protecting farmers and consumers. ClearLeaf currently has pre- and post-harvest solutions for the coffee, banana, multiple vegetables, melon, sugar cane, strawberries and flower sectors. GotaBlanca® is currently sold online in Costa Rica since launching its direct sales program in 2020. Our first product line, GotaBlanca®, is a line of non-toxic contact-action liquid emulsions that uses surface chemistry and colloidal technology to enhance plant growth through the control and management of fungal and bacterial diseases.

MycoNourish

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
MycoNourish specializes in the development of beneficial microbes tailored for specific crops, aiming to enhance agricultural production and add value for growers. By leveraging beneficial fungi that work in symbiosis with various crops, the company improves both yield and quality. MycoNourish focuses on customizing advanced strains of microbes to meet the unique needs of different crops, thereby enabling farmers to cultivate healthier produce. This innovative approach not only supports increased agricultural efficiency but also addresses challenges related to food wastage.

Reazent

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Reazent, Inc. is an agricultural technology company based in Halifax, Canada, founded in 2018. The company specializes in developing biological-based organic alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals, aiming to provide safe and natural products for agricultural applications. Reazent focuses on enhancing plant growth, yield, and stress resistance, addressing a variety of fungal diseases that affect leafy fruits and vegetables. By offering these innovative solutions, Reazent supports farmers in managing crop disease, improving yield, and increasing their return on investment, while promoting more sustainable and economically viable agricultural practices.

Ullmanna

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Ullmanna is focused on enhancing organic food production through the development of a smart weeding machine that employs robotics and artificial intelligence. This innovative technology enables the identification and mechanical removal of weeds, allowing farmers to cultivate crops over larger areas without the need for increased manual labor. By reducing reliance on pesticides, Ullmanna aims to make conventional farming practices more sustainable while promoting the growth of organic crops.

PickApp

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Utilizing proprietary and ingenious smartphone technology, PickApp Farming is a software development and service provider company that focuses on agriculture, and specializes in providing managerial solutions to the labor-intensive segment of the agricultural industry. Our innovative product “PickApp” has already gained dramatic profit improvements for our existing customers, and is predicted to grow exponentially! As of July 2019, we have over 200 medium and large-size farmers most of them in Israel. We're here to get help and expand internationally! PickApp is a software system that is comprised of a smartphone application, a web portal as well as few other programs. Our app is used in the field by farm workers, supervisors, and quality assurance personnel in order to input data in the most simplistic and user-friendly fashion, and designed to minimize time spent by workers as a whole. The app currently utilizes both GPS and bar code scanning in order to associate various farm entities with both different workers and agro-technical operations. The modern portal aspect of the product is the command & control center which is utilized by the farm managers. It provides real-time information as to the progress of work on the farm, as well as providing various analytics and statistics on both the present and past.

SAYeTECH

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
SAYeTECH is a Limited Liability company focused on designing and manufacturing smart agricultural machinery tailored for African conditions. The company aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by providing a range of services, including industrialization and direct service provision. In addition to manufacturing, SAYeTECH offers machine monitoring software that enables users to track and optimize the performance of agricultural equipment. To further support the agricultural sector, SAYeTECH also provides fabrication training and computer-aided design services, contributing to the development of the manufacturing industry and empowering organizations across the region.

SunDo

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
SunDo is an agriculture community platform that connects farmers and volunteers for a substantial collaborative working and creates a social impact. SunDo was founded in 2010 by Yaron Waxman.

PickApp

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Utilizing proprietary and ingenious smartphone technology, PickApp Farming is a software development and service provider company that focuses on agriculture, and specializes in providing managerial solutions to the labor-intensive segment of the agricultural industry. Our innovative product “PickApp” has already gained dramatic profit improvements for our existing customers, and is predicted to grow exponentially! As of July 2019, we have over 200 medium and large-size farmers most of them in Israel. We're here to get help and expand internationally! PickApp is a software system that is comprised of a smartphone application, a web portal as well as few other programs. Our app is used in the field by farm workers, supervisors, and quality assurance personnel in order to input data in the most simplistic and user-friendly fashion, and designed to minimize time spent by workers as a whole. The app currently utilizes both GPS and bar code scanning in order to associate various farm entities with both different workers and agro-technical operations. The modern portal aspect of the product is the command & control center which is utilized by the farm managers. It provides real-time information as to the progress of work on the farm, as well as providing various analytics and statistics on both the present and past.

EcoPhage

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
EcoPhage, a biotech company, leverages a disruptive technology for using viruses that attack bacteria (bacteriophages) for crop protection. Its unique approach allows for high throughput screening and cocktail optimization to deliver the most efficient and efficacious phage-based products in crop protection. Farmers’ need for effective, environmentally friendly solutions to combat bacterial diseases in crops prompted the effort to seek additional approaches. Bacteriophages have been recognized as natural enemies of bacteria for decades; yet, there has been a lack of technology for pinpointing the “right” phage combination to effectively fight disease, which inhibited acceptance for applications in agriculture. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in Ness Ziona, Israel.

