Ag Startup Engine

Genvax Technologies is an innovative startup focused on developing vaccines for the animal health industry. Utilizing its proprietary saRNA platform, the company aims to expedite the creation of vaccines tailored to specific herds or flocks, addressing the unique variant strains present in animal-production environments. By incorporating a specific transgene or gene of interest into its platform, Genvax is capable of generating an immune response without the necessity of the complete pathogen. This approach allows for the swift development of novel vaccines, enhancing prevention and treatment options for various animal diseases.

Mazen Animal Health, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative biological vaccines and therapeutics for both production and companion animals. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Saint Joseph, Missouri, the company focuses on creating orally-delivered vaccines that eliminate the need for refrigeration and facilitate multi-animal dosing. Utilizing maize as a biofactory, Mazen produces cost-effective and stable recombinant vaccines designed to tackle complex challenges in animal health and protein production. Their approach aims to revolutionize disease prevention in various species, including swine, poultry, aquaculture, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife, ultimately enhancing productivity in the animal health sector.

GW Nutrition develops a technology to improve food ingredients where the sensory properties limit market opportunity.

Phinite specializes in innovative solutions for manure handling, addressing significant challenges faced by hog farming, particularly in North Carolina. The company manufactures systems designed to convert animal waste from farms into a renewable, low-carbon fertilizer product. This granular, odorless material is easy to spread using conventional equipment, helping farmers enhance soil fertility and crop yields. Phinite's technology is crucial for managing sludge from lagoons, as traditional methods of spreading this material on land have become increasingly difficult due to limited available space and environmental concerns.

N-Sense, LLC is a company based in Ames, Iowa, established in 2017, that specializes in the development of a soil nitrate sensor system. This innovative technology allows farmers to measure soil nitrate concentrations in real-time while on the go. By integrating the sensor system with farm implements, N-Sense empowers farmers to apply nitrogen fertilizers with precision, targeting only the areas that require it. This approach not only enhances farm profitability by optimizing fertilizer usage but also mitigates the environmental impact of nitrogen over-application, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Salin 247 is a manufacturer focused on developing small-scale, lightweight, electric-powered, autonomous farm equipment designed to transform agricultural practices. The company aims to reduce soil compaction and lower both capital and operating costs for farmers, while enhancing asset utilization and addressing labor shortages. By creating innovative agricultural machinery, Salin 247 contributes to a cleaner environment and supports growers in improving soil health. Ultimately, the company's solutions are intended to boost the profitability and sustainability of farming operations.

Continuum Ag, Inc. is a company focused on enhancing soil health and promoting regenerative agricultural practices through its innovative soil health data platform, the TopSoil Tool. Incorporated in 2016 and based in Washington, Iowa, Continuum Ag provides farmers with access to independent soil data and tailored agronomic recommendations. The company's offerings include web-based data mapping, unbiased soil fertility assessments, harvest analytics, scouting tools, imagery integration, and crop planning resources. Additionally, Continuum Ag supports a nationwide network of soil health-focused agronomists to expand its soil database and enhance software usability. By providing comprehensive agricultural consulting services, Continuum Ag empowers farmers to improve soil health and optimize crop yields.

Continuum Ag, Inc. is a company focused on enhancing soil health and promoting regenerative agricultural practices through its innovative soil health data platform, the TopSoil Tool. Incorporated in 2016 and based in Washington, Iowa, Continuum Ag provides farmers with access to independent soil data and tailored agronomic recommendations. The company's offerings include web-based data mapping, unbiased soil fertility assessments, harvest analytics, scouting tools, imagery integration, and crop planning resources. Additionally, Continuum Ag supports a nationwide network of soil health-focused agronomists to expand its soil database and enhance software usability. By providing comprehensive agricultural consulting services, Continuum Ag empowers farmers to improve soil health and optimize crop yields.

Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Slater, Iowa, that focuses on innovative solutions for wastewater treatment. Founded in 2013, the company has developed the Revolving Algal Biofilm (RAB) system, which effectively removes nitrogen, phosphorus, and other pollutants from municipal and industrial wastewater. This sustainable technology not only treats wastewater but also produces algae biomass that can be repurposed as fertilizer or bioplastics. By offering an economical and eco-friendly approach to water treatment, Gross-Wen Technologies aims to assist municipalities and industries in managing water quality while promoting environmental sustainability.

Farmer’s Risk is a software platform that aggregates the critical risk management components used by farmers. It aggregates crop insurance choices, cash sales data, and futures and options data that farmers use and removes the barrier to making separate decisions for each component.

ChopLocal is an online meat marketplace that connects consumers with small butchers and family farmers across the United States. The company specializes in offering a variety of premium meat products, including free-range poultry and antibiotic-free options, all sourced from local producers committed to sustainable practices. By prioritizing support for small businesses and family farms, ChopLocal ensures that customers receive high-quality meat while also promoting regenerative agriculture. The platform provides convenient pick-up and delivery options, making it easier for consumers to access ethically sourced meat products that align with their values.

Mazen Animal Health, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative biological vaccines and therapeutics for both production and companion animals. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Saint Joseph, Missouri, the company focuses on creating orally-delivered vaccines that eliminate the need for refrigeration and facilitate multi-animal dosing. Utilizing maize as a biofactory, Mazen produces cost-effective and stable recombinant vaccines designed to tackle complex challenges in animal health and protein production. Their approach aims to revolutionize disease prevention in various species, including swine, poultry, aquaculture, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife, ultimately enhancing productivity in the animal health sector.

