How Students Can Launch Agri-Tech Ideas from Campus: A Guide [Part 1] 

Twenty-six years ago, from the halls of Stanford University, two young men with restless ambition—Larry Page and Sergey Brin—started what would later grow into Google. Little did they know their idea, born on campus, would reshape the digital world forever. But campus-born innovation is not only exclusive to Tech Giants. Well-established agri-tech companies like Micron Agritech in Dublin and Farmtopia in Egypt also trace their roots back to university students who turned research concepts into real-world solutions for farmers. 

5 Tips for Students to Launch Agri-Tech Ideas from Campus

We’ll start with five tips to launch your agritech ideas right from campus, though the journey does not end here. 

Tip 1: Intern in Agri-Tech Firms

In my honest view, the agri-tech ecosystem can feel difficult to break into as a student, and the difficulty doubles in developing economies. One of the smartest entry points is through internships that allow you to gain valuable, hands-on experience while still on campus. 

The advantage is that it doesn’t always have to be on-site—you can also contribute virtually, which lets you learn, build skills, and grow your network without disrupting your studies. Over time, these experiences not only sharpen your technical abilities but also expose you to industry realities that classroom lessons often overlook. As an add-on to internships, monetising your skills is another way to launch into the agritech space with minimal capital.

Tip 2: Turn Academic Projects into Real Agri-Tech Solutions

A prime example of what student-led innovation can achieve is the story of Micron Agritech. The company began in 2019 as a college project at Technological University Dublin, where four product design classmates—Daniel Izquierdo Hijazi, Tara McElligott, Sean Smith, and Jose Lopez Escobar—took on a challenge presented by a frustrated veterinarian. The problem, although simple, was urgent: traditional lab-based parasite testing for livestock was too slow to meet farmers’ needs.

Their solution was a mobile phone-based kit that enabled rapid, on-farm testing, cutting delays and giving farmers real-time answers. What started as a student project quickly gained momentum, winning awards and attracting early investors. By the end of 2019, it had spun out as an independent company. Since then, Micron Agritech has raised over €5 million (€500,000 in seed funding and a further €2.7 million in 2023), paving the way for expansion across Ireland and the UK.

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Tip 3: Join or Start Agri-Tech Clubs 

It takes two to tango—and more than one brain to build anything that lasts. As the saying goes, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” Most successful agri-tech ideas don’t start in isolation. They begin in shared spaces—clubs, student hubs, or late-night brainstorms with people who think differently.

Agri-tech clubs bring students from agriculture, tech, business, and design together. That mix often leads to fresh solutions and working prototypes. Clubs can host farm visits, demo days, and pitch sessions. And if your campus doesn’t have one? Start it. The best movements usually begin with one or two people deciding not to wait.

Tip 4: Tap into Student Competitions

Student competitions are one of the fastest ways to test ideas and gain exposure. They put you in front of mentors, investors, and policymakers who can open doors you never imagined. Programs like the AI for Good Innovation Factory, the KIC AgriTech Challenge Pro Ghana, or the Lagos Agrithon have shown that a simple pitch can unlock mentorship, funding, and serious industry connections.

But the real beauty is that these aren’t the only ones out there. Every year, universities, accelerators, and government agencies host agri hack events, innovation fairs, and pitch contests. You don’t have to win to benefit. Just stepping into that space forces you to sharpen your idea, defend it, and learn from others doing the same.

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Tip 5: Seek Partnerships Outside Campus

If you’re already engaged in projects or building something on campus, then stepping out to form partnerships shouldn’t be a problem. Once you’re past the prototype or mock-up, it’s time to connect with people outside your bubble—fellow innovators, industry leaders, angel investors, even alumni who’ve been there before. These connections give you real momentum, whether it’s pilot opportunities, early funding, or a channel to farmers who need your idea.

Wrap Up 

Students can start by spotting daily problems in food systems, building small prototypes, and testing with peers. From there, forming networks with mentors and real players strengthens the path. At the same time, campus innovation hubs also provide tools and exposure. Ultimately, the most crucial step is turning bold curiosity into ventures that improve food security. The world is yours to shape. Who knows if your idea is the next big leap in agritech?