Caulys

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Developer of indoor greenhouse tool-kits designed to bring agriculture to the heart of cities so that agricultural products can be within everyone's reach. The company's toolkits require less transport, low energy consumption, less waste, no pesticides, and no GMOs, enabling users to produce fruits and vegetables directly at home with fewer minutes per week of gardening.

Agrolabs

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Agrolabs Limited specializes in developing sensor telemetry solutions for horticultural farmers, focusing on enhancing greenhouse productivity and efficiency. Established in 2017 and headquartered in London, with additional offices in Hong Kong and Dnipro, Ukraine, the company offers products like Agrolabs W-Sens, which provides real-time analytics on crop growth performance, and Agrolabs B-Control, designed to enhance pollination through automated controls and bee activity monitoring. Utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) and predictive analytics, Agrolabs enables farmers to gain insights into crop data, thus facilitating informed decision-making. By integrating robotics and artificial intelligence into traditional growing practices, Agrolabs aims to improve cost efficiency, yield quality, and overall crop refinement, allowing farmers to have comprehensive control over their growing processes.

Solidrip

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
SoliDrip develops a groundbreaking new technology that grants plants the control of irrigation. Our solution is an autonomous irrigation system, designed to support gardens at any scale, outdoor and indoor. Our system always provides the optimal amount of water for each plant and automatically adjusts to any environmental changes. Our technology saves a substantial amount of clean water, prevents water runoff damages, and dramatically reduces gardens' maintenance cost. The SoliDrip system is easy to install, needs no maintenance nor electricity.

SenseGrass

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
SenseGrass, Inc. is a technology company specializing in Internet of Things devices and artificial intelligence solutions for agriculture. Founded in 2017 and based in Fremont, California, SenseGrass develops a soil intelligence platform that integrates multispectral cameras and aerial drone sensors for effective farm management. The company's offerings include tools for nutrient and carbon management, process automation, and crop monitoring, which help farmers optimize fertilizer usage and improve crop yields. Its solutions cater to a diverse clientele, including farming companies, farmland owners, crop insurance providers, government departments, and various agricultural sectors such as vertical farming and animal husbandry. By leveraging advanced technologies like nano-satellite mapping and mobile applications, SenseGrass aims to enhance sustainable farming practices and overall plant health management.

UAV-IQ

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
UAV-IQ, which stands for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Intelligence, helps growers easily and profitably adopt some of the most advanced agricultural technology. We are an AgriTech company that leverages deep experience in large-scale drone operations and precision agriculture to develop and scale solutions for growers. The company now offers drone-based biological control (or “biocontrol”) service, a revolutionary integrated pest management (IPM) service that uses drones to efficiently release beneficial insects to control pest populations as an effective alternative to pesticides. We currently provide this service in California, and are underway in our plans to make it available in new markets in the near future. We started off as one of the first companies authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct commercial drone operations to provide crop scouting services for California vineyards, and have since grown to the point where the platform and software we built to serve our own customers has been used by drone operators on five continents to serve local growers. UAV-IQ now stands poised to scale a groundbreaking new service after a successful first year of commercial service in California. This initiative is drone-based biological control (“biocontrol”) service, a revolutionary integrated pest management (“IPM”) service that uses drones to efficiently release beneficial insects to control pest populations as an effective alternative to pesticides. Partnered with the world’s largest multinational company in the $3.8B agricultural biocontrol industry, we are underway in our plans to make this service available in new markets throughout the U.S. and beyond. We have a well-balanced team with strength in critical areas. Andreas Neuman, the CEO, was Assistant Director of Operations for the US Air Force’s first squadron operating the Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), which carries the most sophisticated remote sensing equipment in operation. He has successfully led multidisciplinary teams in both his civilian and military careers and has routinely been entrusted with assets valued at over $200 million and the completion of multi-million-dollar projects. He has identified and solved complex and evolving regulatory and technical issues that led to a six-fold increase in mission capability by defining and implementing new programs and policies. After separating from the military, he gained experience in the startup world as an analyst for Tech Coast Angels and earned his MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA, building on credentials that include a BA in economics from Columbia University and an MA in International Relations from American Military University. Vice President of Agriculture, Robert “Bob” Starnes, joins the company with a renowned record of developing and applying innovative agriculture technology in world-class academic institutions as well as successful commercial ventures. Before joining the company, Bob was the Senior Superintendent of Agriculture at UC Davis in the Entomology Department for 15 years. While there, he managed a research lab that studied integrated pest management and remote sensing in agriculture and also founded Shale Peak Horticulture, a company offering customized biological pest management solutions to growers as an alternative to using pesticides. Thomas Grandperrin is our Director of Business Development. He has Masters Degrees in management from ESEC Barcelona and Toulouse Business School and is an alum of Start-Up Chile, where he met the UAV-IQ team. Originally from France and fluent in three languages, he has spent the last 10 years working in agriculture focusing on developing new technologies in India, Argentina, California, and Chile. He is now based out of Barcelona, Spain where he is focused on building awareness for UAV-IQ’s services and preparing for expansion into the EU. Michael Clark is an accomplished database engineer and strategist who brings expertise to the backbone of the product—its enterprise architecture. He also provides programming and developing skills which have already borne results for UAV-IQ as it builds its platforms. UAV-IQ has graduated from prominent business accelerator programs and has been advised by key faculty members and researchers at UC Davis to gain unique access to their industry-leading expertise. It has gained several prestigious awards including the Food + City Challenge at South by Southwest (SXSW), and media attention from major outlets such as CNN and AgFunder. As a result, UAV-IQ has solidified itself as a leader in an emerging industry, specializing in bridging the gap between drone flight service providers and the agriculture industry. Our goal is to continue growing UAV-IQ into an agriculture technology company that provides the infrastructure, platform, analytics and tools necessary to tackle complex agronomic, farm management and pest control challenges. Using a globally accessible cloud-based infrastructure, UAV-IQ will form the central hub for decision-makers and service providers responsible for profitably producing high-value agriculture.

