Pete Nelson still pumped 12 days after latest Demo Day
He was in town and provided an update on the program's activities.
Pete Nelson, President of Memphis-based AgLaunch, was in Knoxville on Tuesday and invited a small group of individuals to meet with him for an update on the organization. Some of the conversation was on the record, while other parts were not.
One thing, however, was clear: Nelson was still pumped about the AgLaunch 365 Demo Night and Portfolio Showcase held 12 days earlier in Memphis. He said more than 320 people attended the event where the new portfolio companies were introduced. The eight start-ups were selected by farmers to participate in its two-year AgLaunch365 Accelerator Program that combines tailored investments, on-farm trials, and access to valuable agricultural data to fast-track the commercialization of transformative technologies.
The eight and their focus are:
- Barn Owl Precision Agriculture which deploys the Autonomous Nano Tractor (ANT) as a service to support small farmers in securing our food supply, combating climate change, and rekindling a passion for farming. Designed for precision weeding in row crop environments, the system offers operational support throughout the farming cycle—from planting to harvest.
- Barnwell Bio is an animal health data platform powered by wastewater analysis. By offering early identification of health trends, we help minimize livestock mortality and maximize productivity, removing guesswork from animal health management.
- BugBiome harnesses nature’s own defenses to protect crops from pests safely and sustainably. By leveraging plant microbiomes and innovative hardware to study insect behavior, the team discovers bioprotectants that pose no harm to people or pollinators.
- IngateyGen specializes in developing innovative peanut varieties using CRISPR genome editing technology. Our traits improve safety and nutritional value, delivering enhanced health and wellness benefits for consumers.
- Kalix gives farmers real-time control over animal health with rapid disease testing results delivered in just one hour—compared to the typical 5–7 days required for external lab testing.
- MicroMGx delivers nature’s solutions for global agriculture. Proprietary technology identifies novel chemicals from microbes 100 times more efficiently than traditional methods. Our lead product is a naturally produced herbicide with a groundbreaking mechanism of action—the first in 35 years.
- Mycologics offers a biofungicide manufacturing platform derived from microbial natural products, providing sustainable solutions for crop protection.
- Rogue.ai develops the most advanced spraying drones on the market, powered by a hybrid-electric powertrain. Our technology significantly reduces operational costs while enhancing on-field productivity.
Nelson also spent some time talking about a recent visit to Cornell University where he lectured at the Institute of Digital Ag on the topic of “Power Dynamic and Leverage in Building a More Sustainable and Equitable Agrifood Future.”
“We’re a group of farmers working together,” he said in describing the organization that he leads and the more than 50 farmers that are part of the AgLaunch Farmers LLC. Togerther with Ag Ventures Alliance, the two groups are coordinating something called the Farmers Innovation Network that helps farmers maximize the value of their knowledge, land, and resources, positioning them for success in emerging agricultural markets and technology.
What’s the value proposition to join the AgLaunch initiative?
“They want to be around smart people that are like them,” Nelson says.
Locally, the Appalachian Agri-Food Cluster is located at the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center and managed by AgLaunch Engine LLC. a for-profit small business supporting regionally tailored economic development approaches that leverage farmer-led agricultural innovation. This work is funded in part by a contract with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Cluster comprises 240 counties across Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, led by a steering team of representatives from across the region.
Other regional clusters include the Memphis Delta, Midwest, and Northwest.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!