National Science Foundation

Pheronym, Inc. is an agricultural biotechnology company based in Gainesville, Florida, that develops and manufactures environmentally friendly solutions for pest control. Founded in 2011 and formerly known as Kaplan Schiller Research, LLC, the company specializes in using pheromone-based technology to enhance the effectiveness of nematodes, microscopic roundworms that serve as organic insecticides. By leveraging pheromone spray, Pheronym is able to double the efficacy of nematodes, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides while minimizing negative health and environmental impacts. In addition, the company offers an EPN-activator that utilizes nematodes’ own pheromones to influence their behavior and development, thereby enhancing pest management strategies for farmers and cultivators.

NovoClade employs synthetic biology to develop environmentally friendly insect control solutions. It specializes in mosquito population management using gene-editing technology, creating sterile mosquitoes to reduce disease transmission without harming the environment.

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.

Hardshell Labs focuses on developing innovative, internet-controlled devices aimed at environmental conservation and wildlife protection. The company creates a network of remotely operable, artificial intelligence-enhanced rovers designed to deter bird pests from agricultural crops and various facilities, thereby minimizing avian damage. These devices are particularly valuable in protecting crops from ravens and crows, as well as in mitigating infestations at landfills and composting sites. Hardshell Labs also conducts predation research on endangered juvenile desert tortoises, assessing threats posed by avian predators, and engages in laser research for agricultural applications. Through these initiatives, the company provides humane and commercially viable solutions to wildlife management challenges, supporting both environmental conservation and agricultural productivity.

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.

AgroSpheres, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technologies for the agriculture industry. Founded in 2016, AgroSpheres develops engineered bio-particles designed to deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, which help to minimize waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. The company employs a unique platform technology that enhances the performance of various crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. By utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques, AgroSpheres creates biodegradable encapsulation solutions that aim to reduce harmful pesticide residues on plants, ultimately promoting healthier agricultural practices and improving the overall well-being of crops.

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.

AgraFilms is a biotechnology company focused on mitigating crop loss through sustainable, natural solutions. Founded in 2019 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, the company develops biocontrol approaches that utilize amoebic biocontrol to promote crop health and reduce the need for synthetic antibiotics and pesticides. Its technology aims to prevent the spread of agricultural diseases and to protect crops by offering an all-natural method to address environmental and health challenges associated with crop damage, delivering long-term solutions for farmers.

Founded in 2018, Atolla Tech specializes in developing sensor systems for efficient agricultural pest control. Its closed-loop sensor technology optimizes sprayer machine efficiency and spray patterns, enhancing crop protection and reducing unnecessary costs.

Founded in 2017, Ascribe Bioscience develops innovative crop protection products. By understanding the molecular interactions between plants and microbes, they create treatments that boost crops' natural defenses against pests and fungi, enhancing productivity without harming the environment.

Innatrix is an agricultural biotechnology company focused on developing innovative biological and chemical solutions to address crop diseases, pests, and weeds that are otherwise difficult to manage. Utilizing patented protein evolution technology, the company has established a peptide and RNA interference delivery platform that offers eco-friendly alternatives for crop protection. Innatrix's proprietary automated platform facilitates protein engineering through continuous laboratory evolution and advanced techniques such as phage display. This technology empowers researchers with enhanced control, reporting, recording, simulation, and remote access capabilities, thereby advancing the field of agricultural biotechnology and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Pheronym, Inc. is an agricultural biotechnology company based in Gainesville, Florida, that develops and manufactures environmentally friendly solutions for pest control. Founded in 2011 and formerly known as Kaplan Schiller Research, LLC, the company specializes in using pheromone-based technology to enhance the effectiveness of nematodes, microscopic roundworms that serve as organic insecticides. By leveraging pheromone spray, Pheronym is able to double the efficacy of nematodes, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides while minimizing negative health and environmental impacts. In addition, the company offers an EPN-activator that utilizes nematodes’ own pheromones to influence their behavior and development, thereby enhancing pest management strategies for farmers and cultivators.

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.

AgroSpheres, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technologies for the agriculture industry. Founded in 2016, AgroSpheres develops engineered bio-particles designed to deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, which help to minimize waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. The company employs a unique platform technology that enhances the performance of various crop protection products, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. By utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques, AgroSpheres creates biodegradable encapsulation solutions that aim to reduce harmful pesticide residues on plants, ultimately promoting healthier agricultural practices and improving the overall well-being of crops.

NovoClade employs synthetic biology to develop environmentally friendly insect control solutions. It specializes in mosquito population management using gene-editing technology, creating sterile mosquitoes to reduce disease transmission without harming the environment.

Founded in 2017, Ascribe Bioscience develops innovative crop protection products. By understanding the molecular interactions between plants and microbes, they create treatments that boost crops' natural defenses against pests and fungi, enhancing productivity without harming the environment.

NanoSUR, headquartered in Miami, Florida, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative, eco-friendly crop protection solutions. The company's core product line is based on RNA technology, aiming to minimize environmental impact while ensuring effective crop cultivation for farmers.

