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AgTech Navigator News
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Wild Bioscience, an Oxford University spinout, has raised $60 million in Series A funding to enhance its AI-driven precision breeding platform aimed at improving photosynthetic efficiency in crops. Co-founded by Dr. Ross Hendron and Prof. Steve Kelly, the company uses simulations to identify beneficial traits in crops like wheat, leading to significant yield improvements in field trials across several countries. The platform leverages CRISPR for gene editing to incorporate advantageous traits from wild species into commercial crops, with a focus on soybean, wheat, and maize. The funding will support expanded R&D, field trials, and commercialization efforts, with the ultimate goal of scalable, climate-resilient crop varieties to enhance global food security.
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Klim has introduced a 'digital companion' tool to streamline regenerative agriculture for UK farmers and F&B companies, offering personalised field-level recommendations and simplifying data input. The platform addresses challenges faced by major F&B players like Nestlé and PepsiCo, such as weak data and lack of progress, by engaging farmers and providing robust reporting tools. Klim's Crop Mix Composer helps farmers plan crops effectively, and the tool is gaining traction in Germany and Poland. An AI-powered digital agent is planned for 2026 to enhance real-time support for farmers.
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The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and EIT Food have selected 10 EU-based agri-food start-ups to join the Warsaw Accelerator hub, focusing on circularity, climate resilience, and digital innovation. These start-ups are addressing food system challenges with technologies like biotech, AI, and sustainable design, aiming to improve food security and promote inclusive economic development by integrating their innovations into real-world agri-food value chains.
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Azolla Ventures is a firm that combines traditional venture capital with philanthropic capital, aiming to support early-stage climate tech ideas too risky for standard venture capital. Co-founded by Johanna Wolfson, Azolla's dual-capital structure allows it to launch and support companies with a focus on climate impact, despite challenges posed by recent political changes in the US. Despite risks, Azolla seeks to derisk innovations through strategic partnerships, maintaining its mission to support startups in reaching their climate goals. The firm is optimistic that its unique approach can significantly impact the climate sector, drawing inspiration from its namesake fern's historical impact on Earth.