StockGuard is a specialized risk management brokerage dedicated to serving the livestock industry by offering innovative solutions that enhance financial protection for producers. The company employs technology to simplify the management of risks, ensuring that services are both affordable and transparent. StockGuard provides comprehensive insurance services designed to protect against unpredictable production risks, including coverage for foreign animal diseases. By focusing on epidemiological expertise, StockGuard enables livestock producers to mitigate unexpected financial losses, allowing them to concentrate on improving their production yields while maintaining robust risk management practices.

Tractor Zoom, Inc. is an online platform based in Urbandale, Iowa, that connects farm equipment auctioneers with buyers. Since its founding in 2017, the company has developed a mobile application that allows auctioneers to list and promote farm machinery auctions while providing buyers with the ability to search and browse auction inventory nationwide. The platform not only simplifies the auction advertising process but also empowers agricultural leaders to make informed, data-driven decisions regarding the buying, selling, financing, and insuring of heavy equipment. Consequently, Tractor Zoom enables users to manage their equipment purchasing needs conveniently from their mobile devices.

Continuum Ag, Inc. is a company focused on enhancing soil health and promoting regenerative agricultural practices through its innovative soil health data platform, the TopSoil Tool. Incorporated in 2016 and based in Washington, Iowa, Continuum Ag provides farmers with access to independent soil data and tailored agronomic recommendations. The company's offerings include web-based data mapping, unbiased soil fertility assessments, harvest analytics, scouting tools, imagery integration, and crop planning resources. Additionally, Continuum Ag supports a nationwide network of soil health-focused agronomists to expand its soil database and enhance software usability. By providing comprehensive agricultural consulting services, Continuum Ag empowers farmers to improve soil health and optimize crop yields.

FarmHand App LLC is a mobile web application founded in 2018 and based in De Witt, Iowa. The application facilitates connections between farmers and farmhands, enabling users to easily access nearby labor resources. Farmers can list and manage job opportunities, invite farmhands to apply, and communicate directly with potential workers through a chat feature. Additionally, users can browse available jobs, filter listings, and track their applications, streamlining the hiring process for agricultural labor.

Skroot Laboratory specializes in developing wireless sensor systems for biotherapeutic process developers. Their primary product is a non-invasive, wireless platform that continuously monitors key parameters such as cell concentration, foaming, and temperature in upstream cell vessels and single-use bioreactors. This platform enables users to create more accurate models, mitigate risks associated with costly conditions, and expedite time to market for their products.

ClearFlame Engines, Inc. develops and manufactures innovative engines for heavy-duty applications, focusing on decarbonizing the industry by replacing traditional diesel engines. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois, the company serves diverse markets, including marine, agriculture, transportation, power generation, rail, and construction. ClearFlame's patented technology allows heavy-duty engine manufacturers to produce engines that offer higher performance and lower operating costs, providing significant fuel cost savings for their customers. The company's mission is to address the environmental challenges posed by diesel fuel while enhancing engine efficiency and affordability.

Tractor Zoom, Inc. is an online platform based in Urbandale, Iowa, that connects farm equipment auctioneers with buyers. Since its founding in 2017, the company has developed a mobile application that allows auctioneers to list and promote farm machinery auctions while providing buyers with the ability to search and browse auction inventory nationwide. The platform not only simplifies the auction advertising process but also empowers agricultural leaders to make informed, data-driven decisions regarding the buying, selling, financing, and insuring of heavy equipment. Consequently, Tractor Zoom enables users to manage their equipment purchasing needs conveniently from their mobile devices.

VetMeasure, Inc. is a company specializing in the design and manufacture of health monitoring devices for animals. Founded in 2015 and based in Ames, Iowa, VetMeasure offers a product known as MeasureOn, a wearable harness that enables veterinarians to remotely monitor vital health statistics of dogs and other pets. This device tracks heart and pulse rates, respiration, body temperature, and ambient conditions such as temperature and humidity. By leveraging Bluetooth technology, MeasureOn provides real-time data, allowing both veterinarians and pet owners to assess an animal's health status, particularly following surgical procedures or during recovery from illness. The company's innovative approach aims to enhance the care and monitoring of pets, ensuring timely and accurate health assessments.

LEAH Laboratories specializes in developing innovative gene-editing technologies aimed at treating cancer in dogs, particularly B-cell lymphoma. The company utilizes precision gene editing to reprogram T immune cells with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR), creating CAR T cells that can specifically target and eliminate cancerous cells while minimizing off-target effects commonly associated with traditional chemotherapy. By harnessing the natural capabilities of the canine immune system, LEAH Laboratories provides a novel approach to cancer treatment, offering hope to pet owners and veterinarians in their fight against this challenging disease. Based in the United States, LEAH Labs is committed to advancing medical therapies for canine health.

Tractor Zoom, Inc. is an online platform based in Urbandale, Iowa, that connects farm equipment auctioneers with buyers. Since its founding in 2017, the company has developed a mobile application that allows auctioneers to list and promote farm machinery auctions while providing buyers with the ability to search and browse auction inventory nationwide. The platform not only simplifies the auction advertising process but also empowers agricultural leaders to make informed, data-driven decisions regarding the buying, selling, financing, and insuring of heavy equipment. Consequently, Tractor Zoom enables users to manage their equipment purchasing needs conveniently from their mobile devices.

Automed Inc., established in 2012 and headquartered in Belconnen, Australia, specializes in designing and manufacturing automatic livestock medication systems. The company's flagship product, automed, is a pioneering system that automatically calculates, delivers, and records livestock treatments, helping producers manage operations efficiently. It offers adapters for various medication administration methods, including injection, drench, pour-on, and intra-nasal. The automed system seamlessly integrates with existing farm management tools, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing compliance through real-time data recording.