MassChallenge

Restoring crops' ability to defend against pests.

Uniphage is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of safer and more efficient alternatives to traditional pesticides in plant agriculture. It leverages artificial intelligence and bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) to predict and combat specific bacterial infections. The company's primary focus is on citrus greening, a devastating disease costing the U.S. over $2 billion annually. By employing AI algorithms, Uniphage accelerates the discovery of effective and safe bacterial viruses, aiming to reduce the use of harmful fungicides, bactericides, and antibiotics, thereby minimizing risks to human health and the environment.

Lepidext is a company based in Lexington, Kentucky, founded in 2015 by Angelika Fath-Goodin and Bruce Webb. It specializes in pest control technology aimed at managing Lepidoptera populations, particularly targeting pests like the corn earworm. The company develops bio-pesticides that are species-specific, safe, and effective, providing an alternative to genetically modified plants and chemical pesticides. By leveraging a deep understanding of insect biology and collaborating closely with farmers, Lepidext seeks to enhance crop security and promote agricultural prosperity. Its innovative approach allows for improved pest management strategies, benefiting farmers and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

AgZen is a company that specializes in the development of pesticide sprays designed to adhere to plants, thereby minimizing pollution associated with agricultural chemicals. The firm provides patented, field-tested food-safe additives and sprayer retrofits that enhance the adhesion of agrochemical droplets to crops. This innovative approach allows farmers to achieve effective protection while significantly reducing the volume of pesticides used, without sacrificing plant health or yield. By focusing on sustainability and efficiency, AgZen aims to support agricultural practices that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable for farmers.

Vectech develops AI-powered diagnostic systems for medical entomology, currently used in seven countries. Its IDX system enables non-specialists to identify mosquito species and characteristics, aiding global public health efforts against diseases like malaria and dengue.

Agrorobotica is a developer of precision agriculture and farming management systems focused on monitoring parasitic insects. The company offers innovative pest traps that can be installed in agricultural fields, which photograph, recognize, and count harmful insects. These traps transmit real-time data to farmers via smartphone and website, allowing them to effectively monitor crop health and manage pest control. This technology empowers farmers to enhance their agricultural practices by providing timely insights into pest activity, ultimately contributing to better crop management and yield optimization.

DriftSense is a technology company specializing in precision agriculture. It develops and deploys advanced sensors and data analytics to monitor and mitigate pesticide drift in residential and agricultural areas. The company's core product is a stand-alone sensor device that detects airborne pesticides, identifies their unique chemical signatures, measures concentrations, traces sources, and analyzes trajectories. This data-driven approach enables growers to comply with regulations, minimize environmental impact, reduce operational costs, and maximize crop yields by eliminating drift-related issues.

DriftSense is a technology company specializing in precision agriculture. It develops and deploys advanced sensors and data analytics to monitor and mitigate pesticide drift in residential and agricultural areas. The company's core product is a stand-alone sensor device that detects airborne pesticides, identifies their unique chemical signatures, measures concentrations, traces sources, and analyzes trajectories. This data-driven approach enables growers to comply with regulations, minimize environmental impact, reduce operational costs, and maximize crop yields by eliminating drift-related issues.

EQO specializes in environmental management using advanced molecular biology. It offers highly sensitive detection services for invasive species, along with an automated sampling platform for continuous monitoring. EQO also develops targeted biopesticides to eradicate invasives while minimizing off-target impacts.

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 is a company focused on developing innovative solutions to address social challenges in communities worldwide. It specializes in designing and manufacturing devices tailored to meet specific local needs, thereby maximizing social impact. One of its key products is a larvicide dispenser device that effectively dispenses larvicide into water containers, helping to keep residential water tanks free from mosquito larvae. This device is engineered to deliver the optimal concentration of larvicide with minimal human intervention, empowering communities in South America to combat mosquito-borne illnesses. Through its targeted technological advancements, Amelior Technologies aims to improve public health and enhance quality of life in affected regions.