National Science Foundation

Ryp Labs is a company focused on developing and commercializing innovative technologies aimed at reducing food waste. It offers a range of products, including food-safe labels known as Shelf-Defense and stickers called StixFresh. These products are designed to be applied directly to fresh produce or its packaging, effectively prolonging shelf life and freshness by up to two times. By preventing spoilage and over-ripening, Ryp Labs' solutions provide a practical approach for clients to combat the global issue of food waste while extending the usability of their fresh products.

Farther Farms is a food technology company focused on producing shelf-stable alternatives to traditionally frozen foods. The company addresses the challenges of food spoilage by employing advanced techniques that combine high pressure, dense carbon dioxide, and moderate temperatures to preserve fruits and vegetables without using preservatives, chemicals, or genetic modification. This innovative approach not only ensures the freshness and quality of the produce but also supports sustainable practices by reducing costs, energy use, and infrastructure requirements throughout the food system. Farther Farms is committed to providing consumers with locally sourced, organic, and non-GMO products that prioritize both environmental impact and taste.

Ryp Labs is a company focused on developing and commercializing innovative technologies aimed at reducing food waste. It offers a range of products, including food-safe labels known as Shelf-Defense and stickers called StixFresh. These products are designed to be applied directly to fresh produce or its packaging, effectively prolonging shelf life and freshness by up to two times. By preventing spoilage and over-ripening, Ryp Labs' solutions provide a practical approach for clients to combat the global issue of food waste while extending the usability of their fresh products.

FruitVaccine is a company based in Champaign, Illinois, that specializes in the production of fruit-based vaccines aimed at providing immunity against widespread infectious diseases. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on developing noninvasive, orally administered vaccine alternatives. Its products come in various forms, including gummy-like pills, oral drops, and fruit purees, making them accessible and appealing. These vaccines are designed to be natural, vegan-friendly, and environmentally sustainable, distinguishing them from traditional injectable options. FruitVaccine's innovative approach aims to enhance immunization efforts by offering a more palatable and less invasive means of disease prevention.

FloraPulse is a company focused on enhancing agricultural productivity through advanced water stress sensors. Developed by researchers from Cornell University, these patented microsensors provide precise measurements of stem water potential in fruit and nut crops, offering reliable and accurate insights into crop water status. By delivering daily irrigation advice directly to growers' phones, FloraPulse enables farmers to optimize irrigation management, thereby maximizing crop yield and quality while reducing costs and mitigating risks. This innovative approach allows growers to monitor their fields continuously and receive science-based recommendations tailored to their specific crops and goals, streamlining the decision-making process in agriculture.

ZestBio, Inc. is a biotechnology firm based in Berkeley, California, focused on converting agricultural waste streams into valuable specialty chemicals. Founded in 2017 by Ryan Protzko, Luke Latimer, and John Dueber, the company utilizes innovative technologies to extract greater value from byproducts such as orange juice peel waste, sugar beet pulp, and grape pomace. ZestBio's product offerings include household cleaning ingredients, bio-based plastics, and vitamins, all derived from low-value fruit and vegetable byproducts. By harnessing biological processes, ZestBio aims to provide renewable and eco-friendly products at competitive prices, contributing to a more sustainable approach to waste management and resource utilization.

Farm Vision Technologies is a startup focusing on development and commercialization of computer vision systems to enable growers of high value crops — such as fruits, berries, and nuts — to monitor the count, size and health of their plants.

Meati Foods is a consumer goods company based in Boulder, Colorado, that specializes in the production and sale of fungi-based meat alternatives. Founded in 2016, the company aims to provide nutrient-dense, plant-based options that serve as sustainable substitutes for traditional meat. Meati's products are crafted using proprietary fermentation technologies and are minimally processed, ensuring they are free from common allergens. The company is committed to offering vegan food choices that are accessible and enjoyable for a diverse range of consumers.

Farther Farms is a food technology company focused on producing shelf-stable alternatives to traditionally frozen foods. The company addresses the challenges of food spoilage by employing advanced techniques that combine high pressure, dense carbon dioxide, and moderate temperatures to preserve fruits and vegetables without using preservatives, chemicals, or genetic modification. This innovative approach not only ensures the freshness and quality of the produce but also supports sustainable practices by reducing costs, energy use, and infrastructure requirements throughout the food system. Farther Farms is committed to providing consumers with locally sourced, organic, and non-GMO products that prioritize both environmental impact and taste.

Meati Foods is a consumer goods company based in Boulder, Colorado, that specializes in the production and sale of fungi-based meat alternatives. Founded in 2016, the company aims to provide nutrient-dense, plant-based options that serve as sustainable substitutes for traditional meat. Meati's products are crafted using proprietary fermentation technologies and are minimally processed, ensuring they are free from common allergens. The company is committed to offering vegan food choices that are accessible and enjoyable for a diverse range of consumers.

ZestBio, Inc. is a biotechnology firm based in Berkeley, California, focused on converting agricultural waste streams into valuable specialty chemicals. Founded in 2017 by Ryan Protzko, Luke Latimer, and John Dueber, the company utilizes innovative technologies to extract greater value from byproducts such as orange juice peel waste, sugar beet pulp, and grape pomace. ZestBio's product offerings include household cleaning ingredients, bio-based plastics, and vitamins, all derived from low-value fruit and vegetable byproducts. By harnessing biological processes, ZestBio aims to provide renewable and eco-friendly products at competitive prices, contributing to a more sustainable approach to waste management and resource utilization.

Farm Vision Technologies is a startup focusing on development and commercialization of computer vision systems to enable growers of high value crops — such as fruits, berries, and nuts — to monitor the count, size and health of their plants.

FloraPulse is a company focused on enhancing agricultural productivity through advanced water stress sensors. Developed by researchers from Cornell University, these patented microsensors provide precise measurements of stem water potential in fruit and nut crops, offering reliable and accurate insights into crop water status. By delivering daily irrigation advice directly to growers' phones, FloraPulse enables farmers to optimize irrigation management, thereby maximizing crop yield and quality while reducing costs and mitigating risks. This innovative approach allows growers to monitor their fields continuously and receive science-based recommendations tailored to their specific crops and goals, streamlining the decision-making process in agriculture.

Innovesca, LLC is a food innovation company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in developing nutritious ingredients through natural processing. The company focuses on optimizing nutrition from underutilized plants, particularly amaranth, which is processed into a dried, shelf-stable powder for diverse applications. Innovesca's products are designed to enhance the nutritional value of functional foods, such as bars, cereals, and healthy snacks, by unlocking the full benefits of whole foods. By enabling small communities to grow and utilize these nutritional ingredients, Innovesca aims to improve overall health and nutrition while promoting sustainable food practices.