Jo-Ann McArthur’s Post

The recent AgFunder report highlights a significant drop in agrifoodtech funding, with categories like Ag Marketplaces & Fintech, Farm Robotics, Mechanization & Equipment, and Farm Management Software experiencing a notable decrease in investment during the first half of 2024. 🌾💻📉 This reduction in funding poses challenges but also underscores the potential for transformation as AI and other enabling technologies become increasingly integrated at the farm gate. #AgTech #AIInAgriculture #FundingTrends https://lnkd.in/gcdPhwy5

In modern times, the sugarcane industry is facing a problem in production and sale, with the experience of consuming fresh sugarcane juice losing prominence. To streamline the journey of sugarcane from farm to glass, CaneBOT, a startup incubated as a part of #nasscom's Tech.WE program, is revamping the process of sugarcane juice creation. Co-founded by Kirty Datar and Milind Datar CaneBOT has developed the world's first Fresh Sugarcane Juice Robot, offering high-quality juice in the most hygienic conditions. Their patented technology, at the intersection of Robotics and Smart Manufacturing, revolutionizes the sugarcane journey from farm to glass. Enhance your tech-driven solutions and solve critical problems with the nasscom Tech.WE Program. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/d-KQhWTg #nasscom #tech.WE #nasscomdeeptech #nasscomstartups #deeptechfromIndia #WomeninTech #TechInnovation Kritika M | Shalini Dewan | Shreya Sharma | Nehal Pandya | Shivam Sareen | Mayank Kumar | Ashish Gupta | Ankita Puranik | Chowdry Vinay Kumar | Khushbu Gupta | Prashant verma | Arihant Kothari | RUTH MARY | Richpal Choudhary | Dr.Apoorva Joshi

HarvestAi has been selected as one of 20 innovative startups to showcase at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025 in #Berlin! 🌱 Our AI-powered crop growth and yield prediction technology will be demonstrated at one of the world's leading fresh produce trade shows. Join us to explore how we're revolutionizing indoor farming through precise harvest forecasting and yield optimization. February 5-7, 2025 | Berlin ExpoCenter City 🌱 Running a greenhouse operation? Reach out to Clemens Moeller to learn how AI can optimize your production. #AgTech #ArtificialIntelligence #FoodTech #tomatoes #peppers #strawberries #eggplants #cucumbers #AgricultureInnovation #FruitLogistica2025

Digital innovation takes center stage at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2025! 🚀💡 Explore 20 groundbreaking startups over all 3 days at Startup World in Hall 3.1! From AI-driven tools to smart sensor technology, these pioneers are transforming the fresh produce industry with cutting-edge digital solutions. Meet the minds behind innovations that boost efficiency, reduce waste and ensure healthier crops at the Startup Stage. Read more here 👉https://lnkd.in/dw-wkXgj #FL25 #StartupWorld2025 #Startup Agricom, AgrigateOne, AgStacked ,Agurotech, CargoClub, Dockflow, Food Supply Chain Labs , FreshSens, Gardin Agritech , Greenhouse Formula, HarvestAi, Lyro Robotics, Merqato, NanoSci | Pure Air Through Photocatalysis, OBORTECH - Smart Hub, Orbem, PhenoRoot, Quantified Sensor Technology, Radiare Technologies, Inc., Sensegrass

It’s definitely been a challenging year for agtech, but I agree that the long-term potential remains strong. As global food security and sustainability become even more critical, innovation in agtech will be key. While the downturn is tough, I think we’ll start seeing a rebound as new technologies and solutions gain traction. Timing is hard to predict, but the sector’s importance will likely drive renewed investment. Excited to see where things go!

