AgTech companies in Nebraska are developing innovative tools to make life easier for farmers. University of Nebraska scientists and engineers developed the latest innovations in livestock and crop production technology. The university is ranked among the nation's top 100 academic institutions by revenue, and the state's research centers and universities are home to some of the most promising startups. Many of these companies will have a global impact, create jobs, and boost the state's economy.
AgTech in Nebraska
The state is a hub for AgTech, and Nebraska has a history of innovation in agriculture. The state is a leader in agriculture technology, particularly livestock and water technologies. There are also growing startup opportunities in sensor networks and intelligent hardware. Invest Nebraska is working to make this a thriving ecosystem by providing on-demand resources and assistance to startups. The Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the U.S. Department of Commerce also leads i6 Regional Innovation Strategies, a grant program that has been funded since FY2014.
Nebraska's Ag Tech Expertise
Last month, Governor Pete Ricketts spoke to the media about agriculture technology in Nebraska, highlighting the work of BioNebraska, a partnership between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the State Department of Economic Development, and the Nebraska Innovation Campus. The Governor also talked about the new Business Innovation Act, which encourages companies to develop innovative biotech solutions. A new biotech law is in place in Nebraska, but it is unclear whether it will increase investment in the state's agricultural industry.
The American Farm Bureau Federation recently announced the finalists of its ‘Ag Innovation Challenge’. The competition is a national competition for promising startups. The finalists will pitch their products to a panel of investors to earn a chance to win $1 million in venture capital. During the 2022 ag innovation challenge, three Nebraska startups came out on top. Grain Weevil, a Nebraska Combine Incubator startup, was awarded first place with another Combine company, Birds Eye Robotics, finishing second.
If you are an agribusiness looking for new ways to generate income, consider starting a business in Nebraska. It's a great way to grow your business.
AgTech: New Technologies
There are many agricultural technology innovations and new products in Nebraska. A new pig video monitoring system that helps farmers monitor pig feeding and mobility habits is tested in Midwest fields. In addition, researchers are also focusing on using artificial intelligence in agriculture to make farming more efficient. Automated solutions are helping to alleviate labor shortages and enable farmers to optimize profitability in the agricultural sector. Although they all have their own unique ways of improving agriculture, RealmFive, FarmAfield, and CropX, among many other start-ups and firms, are worth keeping an eye on.
The development of agricultural technology is an industry that is constantly changing. The midwestern region is home to the world's most advanced farming technologies, with the last innovations being developed right here in Nebraska. A recent survey showed that the state is home to about 1,300 agricultural technology companies. Agritech firms have a unique advantage in accessing funding opportunities and have the resources to make this happen. Agribusinesses are the backbone of many nations and are critical to the country's economy.
Bottom-line
With the latest advances in agricultural technology, Nebraska is leading the way in developing innovations. The National Agricultural Statistics Service forecasts that the corn crop in Nebraska will reach a record high in 2022. Fortunately, the state is at the forefront of the technology revolution. The event is an excellent way to promote the innovations that improve farmers' lives in the state. AgTech, particularly in digital agriculture, can benefit farmers in various ways.
What is The Combine?
Invest Nebraska's Combine Incubator is a statewide initiative focused on supporting high-growth agri-food entrepreneurs through mentoring, commercialization support, physical incubation space on Nebraska's Innovation Campus, and a network of helping farmers and ranchers across the state. Invest Nebraska is a private, non-profit statewide venture development organization focused on high-growth companies in Nebraska and growing the state's entrepreneurial economy. Invest Nebraska works directly with entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies to help commercialize their technologies, launch and grow new businesses, and access needed capital.