For years, agricultural research institutions have played a crucial role in advancing agri-food systems through scientific research, technology development, and policy recommendations.
Today, the expectations for science, technology, and innovation have evolved beyond just increasing crop and livestock productivity. There is a growing need to build a more competitive and dynamic agricultural sector, one that aligns with modern economic demands. Expanding the collaboration between research institutions and agritech companies will help research reach the field and ultimately strengthen our food systems.
How Agricultural Research Institutions Can Leverage Local Agritech Startups
In 1973, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) introduced high-yield cassava varieties, which helped millions of Africans overcome food shortages. In the past decade, in 2013, the International Potato Center (CIP) released Vitamin A-rich Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) in Malawi. This crop has improved nutrition for over 6.2 million households across 15 African countries.
Research institutions can leverage agritech startups to scale breakthroughs and connect scientific research with end users. These startups offer digital tools, automation, and real-time data solutions that improve efficiency and bring research closer to growers and agribusinesses.
1. Using Agritech to Bring Research to More People
A lot of valuable research never reaches the people who need it. Agritech startups develop mobile apps, digital advisory platforms, and automated tools that spread research-based solutions faster. Research institutions can work with these startups to make new seed varieties, soil health techniques, and pest control solutions more accessible.
2. Turning Research into Market-Ready Solutions
Research institutions develop new crop varieties, climate-smart farming techniques, and disease-resistant livestock breeds. But without the right partnerships, many of these breakthroughs remain in research papers. Agritech startups could help to test, refine, and scale these innovations. Such partnerships will ensure innovations reach markets and drive impact.
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3. Using Consumer and Customer Data from Agritech to Improve Research
Agritech startups provide real-time datasets on consumer preferences, product demand, and market trends. Research institutions can use these insights to refine studies, validate findings, and ensure their work meets real-world needs. Access to live market data improves accuracy and makes research more applicable.
4. Strengthening Research with Faster Field Trials
Field trials take time, but reducing delays without sacrificing accuracy is possible. AI-powered tools, satellite imaging, and automated sensors help research institutions gather results faster. Agritech startups apply these technologies in real-world settings, and collaboration with researchers can help to test, refine, and improve innovations before wider adoption.
5. Building Long-Term Collaboration Models
One-off projects don’t create lasting change. Research institutions need structured partnerships where agritech startups play a defined role in scaling and distributing research-backed innovations. Innovation hubs, pilot programs, and joint funding models can create stronger, long-term collaborations.
Examples of Collaborations Between Research Institutions and Agritech Startups
Previous collaborations between research institutions and agritech startups have helped move scientific discoveries from labs to real-world application. These partnerships have worked, and so there’s room for more. Some notable examples include:
- IITA and Releaf Collaborate to Enhance Oil Palm Production
In 2021, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) partnered with Releaf, a Nigerian agritech startup, to improve growth and sustainability in oil palm production. This collaboration focuses on increasing oil palm yields and implementing effective intercropping strategies. IITA supports Releaf by providing soil fertility analysis, access to research facilities, and expertise in oil palm management practices.
- IRRI and XAG Promote Digital Agriculture in the Philippines
In January 2025, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) partnered with XAG, the Philippines’ largest agricultural drone service provider, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This collaboration focuses on validating the use of smart agriculture technologies such as drone technology, in rice-based cropping systems. Through its local partner Agridom, XAG donated agricultural drones to IRRI. The support is a means to advance precision agriculture and promote sustainable farming practices.
- Sollum Technologies Joins Cannabis Research Coalition
In 2024, Sollum Technologies became a member of the Cannabis Research Coalition to advance studies in cannabis cultivation. This partnership leverages Sollum’s expertise in dynamic LED lighting solutions to enhance research on optimising growth conditions and improving crop yields in cannabis production.
For further impact in our food systems, these collaborations have long-term and continuous engagement.
Overcoming Barriers to Effective Research-Agritech Partnerships
Despite past successes, challenges still limit research-agritech collaborations. Addressing these barriers will strengthen partnerships and accelerate impact.
- Aligning Research Timelines with Startup Agility
Research moves at a steady pace, while startups adapt quickly to market needs. Institutions can create faster approval processes and offer flexible collaboration models to keep research relevant without sacrificing quality. - Expanding Funding for Scaling Innovations
Research institutions secure grants for studies, but startups often lack funding to scale discoveries. Joint funding programs and public-private partnerships can help move innovations from lab to market. - Clarifying Intellectual Property (IP) Rights
Unclear IP policies slow down commercialisation. Clear licensing agreements and structured commercialisation frameworks will ensure fair benefits for both research institutions and startups.
Final Thought
Both research institutions and agritech startups play different but complementary roles in agriculture. Scientific breakthroughs need the right pathways to reach farmers, markets, and industries. When research aligns with technology, innovations scale faster and deliver real impact. Strengthening these collaborations will turn more discoveries into practical solutions. Thus, it will improve food security, sustainability, and productivity.
