Solutions for the Pressing Water Challenges in Agriculture
The Agri Water Innovation Discovery 2023 was a milestone for the Agro Innovation Lab (AIL) and a crucial step in addressing one of the greatest challenges of our time: the sustainable use of water resources in agriculture. The goal of this initiative was to identify innovative approaches and technologies that can help use water more efficiently, ensure quality, and adapt agriculture to climatic changes.
A Global Search for Innovations
The response to the Agri Water Innovation Discovery was overwhelming: more than 75 startups from 28 countries applied to showcase their innovative solutions for the most pressing challenges in water management. From these applications, the ten best startups were selected to present their approaches in categories such as data-driven water management, intelligent irrigation systems, water quality, soil management, and regional water forecasting and risk management.
The Summit: A Gathering of Experts
The grand finale on November 21 at the RWA headquarters in Korneuburg brought together science, industry, politics, and startups to gain a holistic perspective on the challenges and solutions in water management. In addition to the impressive pitches from the finalists, the event offered space for engaging discussions and the exchange of expert knowledge.
Areas of interest
- Data-Driven Water Management
- Irrigation Systems, Irrigation Technology, and Nature-Based Water Storage
- Water Quality (Ensuring/Improvement/Residues/Microbial Load)
- Soil Management & Inputs
- Farming Practices
- On-Farm Water Management
- Regional Water Prediction & Risk Management
- The “Perfect Use Case”
The topic of water is broad in agriculture. We are looking for all innovations that enable better use of the water resource in agriculture.
Areas of application
arable farming
vegetable farming
grassland
viticulture
fruit farming
greenhouse cultivation
watermanagement
onsite & for livestock
Video Impressions
Einleitung
Einleitung
Motivation, Bedarf & Vorgehen
Kategorien
Data Driven Water Management
Irrigation Systems
Water Quality
Soil Management
Risk Management
Winners
Your Content Goes Here
Your Content Goes HereElicit Plant
Elicit Plant’s technology uses phytosterols to enhance plant resilience by improving water retention, root growth, and reducing water consumption by up to 20%. This boosts resistance to water shortages through optimized formulations. The solution functions on irrigated and dry conditions and is considered by the industry as the benchmark solution against Water Stress.
Winner of the Agri Water Innovation Summit
Recognized for their groundbreaking Phytosterol Technology, Elicit Plant is setting new standards in combating water stress in agriculture.
Their innovation uses phytosterols to enhance plant resilience, improving water retention, boosting root growth, and reducing daily water consumption by up to 20%. This technology stores the equivalent of 60mm of rain in the soil, helping plants withstand drought and stress while increasing yields by an average of 10%.
As the winner, Elicit Plant received €10,000 in POC funding and support to further develop their solution.
Winner TUM Venture Lab Membership
Rain2Soil’s groundbreaking Rainbutler is transforming irrigation systems by combining flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Operating at just 1 bar of pressure—a major leap from the 6 bar required by traditional systems—the RainButler merges the adaptability of hose reel systems with the efficiency of large circular irrigation.
As part of their TUM Venture Labs Membership, Rain2Soil will receive:
- Mentoring and coaching
- Access to an extensive mentor and investor network
- Participation in the AgriFood Demo Day with a wildcard entry
This prize will support Rain2Soil in scaling their innovation and driving sustainable water management in agriculture. Congratulations to the Rain2Soil team—we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Your Content Goes Here
Your Content Goes HereRain2Soil
The RainButler is a highly efficient irrigation system that enhances agricultural yields while conserving water and energy. It merges the flexibility of hose reel systems with the efficiency of large circular irrigation, using only 1 bar of pressure, compared to 6 bar for traditional systems. Controlled via smartphone, it saves time, improves plant health, and can increase profits by up to €30,000 annually. Additionally, it has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 20,000 tons per year.
Impressions from the Agri Water Innovation Summit
(c) RWA, Balber
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