MassChallenge

Restoring crops' ability to defend against pests.

Lepidext is engaged in managing the populations of the Lepidoptera pests by introducing bio-pesticides that are species-specific. The company is committed to improving crop security and ensuring agricultural prosperity by combining a deep understanding of insect biology with the skills and experience of farmers. In 2015, Angelika Fath-Goodin and Bruce Webb established the company in Lexington, Kentucky.

AgZen develops pesticide sprays stick to plants which reduces pollution and helps farmers save.

Vectech is a public benefit corporation based in Baltimore, MD, specializing in an AI-based diagnostic system for medical entomology. The company has developed an identification system that accurately determines species, sex, and other essential characteristics of mosquito and tick populations. This technology is currently deployed in seven countries and serves various clients, including municipal and national public health programs, NGOs, and malaria control initiatives. By providing tools that reduce labor costs associated with mosquito surveillance, Vectech empowers researchers and public health organizations to detect threats from mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, facilitating early intervention and customized responses to potential outbreaks.

Agrorobotica specializes in precision agriculture and farming management systems focused on the monitoring of parasitic insects. The company designs and provides pest traps that can be installed in fields to photograph, recognize, and count harmful insects. These traps transmit real-time results to farmers via smartphone and website, allowing them to effectively monitor the health and status of their crops. By integrating this technology, Agrorobotica enables farmers to enhance their pest management strategies and improve overall farm control.

DriftSense uses state-of-the-art, best available technology solutions for collection, modeling, analysis, and optimization of pesticides drift in residential and agricultural areas. At DriftSense, we help growers to precisely control their spraying application - eliminating drift issues, and maximizing on-target spraying. Exposure to non-classic airborne pollution among the general population is dramatically on the rise worldwide, mainly for three reasons: rapid urbanization of the countryside; decline in the number of people directly engaged in agriculture; and the sprawling of cities into rural areas. The solution which DriftSense offers is based on integration of specific data from our growers, precisely tailored for their needs, alongside multiple environmental key sets which are processed through our unique modeling system for an impact analysis. That is how growers can stop "shooting in the dark", and start maximizing their yields. DriftSense helps you control your environment precisely, based on science & data, and not on hunches.

DriftSense uses state-of-the-art, best available technology solutions for collection, modeling, analysis, and optimization of pesticides drift in residential and agricultural areas. At DriftSense, we help growers to precisely control their spraying application - eliminating drift issues, and maximizing on-target spraying. Exposure to non-classic airborne pollution among the general population is dramatically on the rise worldwide, mainly for three reasons: rapid urbanization of the countryside; decline in the number of people directly engaged in agriculture; and the sprawling of cities into rural areas. The solution which DriftSense offers is based on integration of specific data from our growers, precisely tailored for their needs, alongside multiple environmental key sets which are processed through our unique modeling system for an impact analysis. That is how growers can stop "shooting in the dark", and start maximizing their yields. DriftSense helps you control your environment precisely, based on science & data, and not on hunches.

Environmental Quality Operations (EQO) specializes in advanced detection and monitoring solutions for invasive species in aquatic environments. Leveraging over a decade of experience in bioengineering and diagnostic development, EQO offers a unique automated sampling platform that enables users to monitor critical resources at risk of infestation. This system allows for programmable sampling intervals, with collected samples analyzed at EQO's laboratory to provide rapid results. The company's detection services utilize highly sensitive assays, capable of determining population activity and life cycle dynamics through biomarker analysis. In addition to monitoring, EQO is actively developing targeted biopesticide systems aimed at eradicating invasive species while minimizing impacts on non-target organisms. This integrated approach not only enhances early detection and robust analytics but also supports environmental protection and cost-effective remediation efforts.

Kestrel Agritech is a technology company helping farmers detect pest infestations and crop loss using drones and AI.They developed an automated pest management package that employs active drone surveillance and proprietary intelligent recognition algorithms to provide unrivalled pest identification and control.

Amelior Technologies develops innovative solutions aimed at addressing social issues in communities worldwide. One of its key products is a larvicide dispenser designed to administer larvicide in water containers, effectively preventing mosquito larvae from thriving in residential water tanks. This device is tailored to meet specific local needs, ensuring maximum social impact, particularly in South America, where it helps combat mosquito-borne illnesses. By providing a safe and efficient means of delivering the appropriate concentration of larvicide with minimal human intervention, Amelior Technologies enhances public health and contributes to improving community welfare.