En Solución

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Developer of nanotechnology designed for the agriculture industry. The company's technology improves food safety through the development of novel methods for cleaning and sanitizing, enabling clients with the feasibility of employing nanotechnology to replace traditional post-harvest chlorine wash.

Icownect

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Developer of a herd management platform designed to provide complete and reliable livestock data. The company's platform provides livestock data featuring schedules, animal health, reproduction and diagnosis, performance monitoring, genetics, dairy forecasting, feeding, ration lots creation, reports, and animal and milk selling, enabling farmers to effectively manage farm resources with the use of suitable breeding data.

Cleverfarm

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
CleverFarm is a developer of a comprehensive web application tailored for farm management, catering to operations of all sizes. The platform provides a clear visualization of farms on a map, allowing users to monitor compliance with agricultural regulations such as the nitrates directive. It facilitates the creation of variable application maps for fertilization and sowing, automates the generation of lease agreements, and recalculates lease amounts. By offering these features, CleverFarm enables cost-effective management of agricultural operations while enhancing productivity and yields. Additionally, the platform contributes to environmental protection through its emphasis on sustainable practices.

Agrorobotica

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Developer of precision agriculture and farming management systems designed for monitoring parasitic insects. The company's systems offer pest traps to be installed in the field that can photograph, recognize and count harmful insects and transmit the results obtained in real-time via smartphone and website, enabling farmers to monitor the state and health of crops and integrate control of their farms.

Verqor

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Verqor is a financial technology platform that aims to transform the agricultural sector by facilitating access to cashless credit for farmers. Through its innovative platform, farmers can purchase supplies and machinery on credit, enabling them to enhance their productivity. Verqor employs alternative data-driven credit scoring methods to promote financial inclusion, allowing financial institutions to issue low-risk credits based on a more comprehensive assessment of farmers' creditworthiness. Additionally, the platform fosters connections among various stakeholders in the agriculture industry, including buyers, sellers, and financial institutions, improving transparency and control within the supply chain. By leveraging technology and alternative financing solutions, Verqor supports farmers in optimizing their operations and accessing essential resources.

ImagoAI

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
ImagoAI provides agri-food quality decision system using Artificial Intelligence. The AI powered system helps in delivering consistent food quality, generate premium products, and prevent supply chain waste. Companies use our technology to increase revenues, reduce food loss, and prevent product recalls.

Caulys

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Developer of indoor greenhouse tool-kits designed to bring agriculture to the heart of cities so that agricultural products can be within everyone's reach. The company's toolkits require less transport, low energy consumption, less waste, no pesticides, and no GMOs, enabling users to produce fruits and vegetables directly at home with fewer minutes per week of gardening.

Lentera Africa

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Lentera Africa offers a comprehensive solution for farmers by providing satellite-based crop health analysis and climate-smart agricultural inputs. The company utilizes remote sensors to gather and transmit environmental data, including satellite and drone imagery, which helps monitor crop health and predict yields for various crops. This data is valuable not only to farmers but also to agribusinesses, banks, and insurance companies, as it supports enhanced farm productivity and enables adaptation to climate change. By promoting precision agriculture and conservation practices, Lentera aims to improve agricultural outcomes and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

AgroBeads

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
AgroBeads is a combine water and nutrients on a single biodegradable product.

Heliponix

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Scott Massey met Ivan Ball while working together on a NASA funded research project at Purdue University in an effort to create life support systems for future space colonies. What started as an introduction to an the innovating technology of hydroponics, left them both wondering why there was not a standard, aeroponic device for consumers to grow their own produce. After extensively researching patents of existing systems on the market, Scott and Ivan realized that the design they were drawing out on napkins had not yet been conceived. It was at that moment, Heliponix™ (formerly Hydro Grow) was founded. What started as a dream for these young engineers who wanted to make a difference in the world became a literal kitchen startup in an apartment on campus at Purdue University as Ivan and Scott built their initial prototypes which were funded by working night shifts as full-time students.

Heliponix

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Scott Massey met Ivan Ball while working together on a NASA funded research project at Purdue University in an effort to create life support systems for future space colonies. What started as an introduction to an the innovating technology of hydroponics, left them both wondering why there was not a standard, aeroponic device for consumers to grow their own produce. After extensively researching patents of existing systems on the market, Scott and Ivan realized that the design they were drawing out on napkins had not yet been conceived. It was at that moment, Heliponix™ (formerly Hydro Grow) was founded. What started as a dream for these young engineers who wanted to make a difference in the world became a literal kitchen startup in an apartment on campus at Purdue University as Ivan and Scott built their initial prototypes which were funded by working night shifts as full-time students.

