Tractor giant John Deere announced that four new companies have joined its latest startup program that's designed to test new technologies with customers and dealers.
Moline-based John Deere unveiled the new businesses in its Startup Collaborator program, its second cohort since the company launched the startup program last year. The goal, Deere says, is to develop relationships with startups who are building technology that could be beneficial for the company.
This year's cohort includes three startups from outside the U.S., and one headquartered in downstate Champaign.
- EarthSense – Champaign-based startup EarthSense is building sensing methods to improve in-field data collection. The company is creating robotics and machine-learning technologies to help crop breeders create new high yielding crops that require less water and chemicals, even in difficult weather conditions. The startup, founded in 2016, raised a $1 million round led by Innova Memphis.
- DataFarm – Based in Brazil, DataFarm is building digital tools to recommend climate-smart agricultural practices to assist famers with planning and decision making.
- FaunaPhotonics – Denmark-based FaunaPhotonics is building technology for real-time pest detection to provide sustainable crop management and improve tools for pest control. Founded in 2014, the startup has raised $3.5 million in funding.
- Fieldin – Israel-based Fieldin is working on data management tools for specialty crops. Specializing in pest management in orchards and vineyards, Fieldin has raised $18 million to date.
"The first year of the John Deere Startup Collaborator program showed us and the startups involved the tremendous mutual value of working closely together," Julian Sanchez, director of strategy and business development at Deere's Intelligent Solutions Group, said in a statement. "We're excited to continue building on the program's success."
Deere has been increasing its tech presence in recent years as it looks to bring new, innovative offerings to its customers. It spent over $300 million in 2017 to acquire AI startup Blue River Technology to use artificial intelligence to help spray herbicide on weeds, and it's been a regular attendee of CES in Las Vegas.
