National Science Foundation

Ryp Labs is a company focused on developing and commercializing innovative technologies aimed at reducing food waste. It offers a range of products, including food-safe labels known as Shelf-Defense and stickers called StixFresh. These products are designed to be applied directly to fresh produce or its packaging, effectively prolonging shelf life and freshness by up to two times. By preventing spoilage and over-ripening, Ryp Labs' solutions provide a practical approach for clients to combat the global issue of food waste while extending the usability of their fresh products.

Farther Farms is a food company focused on sustainable produce and innovative preservation. It provides locally sourced, organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables and uses technology to improve environmental impact and flavor. The company also develops shelf-stable alternatives to traditionally frozen foods by applying high-pressure processing with dense carbon dioxide at moderate temperatures, a method designed to prevent spoilage without preservatives, chemicals, or genetic modification. This approach aims to reduce costs across the food system, including processing, distribution, and retail, while ensuring convenient, high-quality products for consumers.

Ryp Labs is a company focused on developing and commercializing innovative technologies aimed at reducing food waste. It offers a range of products, including food-safe labels known as Shelf-Defense and stickers called StixFresh. These products are designed to be applied directly to fresh produce or its packaging, effectively prolonging shelf life and freshness by up to two times. By preventing spoilage and over-ripening, Ryp Labs' solutions provide a practical approach for clients to combat the global issue of food waste while extending the usability of their fresh products.

FruitVaccine is a company based in Champaign, Illinois, that specializes in the production of fruit-based vaccines aimed at providing immunity against widespread infectious diseases. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on developing noninvasive, orally administered vaccine alternatives. Its products come in various forms, including gummy-like pills, oral drops, and fruit purees, making them accessible and appealing. These vaccines are designed to be natural, vegan-friendly, and environmentally sustainable, distinguishing them from traditional injectable options. FruitVaccine's innovative approach aims to enhance immunization efforts by offering a more palatable and less invasive means of disease prevention.

FloraPulse develops precision irrigation technology for orchards and vineyards, based on patented microsensors and stem water potential measurements. The company offers a micro tensiometer system that directly measures plant water status in fruit and nut crops, delivering daily readings and science-based irrigation recommendations. Originating from researchers at Cornell University with decades of experience, FloraPulse helps growers increase productivity, reduce costs, and better manage risk by optimizing water use. The solution provides farmers with continuous field insights and weekly reports on water stress history to fine-tune irrigation strategies and improve crop health and yield.

ZestBio develops technology to transform wastes into renewable products by converting agricultural byproducts into specialty chemicals. Through biological processes, it derives value from citrus peels, sugar beet pulp, and grape pomace to produce household cleaning ingredients, bio-based plastics, and vitamins. Based in Berkeley, California, the company was founded in 2017.

Farm Vision Technologies is a startup focusing on development and commercialization of computer vision systems to enable growers of high value crops — such as fruits, berries, and nuts — to monitor the count, size and health of their plants.

Meati Foods produces and sells fungi-based meat alternatives. Founded in 2016, the company uses proprietary clean technologies to create nutrient-dense, plant-based products that are free from common allergens.

Farther Farms is a food company focused on sustainable produce and innovative preservation. It provides locally sourced, organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables and uses technology to improve environmental impact and flavor. The company also develops shelf-stable alternatives to traditionally frozen foods by applying high-pressure processing with dense carbon dioxide at moderate temperatures, a method designed to prevent spoilage without preservatives, chemicals, or genetic modification. This approach aims to reduce costs across the food system, including processing, distribution, and retail, while ensuring convenient, high-quality products for consumers.

Meati Foods produces and sells fungi-based meat alternatives. Founded in 2016, the company uses proprietary clean technologies to create nutrient-dense, plant-based products that are free from common allergens.

ZestBio develops technology to transform wastes into renewable products by converting agricultural byproducts into specialty chemicals. Through biological processes, it derives value from citrus peels, sugar beet pulp, and grape pomace to produce household cleaning ingredients, bio-based plastics, and vitamins. Based in Berkeley, California, the company was founded in 2017.

Farm Vision Technologies is a startup focusing on development and commercialization of computer vision systems to enable growers of high value crops — such as fruits, berries, and nuts — to monitor the count, size and health of their plants.

FloraPulse develops precision irrigation technology for orchards and vineyards, based on patented microsensors and stem water potential measurements. The company offers a micro tensiometer system that directly measures plant water status in fruit and nut crops, delivering daily readings and science-based irrigation recommendations. Originating from researchers at Cornell University with decades of experience, FloraPulse helps growers increase productivity, reduce costs, and better manage risk by optimizing water use. The solution provides farmers with continuous field insights and weekly reports on water stress history to fine-tune irrigation strategies and improve crop health and yield.

Innovesca, LLC is a food innovation company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in developing nutritious ingredients through natural processing. The company focuses on optimizing nutrition from underutilized plants, particularly amaranth, which is processed into a dried, shelf-stable powder for diverse applications. Innovesca's products are designed to enhance the nutritional value of functional foods, such as bars, cereals, and healthy snacks, by unlocking the full benefits of whole foods. By enabling small communities to grow and utilize these nutritional ingredients, Innovesca aims to improve overall health and nutrition while promoting sustainable food practices.