Key Takeaways
- Accelerating agtech startups is critical for getting technologies to market faster.
- Reservoir Farms’ hubs in Salinas and Yuma enable year-round prototyping.
- Partnerships with John Deere and UC researchers strengthen validation.
- This model helps startups move from prototype to commercialization more efficiently.
The Need for Accelerating AgTech Startups
Innovation in agriculture often moves slowly compared to other sectors. Limited farm access, seasonal testing, and geographic isolation hold back progress. For this reason, accelerating agtech startups is a top priority for industry leaders.
Reservoir Farms’ Model for Acceleration
Reservoir Farms was founded to address this challenge. Its first hub in Salinas, California, provides immediate access to farmland and growers. A winter extension in Yuma, Arizona, allows startups to continue trials on leafy greens during colder months. Together, these hubs provide continuous opportunities to refine technologies.
Danny Bernstein explained, “Rather than waiting months, companies can continuously prototype and validate their technologies. That acceleration makes all the difference in reaching commercialization”
Strengthening Commercial Pathways
Partnerships with John Deere offer visibility into large-scale industry integration, while the University of California and University of Arizona provide structured validation. Startups can turn trials into credible case studies, improving their position with both growers and investors.
With six companies already enrolled, Reservoir Farms shows how dedicated hubs, research support, and community can accelerate agtech startups. This approach ensures that solutions addressing efficiency, sustainability, and food security reach the market faster.
Watch the entire episode.