Founded in 2018, Atolla Tech specializes in developing sensor systems for efficient agricultural pest control. Its closed-loop sensor technology optimizes sprayer machine efficiency and spray patterns, enhancing crop protection and reducing unnecessary costs.

Provivi Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Santa Monica, California, focused on the development of biopesticides for agricultural, commercial, household, and public health pest management. Founded in 2013, the company leverages biocatalysis technology, originally developed at the California Institute of Technology, to create insect pheromones that protect food supplies without toxic residues. Provivi aims to provide effective and environmentally friendly crop protection solutions, fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Its innovative approach targets the synthesis of biopesticides through advanced processes, allowing for the efficient production of safe and affordable pest management products. The company distributes its offerings worldwide, seeking to transform pest control with its groundbreaking biological solutions.

ISCA specializes in developing and manufacturing eco-friendly insect control solutions for agriculture. Their primary offerings include biodegradable pheromone formulations and bee-attracting technologies, aiming to reduce pest damage and enhance pollination efficiency. By promoting sustainable farming practices, ISCA contributes to improved agricultural productivity and ecosystem resilience.

Inscent is a technology development, gene discovery, and functional genomics company that identified novel molecules to control insect pests. Key areas of interest include the prevention of disease transmission to humans and the development of environmentally friendly products for public health, agricultural, domestic, and industrial applications.

Provivi Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Santa Monica, California, focused on the development of biopesticides for agricultural, commercial, household, and public health pest management. Founded in 2013, the company leverages biocatalysis technology, originally developed at the California Institute of Technology, to create insect pheromones that protect food supplies without toxic residues. Provivi aims to provide effective and environmentally friendly crop protection solutions, fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Its innovative approach targets the synthesis of biopesticides through advanced processes, allowing for the efficient production of safe and affordable pest management products. The company distributes its offerings worldwide, seeking to transform pest control with its groundbreaking biological solutions.

Provivi Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Santa Monica, California, focused on the development of biopesticides for agricultural, commercial, household, and public health pest management. Founded in 2013, the company leverages biocatalysis technology, originally developed at the California Institute of Technology, to create insect pheromones that protect food supplies without toxic residues. Provivi aims to provide effective and environmentally friendly crop protection solutions, fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Its innovative approach targets the synthesis of biopesticides through advanced processes, allowing for the efficient production of safe and affordable pest management products. The company distributes its offerings worldwide, seeking to transform pest control with its groundbreaking biological solutions.

Provivi Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Santa Monica, California, focused on the development of biopesticides for agricultural, commercial, household, and public health pest management. Founded in 2013, the company leverages biocatalysis technology, originally developed at the California Institute of Technology, to create insect pheromones that protect food supplies without toxic residues. Provivi aims to provide effective and environmentally friendly crop protection solutions, fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Its innovative approach targets the synthesis of biopesticides through advanced processes, allowing for the efficient production of safe and affordable pest management products. The company distributes its offerings worldwide, seeking to transform pest control with its groundbreaking biological solutions.

Inscent is a technology development, gene discovery, and functional genomics company that identified novel molecules to control insect pests. Key areas of interest include the prevention of disease transmission to humans and the development of environmentally friendly products for public health, agricultural, domestic, and industrial applications.

Spensa Technologies Inc. is a company that specializes in developing software and technology solutions for the agriculture sector. Founded in 2009 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana, Spensa offers a range of tools designed to enhance crop protection and efficiency. Its flagship products include OpenScout, a mobile application for recording and tagging field notes and photos, and MyTraps, a tool for collecting and visualizing pest data. Additionally, the company provides Z-Trap, a smart insect trap system that helps farmers analyze and predict pest populations. With a mission to reduce reliance on manual labor while promoting sustainable farming practices, Spensa leverages advanced expertise in wireless sensor networks, robotics, and computer vision to innovate within the agricultural industry. As a subsidiary of Telvent DTN, LLC since 2018, Spensa continues to focus on fostering eco-friendly farming and improving agricultural productivity.

Divergence is a research and development company focused on creating effective and environmentally sustainable methods for controlling parasites and pests, particularly parasitic nematodes. These roundworms are significant agricultural pests, inflicting billions of dollars in damage to various crops, such as soybeans, corn, cotton, strawberries, and bananas. Additionally, some nematodes are responsible for serious human diseases, including hookworm, whipworm, and roundworm infections, as well as filarial infections that lead to lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. By developing innovative genes and molecules, Divergence aims to address the challenges posed by these harmful organisms in both agricultural and medical contexts.

Divergence is a research and development company focused on creating effective and environmentally sustainable methods for controlling parasites and pests, particularly parasitic nematodes. These roundworms are significant agricultural pests, inflicting billions of dollars in damage to various crops, such as soybeans, corn, cotton, strawberries, and bananas. Additionally, some nematodes are responsible for serious human diseases, including hookworm, whipworm, and roundworm infections, as well as filarial infections that lead to lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. By developing innovative genes and molecules, Divergence aims to address the challenges posed by these harmful organisms in both agricultural and medical contexts.