Planted

Grant in 2019
Planted Foods AG is a Swiss company specializing in the development of plant-based meat alternatives, including products such as planted chicken and BBQ planted chicken. Founded in 2019 and based in Zürich, the company utilizes pea protein, pea fiber, sunflower oil, and water to replicate the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of traditional animal meat. By focusing on high-quality, natural ingredients, Planted Foods aims to deliver nutritious, high-protein products that appeal to consumers seeking plant-based options. In addition to its product offerings, the company operates an e-commerce platform to facilitate direct sales to customers.

goTeff

Grant in 2019
Producer of teff cereal intended to empower teff farmers. The company offers superfoods that are made from teff which is from Ethiopia, enabling customers to get nutrition and endurance.

Roper

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Roper provides ranchers with real-time decision support to optimize beef cattle health and productivity using a solar-powered, GPS-enabled health wearable and companion mobile app. GPS-steered tractors revolutionized farming and now we're using this same concept to revolutionize beef production. And we're taking it to the next level with health monitoring and predictive analytics, so ranchers can maximize herd fertility and nutrition, sustainably manage grazing, and pinpoint cattle that are sick or distressed.

SenseGrass

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
SenseGrass, Inc. is a technology company specializing in Internet of Things devices and artificial intelligence solutions for agriculture. Founded in 2017 and based in Fremont, California, SenseGrass develops a soil intelligence platform that integrates multispectral cameras and aerial drone sensors for effective farm management. The company's offerings include tools for nutrient and carbon management, process automation, and crop monitoring, which help farmers optimize fertilizer usage and improve crop yields. Its solutions cater to a diverse clientele, including farming companies, farmland owners, crop insurance providers, government departments, and various agricultural sectors such as vertical farming and animal husbandry. By leveraging advanced technologies like nano-satellite mapping and mobile applications, SenseGrass aims to enhance sustainable farming practices and overall plant health management.

Agrowave

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Agrowave is a provider of agricultural services focused on creating an efficient farm-to-market mobility supply chain. The company operates a network of mobile pickup stations at farm gates, allowing farmers to sell their produce directly from their locations. Agrowave offers customized sorting, grading, and packaging services to ensure quality, alongside providing comprehensive logistics support. With a technology-driven approach, the company simplifies the first-mile logistics process, enabling farmers to complete transactions with minimal effort and facilitating easier access to markets for their products.

SolGro

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Developer of greenhouse canopies designed to increase crop production. The company's products embed advanced nano-materials into greenhouse glazing to convert wasted sunlight into usable light for increased plant photosynthesis, enabling farmers to decrease harvest time, increase crop yields and improve the overall quality of their produce.

Amvicube

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Developer of a paddy quality testing machine intended to properly determine rice without de-husking it. The company's machines facilitate test paddy quality for the presence of internal cracks, admixtures, and chalkiness in paddy and provide results, reports, and detailed analytics through SMS and emails, enabling farmers to segregate the rice produce with precision.

Agricompas

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Developer of an agricultural data analytics platform designed to provide deep knowledge to growers and decision support to stakeholders. The company's platform collects and processes data and knowledge of essential economic, technical, social and environmental processes essential in agricultural production systems, enabling farmers to increase productivity and profitability while reducing environmental impact and improving socio-economic conditions.

Arva Intelligence

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Developer of an agricultural intelligence platform designed for profitable and sustainable agriculture. The company's system offers AI-powered predictive analytics, environmentally matched seed selection, and industry reports, enabling farmers to enhance the economic profitability of the agricultural supply chain and the environmental health of farmland.

Fresh.Land

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Fresh.Land is a digital platform designed to connect farmers directly with consumers, enabling the sale of fresh fruit and vegetables without the involvement of middlemen. This innovative approach allows farmers to sell their harvests directly to retailers, significantly reducing the time it takes for produce to reach stores—from months to just a few days. By streamlining the supply chain, Fresh.Land significantly lowers carbon emissions, food waste, and the use of chemicals in food production. The platform provides farmers with the necessary digital infrastructure and expertise, fostering a more sustainable food industry while ensuring that consumers receive high-quality, fresh produce straight from the farm.

Hexagro

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Hexagro Urban Farming develops modular, scalable and automated vertical gardens to grow healthy food into any interior We envision a future where anybody, anywhere will access healthy food. And we are doing our part by reconnecting people to Nature with vertical farming experiences.

VerdiLife

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Manufacturer of agricultural chemicals intended to make the planet healthier by replacing chemicals used in conventional agriculture. The company's chemicals are used to stimulate plant and vegetable growth, improve absorption of nutrients through the roots, strengthen photosynthesis, and increase the number of useful microbes, enabling farmers to increase their crop product and quality.

