Michigan State University Hosts Second Annual AgTech Summit at Great Lakes EXPO
MSU Research Foundation and MSU Technologies hosted the second annual AgTech Summit at the Great Lakes EXPO, exploring emerging technologies, fostering partnerships, and addressing sustainability challenges in Michigan’s agricultural sector.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Dec. 17, 2024) — The Michigan State University Research Foundation and MSU Technologies hosted the second annual AgTech Summit on December 12, 2024. The event brought together agricultural innovators, researchers, and industry leaders to share insights and solutions aimed at advancing Michigan’s agricultural sector.
Held alongside the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market EXPO, the summit featured morning sessions at the DeVos Place Convention Center and a startup showcase at the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building.
The day opened with a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities in specialty agriculture, moderated by Brad Fingland, Director of Venture Creation at the MSU Research Foundation. Panelists included representatives from Greenwich Capital Group, Iora Nature Tech, Ness Fertigation, and a former NEOGEN leader. They explored the critical role of university-industry collaboration in addressing agricultural challenges and emphasized the importance of startups differentiative themselves or consolidating with competitors to secure funding.
“This summit reflects MSU’s dedication to finding creative solutions for the agricultural community,” said Fingland. “By connecting researchers, startups, and industry leaders, we’re addressing today’s challenges and preparing for the future of sustainable farming and food systems.”
Following the panel, participants joined an interactive roundtable discussion led by experts from MSU Technologies and the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) AgBio program. Conversations focused on how to accelerate the adoption of agricultural innovations through partnerships and funding opportunities.
“The MTRAC AgBio program works to get early-stage AgBio innovations out of the lab and into the field, farm, or factory where they can create real value,” said Joe Affholter, director of the MTRAC AgBio Innovation Hub based at MSU. “Events like this provide the collaboration needed to turn research into real-world impact in Michigan and beyond.” The MTRAC AgBio Hub is co-funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Spotlight on Startups
From AI-driven monitoring tools to solar-powered farming robots, the Startup Showcase represented a diverse range of technologies aimed at improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and increasing profitability for farmers.
EarthMetric Innovations, a startup leveraging MSU technology, presented low-cost sensor systems designed to optimize irrigation and improve crop yields.
FarmDroid showcased autonomous, solar-powered robots for planting and weeding.
Farmish demonstrated an online marketplace connecting communities with local farmers.
Iora Nature Tech shared AI-driven carbon reporting and nature monitoring technologies, built on technology developed at MSU.
Meknology introduced water treatment devices for agricultural applications.
MSU SmartAg Technologies presented tools to optimize agricultural supply chains.
TierraSpec highlighted remote sensing technologies for soil management.
"These startups embody the future of agriculture," said Mike Taylor, Director of Venture Creation at the MSU Research Foundation. “They demonstrate how technology is creating new value for farmers across their business.”
Building Connections and Exploring Resources
The summit concluded with a networking lunch and tours of The Bridge incubator, a 20,000-square-foot facility managed by the MSU Research Foundation. The incubator supports startups with programs, resources, collaborative workspaces, and entrepreneurial guidance.
“The AgTech Summit showcases how innovation can drive meaningful progress in agriculture,” said Taylor. “It’s about building connections across the ecosystem that lead to solutions.”
Key Takeaways from AgTech Summit 2024
The summit underscored several important themes:
Technology in Practice: University researchers and industry partners are rapidly developing and deploying AI, robotics, and sensor systems to improve efficiency and address agriculture’s most pressing challenges, including labor shortages.
Collaboration Drives Impact: Partnerships between researchers, startups, and industry leaders play a key role in scaling solutions.
Focus on Sustainability: Solutions presented at the summit aim to optimize resources while mitigating environmental impacts.
Regional Leadership: Michigan is a leader in specialty crop production and agricultural technology, leveraging its strong research and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
For more information about the AgTech Summit or to learn about upcoming events, visit msufoundation.org/events.
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About the Michigan State University Research Foundation
The MSU Research Foundation supports the Michigan State University ecosystem with resources that increase the impact of research and innovation. The Foundation achieves its mission through grant programs that contribute over $15 million annually to the University, entrepreneurial programming and early-stage investments that accelerate technology transfer and startup growth throughout Michigan, and environments where startup businesses and collaborators can thrive. The Foundation's work is made possible through its stewardship of a flexible and sustainable endowment, nourished by over 50 years of licensing revenues and investment returns. Learn more about the MSU Research Foundation and its impact at msufoundation.org
About MSU Technologies
MSU Technologies (MSUT) is the technology transfer office at Michigan State University (MSU). MSUT facilitates the transition of innovative technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace through the commercial development and public use of technologies and copyrightable materials developed by MSU faculty and staff. With a dynamic team led by seasoned professionals, MSU Technologies is dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of intellectual property, fostering industry partnerships, and supporting faculty entrepreneurs with support for the establishment of startup companies.