Unique Ag Tech Startup Aims To Make Crop Production Easier

By commercializing their research, two University of Florida scientists are trying to get practical artificial intelligence tools into the hands of the state’s farmers. The goal is to build their business by increasing farm profitability, lowering the costs of inputs such as pesticides and labor — and feeding more people. They are doing that by building a new business, EZ Ag Innovations (EZ-AI).

About two years ago, UF/IFAS Professor Nathan Boyd joined forces with fellow UF/IFAS Professor Arnold Schumann to form EZ Ag Innovations. The two have been frequent research collaborators. Boyd is the President, Schumann is the company’s Chief Scientific Officer.

EZ-AI technology – which is patented and licensed by University of Florida — can help growers spray only weeds and minimize damage to surrounding crops, including strawberries and tomatoes.

The EZ-AI team has already started asking growers what they want, to make sure they build technology that addresses their needs. Then, they’ll demonstrate the technology on farms so growers can use it and provide clear, reliable data on the benefits, costs and return on investment.

“We are committed to working with growers and helping them be successful,” Boyd says. “We believe food security is important to national security, and we want to be part of the solution. Our targeted spray systems apply pesticides only where they are needed and will lower costs for growers.”

Schumann says he went into business with Boyd because they shared goals. Both scientists recognized commercialization as the most expedient avenue to get research-based solutions to growers to help them solve practical problems.

Schumann thanks his business collaborators.

“I would not create a startup by myself,” Schumann says. “It is a steep learning curve to navigate, and it helps me greatly that I can focus on research and development, while my co-founders manage the other essential aspects of a business.”

For more, continue reading at blogs.ifas.ufl.edu.