Clean Crop Technologies

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Clean Crop Technologies, Inc. specializes in innovative food processing technology aimed at reducing molds, toxins, and pests in grains and nuts. By utilizing a method that combines air and electricity to create ionized gases, the company effectively removes harmful substances without compromising food quality. This technology not only eliminates molds and pests but also extends the shelf life of perishable foods. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Haydenville, Massachusetts, Clean Crop Technologies is focused on translating advanced research into commercial-scale solutions for the global grain and nut industries.

GammaSeed

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
GammaSeed is an agriculture company that utilizes seed genetic sorting and In-Line Seed Genetic Purity Screening. It allows producers to upgrade their disqualified seed batches by cleaning them to the desired commercial level. The company was founded by Itay Yogev and is headquartered in Nir Galim, Israel.

Nuup

Grant in 2018
Provider of technology, consulting, and partnership services intended to help farmers accelerate the transition to sustainable and inclusive food and agriculture production and trade models. The company's platform offers services in four key areas: agronomic and regenerative solutions, fairer, more transparent, and direct value chains, digital tools and data, and mixed financing with impact, enabling small-scale producers to improve their decision-making, strengthen their production practices, become more efficient, and improve their competitiveness in the market.

BlueTrace

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Oyster Tracker makes the aquaculture industry more profitable with a SAAS based farm management system. The company is starting with the 2,300 oyster farms in the $1.4 billion US aquaculture industry. The global industry presents a much larger opportunity. Oyster Tracker was founded in 2018 and based in Castine, Maine.

Traive

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Traive Inc. operates an online lending platform that connects farmers with lenders, facilitating access to credit in the agricultural sector. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with additional offices in São Paulo, Minneapolis, and Boston, Traive employs machine learning and big data to assess credit risk. The platform evaluates farmers' credit profiles using a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional credit scores, incorporating factors such as agronomic performance and market risks. This innovative analysis provides lenders with a diversified portfolio of borrowers while offering farmers more affordable funding options and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. By leveraging advanced technology, Traive aims to enhance financial accessibility within the agricultural industry.

Augmenta

Grant in 2018
Augmenta started its operations at the start of 2017, in Athens, Greece, by George Varvarelis and Dimitris Evangelopoulos, both farmers and embedded systems engineers and offers an Artificial Intelligence based solution comprised of a hardware device and a web platform, to any farmer, anywhere in the world that wants to have the best possible efficiency for every inch of his land and ultimately increase his seasonal net income. Augmenta’s “Field Analyzer”, is a plug and play device that can be attached to any tractor and can determine the amount of fertilizers, fungicides and pesticides that every inch of the farm needs to reach to its full potential, all in real-time. Furthermore, Field Analyzer is capable of controlling agricultural machinery (e.g. fertilizer spreaders) also in real-time, applying the optimal amount of chemicals into every inch of the farm completely automatically and without the farmer lifting a finger. Finally, the farmer can use Augmenta’s field-viewer, the company’s easy to use web platform, to observe the progression of his field through visual data analytics which help him keep track of the results of Augmenta’s real time operation but also assist him on making data-driven, customized decisions for the future, in a farm level scale and not in a generic geographical (county or even state/country) level scale which is the norm today. Augmenta has completed successfully 2 years of pilots, in 24 fields having staggering results and is currently conducting data-based pilots with food companies like Barilla and partnered with NVIDIA for the development of its cutting edge deep learning device.

GrubTubs

Grant in 2018
GrubTubs is dedicated to reconnecting communities with local family farms.

Simbiótica Labs

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Developer of biological technology designed to increase the productivity of crops. The company creates organic products with the aim of optimizing the absorption of nutrients by plants without causing damage to the earth by revitalizing the root ecosystem and promoting synergy between the microorganisms, enabling clients to potentiate the crop yields.

Haystack Ag

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Haystack Ag supports growers and global carbon markets with tools for high-accuracy, cost-effective soil carbon measurement.

AKUA

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
AKUA is a New York-based company that specializes in manufacturing protein snack foods derived from organic ingredients sourced through regenerative aquaculture. Founded in 2015, the company primarily sells its products online, focusing on delivering nutritious and sustainable food options to consumers.

Kestrel Agritech

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Developer of surveillance drones designed to monitor crop growth. The company's drones provide automated pest detection and control using real-time thermal surveillance, enabling farmers to avoid crop loss.

Eleis Farm

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Producer of red palm intended to grow African diaspora. The company's oil is made by mixing traditional fermentation techniques and low-cost mechanization which provides quality staple food while reducing environmental impact and hardship, enabling smallholder farmers to increase their yield while reducing their impact on the environment.

Selina Wamucii

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Developer of a mobile platform designed to deal with the challenges that small-holder farmers have in accessing markets. The company's platform shortens the agricultural supply chain in Kenya, reducing food wastage and boosting farmers' incomes and passes efficiency savings on to both smallholder farmers and buyers, while ensuring a greater proportion of fresh produce reaches the market, enabling buyers and exporters to source fresh produce directly from smallholder farmers, even without access to the internet.

