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Over the past two years, we have partnered with Radicle Growth to identify and support start-ups driving innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture. Through various challenges, we have encouraged start-ups to present their new technologies to address specific unmet needs. Our significant investments have advanced biological solutions, carbon, and soil health technologies.
In addition to funding, winners have gained invaluable access to UPL and Radicle’s agricultural expertise, mentorship, and global networks, providing unparalleled opportunities to refine their technologies and scale their impact.
Challenge 2024: ‘The NPP Radicle Challenge by UPL’
With up to US$ 1.75 million in investments, we sought innovators to accelerate sustainable advancements in agriculture, combining environmental benefits with improved productivity and food security. This challenge aimed to identify and support start-ups advancing biological solutions to protect crops from biotic stresses and threats like bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects, and arachnids.
The challenge drew 237 entries from 55 countries, highlighting the potential and ag-tech development of biological solutions. On Pitch Day, March 18th, 2024, four finalists presented their innovations to a global panel of agribusiness experts, and Impetus Ag was named the winner.
Impetus Ag is developing novel biological insect control products that combine the safety profile of Bt with significantly faster and more effective pest control. Their innovative proteins enhance existing Bt products (both topical and transgenic), delivering sustainable and impactful solutions for growers.
"Being the winner of The Radicle NPP Challenge by UPL is a game changer for Impetus Ag! Investment in parallel with product development resources, expertise, and access to global networks will ensure our products meet industry gold standards and will go a long way in authenticating our pest solutions with grower supply chains critical for product adoption."
Dr. Martha Schlicher
CEO, Impetus Ag
Challenge 2022: ‘The Radicle Carbon & Soil Challenge by UPL’
The Radicle Carbon & Soil Challenge by UPL was the first global competition of its kind, designed to seek and scale innovative soil-carbon technologies. Open to entrepreneurs at every start-up stage and from any country, the challenge provided seed funding to develop climate-positive agricultural technologies aimed at securing our global food future.
As part of UPL’s mission to Reimagine Sustainability, the challenge reinforced our commitment to empowering small growers with the tools and technologies needed to drive progress toward net-zero goals. By leveraging UPL’s global reach and resources, this initiative showcased how agriculture and soil-carbon sequestration can become pivotal forces in combating climate change.
The challenge attracted more than 150 participants from over 40 countries, with Pluton Biosciences and Phospholutions being recognized for their innovative technologies.
A micro mining company looking to nature for cutting-edge biotech solutions was selected as the 1st place winner for discovering next-generation products for agriculture, biomaterials, and carbon sequestration.
"Winning the 2022 ‘Radicle Carbon & Soil Challenge by UPL’ has allowed us to accelerate our research and development of sustainable solutions for carbon sequestration and soil health. The resulting relationships with both UPL and Radicle Growth helped us to gain traction and credibility with investors during our recent Series A raise and will continue to help us as our technology advances to the product development phase."
Elizabeth Gallegos
CEO
A technology company enhancing the efficiency of global phosphorus use was selected as the 2nd place winner for developing a responsible fertilizer additive designed to increase efficiency for farmers while lowering environmental impact.
"Winning the ‘Radicle Carbon & Soil Challenge by UPL’ and receiving investment from UPL has accelerated our business. The insight and involvement of both the Radicle Growth and UPL teams has been invaluable as we continue our mission to provide farmers with more sustainable fertilizer solutions."
Hunter Swisher
CEO, Phospholutions
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