EnterpriseWorks Startups Changing the World of Agricultural Technology

Illinois Farmer Today highlights an array of EnterpriseWorks startups that are creating innovative solutions in agriculture. 

The talent pipeline leads to finishing projects more efficiently, which makes Research Park an ideal location to harness the agricultural tech industry. Tech has been driven by Silicon Valley, but it makes sense to have a base here where there is a strong relationship with the agricultural community, says Laura Freichs.

Soil Diagnostics focuses on crops, and helps growers manage their their soil through cutting edge, low cost, high resolution monitoring services for soil nutrients and soil-dwelling pathogens to enable growers to maximize their profitability while reducing their input costs. Transitioning to livestock management, Aptimmune Biologics Inc. focuses on bringing effective prophylaxis against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virusinto the market.

Another successful agtech startup is Ag-Sensus, who enable growers to retrieve their own near-real-time, high resolution images of their crops through an easy-to-operate personal remote sensing system. Earthsense utilizes robots to provide advice for farmers, ranchers, and other land managers by detecting issues up close. Intelinair delivers actionable insights using aerial imagery analysis and deep learning methodologies & algorithms focused on the agriculture industry.

Graduate companies of the EnterpriseWorks Incubator also continue to thrive, such as agriculture-tech company Agrible. “They are our best success story. They have grown the fastest,” says Laura Frerichs.

Research Park also hosts an annual Ag Tech Summit, where hundreds of participants from startups and large agricultural companies alike all gather in Champaign to exchange ideas.

For more on EnterpriseWorks ag tech startups, read the full article on Illinois Farmer Today.