Intello Labs

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Intello Labs (India) Pvt Ltd designs and develops an image based artificial intelligence solution for quality assessment of agricultural commodities. The company offers agricultural product grading solution which tests and analyzes the visual quality factor of agricultural commodities by using deep learning of parameters, such as crop infestation, nutrient deficiency; and harvest quality evaluation of fruits, vegetables, and grains. The solution is accessible through a smartphone application and also uses a photo of the commodity sample to generate quality metrics. It caters to farmers, traders, millers, retailers, and end users. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Gurugram, India.

AquaSprouts

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
AquaSprouts Inc. is a company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in designing and manufacturing gardening appliances focused on aquaponics and hydroponics. Established in 2018, AquaSprouts aims to integrate the principles of these sustainable farming methods into everyday environments such as homes, offices, and classrooms. Their innovative products transform traditional aquariums into aquaponic gardens by recycling fish waste to provide essential nutrients for plant growth. The system includes components such as a grow bed, light bar, return drain, clay pebbles, and a pump, which together create a self-sustaining ecosystem. This approach not only promotes efficient indoor horticulture but also maintains clean and clear water without the need for additional filtration or frequent changes, offering an aesthetically pleasing and space-efficient solution for urban gardening.

Veggie Vinder

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Vinder is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and buy local produce. They want to connect home growers who have an abundant garden with community members looking for local produce. They're here to create a transparent agricultural system that informs consumers about who's growing their food, how it's being grown, and where. Vinder makes it easy to buy ultra local food, boost your community's economy, and promote sustainable agriculture. Founded in Port Townsend, WA, a rural Victorian art and seaport community on the Olympic Peninsula, on July 11th, 2016, Vinder was originally launched on foot and bicycle by the founder and CEO, Sam Lillie. Sam would go door to door asking homeowners if they had a home garden, if they ever had too much produce, and if they ever thought about selling some. Many said yes, they did produce an abundance of produce and no, they never thought about selling any. Within 3 months, Vinder connected 30 home growers with 15 families and distributed over 300 lbs of homegrown produce.

Aggressively Organic

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Aggressively Organic's mission is to end food insecurity by designing sustainable Hydroponic, Aquaponics, Gardening and Agricultural systems accessible to all - and we farm.

Big WheelBarrow

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Big Wheelbarrow connects wholesale food buyers with local farmers. Big Wheelbarrow makes it faster and easier for buyers to work with small independent growers, regardless of size. Their technology empowers their customers to offer local products to their clients without the time and effort it used to require.

Vence

Grant in 2017
Vence Corp specializes in developing and manufacturing connected wearable devices for livestock, aimed at reducing fencing and labor expenses on farms. The company's technology includes sensors that monitor the wellbeing of animals and software that enables virtual fencing and autonomous animal control. By utilizing artificial intelligence, Vence optimizes rotational and strip grazing, enhancing livestock yield and improving grass utilization. Farmers can manage and control their livestock remotely through a smartphone application, which also provides insights into animal behavior, health, and fertility. Founded in 2016, Vence is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Key Largo, Florida.

Farmster

Grant in 2017
Farmster is a marketplace for agricultural produce in emerging markets, where most farmers do not have access to the internet. Famers post their produce into the marketplace via an AI-based SMS chatbot, and buyers search for produce by location, time of sale and quantity using the Farmster app or website. Farmster expands connections within the agricultural value chain.

Kheyti

Grant in 2017
Kheyti Tech Private Limited, established in 2015 and headquartered in Hyderabad, India, specializes in providing innovative farming solutions to small farmers. The company offers a unique Greenhouse-in-a-Box technology designed to support crop development while addressing income variability. Kheyti combines low-cost technological solutions with essential services, including farming consultancy, financial assistance, and training programs. By equipping farmers with practical tools and knowledge, Kheyti aims to enhance agricultural productivity and foster sustainable rural business growth in India.

Tierra de Monte

Grant in 2017
Tierra de Monte work with the ecosystem to detonate soil productivity in quality and yield.

The Toothpick Project

Grant in 2017
This project started with the end-user in mind. Through the biocontrol of Striga with the FOXY T14 toothpick technology, their goals are to reduce labor and increase crop yield for smallholder farmers. Ultimately, this technology will: improve health through more nutritious, diversified crops (impacting both physical and mental wellbeing); increase income by providing enough yield for both family use and sale; and provide greater access to education due to this increased income. Because the vast majority of maize farmers are women, these results will also impact women's empowerment, which will be reflected in a Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (USAID, Feed the Future) study that evaluates independence, literacy, time use, domestic violence, land ownership, and other measures of empowerment.

Entocycle

Grant in 2017
Entocycle Ltd is a London-based company that specializes in producing insect-based protein for animal feed. Founded in 2014, it raises black soldier flies in an automated system designed to monitor their development and environmental conditions. By utilizing food waste from farms, factories, and the catering industry, Entocycle effectively converts organic waste into sustainable protein biomass. This approach not only provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional feed sources like soymeal and fishmeal but also addresses environmental concerns associated with conventional agriculture. The company's technology enables efficient vertical farming, allowing for large-scale production of protein with significantly reduced land and water usage. Entocycle serves various sectors, including feed suppliers, retailers, and the agricultural industry, promoting a more sustainable and resource-efficient method of livestock feeding.

