Ag Innovation Challenge Final Four 2026 Leaders

Four ag startups compete live for top innovation awards at 2026 Farm Bureau event

The American Farm Bureau Federation will host the final round of the 2026 Ag Innovation Challenge on January 11 in Anaheim, California. The competition brings together creative agricultural businesses that are developing tools to improve farming, food security, and sustainability. 

Now in its twelfth year, the Ag Innovation Challenge gives entrepreneurs the chance to present their ideas in front of Farm Bureau members, investors, and industry leaders. The winning team will receive a total prize of $100,000, while the runner-up will receive $25,000. 

Four finalists were selected after a virtual pitching round that included ten semifinalist teams. These finalists represent a wide range of solutions for modern agriculture. 

CryoBio from New York is working on frost protection technology. The company has created a plant-safe formula that helps crops resist freezing temperatures. This solution strengthens natural plant defenses and reduces yield loss caused by frost. 

FarmMind from Louisiana offers a digital intelligence platform that combines field notes, weather data, soil test results, pesticide labels, and regulatory tools. The platform uses artificial intelligence to help farmers manage records, reduce mistakes, and make better crop decisions. 

KiposTech from Pennsylvania focuses on poultry health and barn safety. Its technology uses plasma-based air cleaning systems and monitoring tools to reduce airborne disease risks, ammonia, and dust. These tools help improve animal health and protect food production systems. 

Vivid Machines from Washington provide artificial intelligence tools for fruit growers. The system collects plant-level data and helps farmers make better decisions about pruning, thinning, spraying, and harvesting timing. It is currently used in apple and grape production and is expanding to other fruit crops. 

The Ag Innovation Challenge is supported by Farm Credit, Bayer, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, and T-Mobile. These partners help encourage innovation that strengthens the future of agriculture.

Photo Credit: Vivid Machines