Agventure Downunder is a new addition to the #evokeAG2025 Startup Program, which will see 10 international startups introduce their global agritech solutions to the Australian market. The program has been designed to provide startups with an immersive experience that will connect them with key stakeholders and offer tailored market access support. Among the featured agrifood tech startups is LyteGro, which uses banana waste to produce an organic extract that improves growth and metabolism of bacteria and yeast species used in industrial processes. 4AG Robotics, another featured company, is revolutionising mushroom harvesting by building computer guided and AI-enhanced robots capable of picking, trimming and packing agaricus mushrooms. VIA BioFuels has modified an industrial ethanol yeast strain to make 3-methylanisole (3MA), which can be used as a fuel, or as a plastics precursor. The process is less expensive than ethanol fermentation and yields a higher value product. Read more: https://bit.ly/4hquBSn All 10 startups will showcase their solutions at Agventure Downunder as part of evokeAG 2025. #evokeAG #sustainability #startups #innovation #agriculture

BCD iLabs is thrilled to announce its selection for the StartLife A La Carte 2025 program. We are incredibly excited to join the StartLife A La Carte program. This program provides us with invaluable resources and connections to accelerate our growth and impact. We look forward to leveraging StartLife's expertise to further AI driven solutions for Food R&D, Food Manufacturing which ultimately contributes to a more sustainable and efficient food system through the innovative application of AI and other cutting-edge technologies. #AIForFood StartLife A La Carte supports seed-stage startups with a clear product-market fit and investor-readiness. These startups offer innovative, impactful, and technological solutions that contribute to a more sustainable food system. This aligns perfectly with BCD iLabs's mission. Advancing AI in the food sector is critical for addressing the mounting challenges of global food security and sustainability. The food industry stands at a crossroads, grappling with pressures from population growth, climate change, and inefficient supply chains. Artificial intelligence emerges as a powerful tool, offering unprecedented solutions to these challenges. From optimizing crop yields to reducing waste and personalizing nutrition through food formulation, AI’s potential to revolutionize our food systems is immense. Simona Fernandes Alex Davisson Nadav Berger Rajeev Chandrasekhar Biz Stone Bram van Beek Jeff Winter Balamurugan Balakreshnan Ravi K. Cam Linke Cam Crowder Elaine Watson Aaditi Tamhankar Anand Shah Gary A. Maxine Roman, Ph.D. Peter Bodenheimer Michael Dean Rob Leclerc, PhD Andrew Bluestein Ashley Hartman Garry Tan Evan Kirstel B2B TechFluencer Sean Simpson Alison Borgmeyer, MS, RD Raja Krishnamoorthi Kimbal Musk Lorenzo Di Stefano Zachary Cartwright, PhD Andrew Ng Henrik Christensen Roland Busch Christopher Hoemeke Casey O'Brien Rajni Aneja Olga Padilla-Zakour Laurent Freixe Madelief de Groot 

Agtech is growing again, but with caution. 🌱 The agtech sector faced a tough few years, with deal values slashed and startups struggling to secure funding. A declining agriculture economy and tighter venture capital left many promising innovations stalled. Despite signs of recovery, with deal values increasing for two consecutive quarters, the number of deals is down. Many firms remain in a “zombie” state, unable to scale or innovate further, while investors focus on solutions like autonomous robotics and carbon removal. The shift to “quality over quantity” signals a new era of focused, impactful investments in agtech. Startups addressing key issues like sustainability, labor challenges, and cost efficiency are leading the way. Agtech’s rebound shows promise, but success requires strategy and resilience. Innovators and investors must prioritize scalable, sustainable solutions to thrive in this evolving landscape. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g9XZz4Ps #Agtech #Sustainability #AgricultureInnovation #SolMinionDevelopment

It’s definitely been a tough year for agtech, with the 25% drop in deal activity and a string of bankruptcies. The sector had been seeing strong growth in previous years, but the downturn might reflect broader economic factors like inflation, market instability, or even specific challenges within the agtech industry itself—like high capital requirements or regulatory hurdles. That said, it’s interesting that PitchBook analysts still see potential for a rebound. Agtech is such a critical space, and with global food security and sustainability becoming more urgent, there could be a renewed focus on innovation in the sector, especially as technology advances. What do you think—are you expecting that rebound to happen sooner or later? #AgTech #Investment #Startups #Agriculture #Sustainability

#siliconfjord precision weeder startup @Kilter_systems raised $9.5M in Series A funding from Natural Ventures, Pymwymic, and NufarmCradle. By @agfundernews https://lnkd.in/dX-vzm8F #NordicMade #agritech