BioNet Agriculture

Grant in 2016
Currently 10 metres of plastic wrapping must be manually removed from over 8 billion bales every year before use as livestock feed. Market research states that removing the plastic is ‘one of the most annoying jobs on the farm’. BioNet. have the solution, an edible biopolymer that saves the farmer time as the wrapping can be directly eaten from the bale. Furthermore, this reduces waste and the unique formulation allows for enhanced digestion leading to reduced methane emissions from livestock.

eFarm.cm

Grant in 2016
eFarm.cm is an online marketplace designed for buying and selling agricultural products in Cameroon and beyond. The platform leverages information and communication technology to connect farmers and agricultural dealers with buyers, facilitating the marketing of agricultural goods. eFarm.cm offers various online payment methods and collaborates with logistics companies to ensure the safe transport and delivery of products. Additionally, the platform provides features such as email and SMS alerts, and online chat support to enhance customer engagement. As the agricultural sector in Cameroon and Africa continues to grow, eFarm.cm serves as a vital resource for enabling producers to reach broader markets effectively.

TwentyGreen

Grant in 2016
twentygreen AG produces probiotic feed supplements for animal farming worldwide. The company’s triple active probiotic addresses major problems of intensive animal farming resulting in better digestion and responses to plant based feeds, better feed conversion ratio, less disease, and less pollution. It serves animal farmers, feed suppliers, and large retailers/supermarkets. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Root, Switzerland.

Safi Organics

Grant in 2016
Safi Organics specializes in producing organic fertilizers designed to enhance agricultural yields for rural farmers. The company utilizes a carbon-negative approach by converting locally sourced agricultural waste into fertilizers through proprietary low-cost, decentralized biomass conversion reactors. This innovative process not only increases farmers' productivity and income but also addresses environmental concerns by reducing waste and mitigating pollution linked to traditional waste burning practices. By providing quality organic fertilizers, Safi Organics supports sustainable farming and promotes environmental stewardship in the agricultural sector.

Good Nature Agro

Grant in 2016
Good Nature Agro is a social enterprise based in Chipata, Zambia, dedicated to supporting small-scale farmers. Established in 2014, the company facilitates a community-driven approach by enabling groups of farmers to nominate a Private Extension Agent (PEA) from among themselves. These PEAs receive training to enhance their problem-solving skills and agronomic knowledge, allowing them to provide tailored support and training to fellow farmers during the growing season. Good Nature Agro supplies quality legume seeds and offers farmer-friendly loans to improve productivity. At harvest time, the company guarantees a market for the certified legume seeds produced by these farmers, encouraging them to focus on high-value crops, which significantly boosts their income compared to traditional cash crops like maize and cotton.

Agricision

Grant in 2016
Agricision is a technology company focused on enhancing efficiency in global food production through innovative agricultural solutions. The company has developed a smart farming device that utilizes Bluetooth technology and a high-quality GPS module. When affixed to a tractor, this device tracks critical farm-related data such as soil moisture, temperature, and salinity. By providing farmers and soil experts with valuable insights into soil and crop conditions, Agricision's technology enables them to make informed decisions and implement effective farming techniques, ultimately contributing to improved agricultural practices.

Livestock Wealth

Grant in 2016
Livestock Wealth is a crowdfarming company that facilitates investment in livestock, enabling individuals to earn returns from the sale of cattle offspring. With its innovative platform, the company simplifies the investment process by allowing users to share the resources of a commercial livestock farm, while experts manage the daily care of the animals. This model not only promotes individual ownership of cows but also offers profit-sharing opportunities, including quarterly financial reports and annual profit projections. By transforming the traditional wealth associated with cattle into an accessible investment opportunity, Livestock Wealth empowers users to participate in organic beef farming and benefit from the livestock industry's inherent value.

DryGro

Grant in 2016
DryGro Ltd. is an agriculture technology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, that specializes in developing innovative methods to cultivate crops in arid and unproductive lands. Founded in 2014, DryGro focuses on producing high-quality animal feed ingredients for aquaculture, dairy, beef, and poultry, utilizing novel growing techniques that are more cost-effective than traditional feed sources. The company emphasizes sustainability by employing water lentils, which can grow significantly faster and require less water than conventional crops like soybean meal. Recognized for its contributions to agricultural innovation, DryGro has received various awards and support from organizations such as the European Space Agency and the UK Department for International Development. Currently, DryGro is constructing a demonstration farm in Naivasha, Kenya, to showcase its scalable and climate-smart production systems.

Better Origin

Grant in 2016
Better Origin, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focuses on sustainable food systems through innovative insect biomass conversion technology. The company has developed two main processes for feeding insects: Metamorphosis, which can generate thousands of tons of insect meals annually, and Genesis, a data-driven engineering solution. By utilizing a network of AI-powered mini-farms, Better Origin effectively transforms excess nutrients into essential nutrients, addressing inefficiencies in the food supply chain. This approach aims to create a more sustainable and resource-efficient future, farm by farm.

