Ag Startup Engine

Genvax Technologies is a developer of animal vaccines focused on accelerating treatments for animal health. The company leverages a saRNA-based platform to rapidly design herd- or flock-specific vaccines that target the currently circulating variant strains in an animal production operation by inserting a transgene or gene of interest aligned to the variant. This approach aims to provide clients in the animal health industry with novel vaccines for the prevention and treatment of animal diseases.

Founded in 2015, Mazen Animal Health is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative biological vaccines and therapeutics for animal health. Its flagship product is an orally-delivered vaccine platform that eliminates the need for refrigeration, enabling multiple animal dosing and improving disease prevention.

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 operates an online marketplace connecting consumers with high-quality meats sourced from family farmers and small butchers nationwide. The platform offers a range of products, including free-range poultry and antibiotic-free options, at premium prices. It supports local agriculture and provides convenient pick-up and delivery services.

Founded in 2015, Mazen Animal Health is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative biological vaccines and therapeutics for animal health. Its flagship product is an orally-delivered vaccine platform that eliminates the need for refrigeration, enabling multiple animal dosing and improving disease prevention.

Stockguard is a specialized brokerage firm focused on providing innovative risk management solutions tailored for the livestock industry. By harnessing technology, they simplify, make affordable, and ensure transparency in managing risks associated with livestock production.

Founded in 2017, Tractor Zoom operates an online platform that connects agricultural equipment auctioneers with buyers. Its mobile application enables auctioneers to list and promote machinery auctions, while buyers can search and browse inventory nationwide.

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.

Founded in 2017, Tractor Zoom operates an online platform that connects agricultural equipment auctioneers with buyers. Its mobile application enables auctioneers to list and promote machinery auctions, while buyers can search and browse inventory nationwide.

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.

Founded in 2017, Tractor Zoom operates an online platform that connects agricultural equipment auctioneers with buyers. Its mobile application enables auctioneers to list and promote machinery auctions, while buyers can search and browse inventory nationwide.

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.