LahakX

Grant in 2016
LahakX specializes in developing software solutions for autonomous spraying drones designed for agricultural applications. Founded in 2017 and based in Ramat HaSharon, Israel, the company enables operators to control a fleet of up to six drones that can efficiently spray crops. Their technology allows for both comprehensive coverage of farms and targeted "spot spraying" to minimize chemical usage. LahakX's solutions aim to enhance productivity while reducing labor, operational, and service costs, ultimately improving safety for agricultural operations. The company offers its technology as a complete solution for growers or as a spraying service, with commercial operations in the United States initiated in 2023.

Franklin Robotics

Grant in 2016
Franklin Robotics, LLC, founded in 2015 and based in North Billerica, Massachusetts, specializes in developing autonomous robots for the agricultural sector, with a particular emphasis on assisting small-scale growers. Their flagship product, Tertill, is a solar-powered, chemical-free, and waterproof robot designed to manage garden weeds effectively. Operating autonomously, Tertill navigates through gardens, avoiding plants and obstacles while utilizing a small weed whacker to eliminate weeds daily. This innovative solution allows gardeners to devote their attention to cultivating desired plants, enhancing efficiency and productivity in gardening.

BovControl

Grant in 2015
BovControl started providing cloud-based data collection app for cattle management and livestock ranchers. Its apps provides reports, graphics, and analysis of cattle production, through multiple perspectives: processors, brands, ranchers, employees of the farms and technical consultants. Danilo Leao founded BovControl on July 1, 2013. It has its headquarters in Silicon Valley and Sao Paulo in Brazil.

FoPo Food Powder

Grant in 2015
FoPo extends food shelf life from 2 weeks to 2 years by freeze drying & turning it into powder, while reducing food waste & helping farmers. In FoPo, they collect ugly fruits & vegetables before expiry from groceries & farms, freeze dry them, & turn them into food powder to preserve their nutrients, prolong shelf life, & maximize logistics. It can be used for smoothies, soups, fruit shakes, & more. The product will be sold via online, supermarkets, humanitarian mission agencies & food companies. With low price, reduced food waste & support for local businesses & farmers, FoPo creates value from the inefficiency in the food system.

WeatherSafe

Grant in 2015
WeatherSafe specializes in providing agricultural data insights aimed at enhancing farming operations, particularly for coffee stakeholders globally. The company offers remote management information and intelligence that combines hyper-local weather data, pest and disease monitoring, and high-resolution satellite data. These solutions are designed to assist farmers and government entities in making informed decisions throughout the agricultural season, ultimately optimizing crop yields and quality. By fostering collaborations with organizations like the European Space Agency, WeatherSafe aims to facilitate innovations in agriculture that address the challenges posed by a growing global population. Their customer-centered approach encourages the development of an interconnected ecosystem where each participant in the supply chain contributes to and benefits from shared services. This strategy not only enhances operational efficiency but also promotes environmental stewardship and sustainable practices in agriculture.

Crop Intellect

Grant in 2015
Crop Intellect is a research and development company dedicated to advancing agricultural technologies aimed at enhancing crop productivity. The company specializes in providing cultivation consultancy services and developing innovative crop nutrition products. Additionally, it focuses on plant technology, including photocatalyst and chlorophyll sensors that enhance calcium uptake, thereby improving the shelf life and uniformity of fruits. By enabling cultivators and agricultural businesses to implement smart agricultural techniques, Crop Intellect aims to increase crop yields while minimizing the reliance on agrochemicals, ultimately contributing to food sustainability.

Ajiri Tea

Grant in 2015
Ajiri Tea is a company dedicated to producing high-quality black tea sourced from small-scale farmers in the Kisii District of western Kenya. The name "Ajiri," which means "to employ" in Swahili, reflects the company's mission to create job opportunities for local women, who also handcraft the product labels. Ajiri Tea specializes in flavored black tea and roasted coffee, incorporating unique ingredients such as dried banana bark. Profits from sales are directed to the Ajiri Foundation, which supports the education of orphans by covering their school fees. This initiative not only promotes sustainable agricultural practices but also contributes to the empowerment of women and the upliftment of the local community.

Cabbige

Grant in 2015
We’re problem-solvers and technologists dedicated to strengthening local, sustainable food systems. Sustainability is about much more than how food is grown… it’s also about economic sustainability. Is it profitable for the farmer entrepreneur, can they pay their workers a living wage, and, ultimately, can the system be self-sustaining? We’ll be working on the economic sustainability of local food systems in New England during the 2014 growing season.

Honeycomb Homes

Grant in 2015
Half of America's chronic homeless and incarcerated population spent time as children in foster care. If they could provide opportunities to young adults aging out of foster care, then they can successfully transition into their communities. Honeycomb Homes will offer two-year apprenticeships in agriculture with housing, food, income, on-the-job training, follow on job placement, and long-term support. Their homes will demonstrate how they can be linked to the land and succeed.

MoringaConnect

Grant in 2014
They are changing the story of the smallholder farmer starting with Moringa, known worldwide as “the miracle tree” for its highly nutritional leaves. They take the forgotten part --the seeds-- and process them into an oil with unmatched cosmetic benefits for hair and skin care and a press meal for animal feed and water purification. They manage the entire supply chain- training, micro-credit, miniaturized value-added processing, and marketing to a global audience.
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