Ag tech startups can access field trials, technical expertise and commercialization support; applications due Nov. 20
Oct. 20, 2026 — The California AgTech Alliance is accepting applications for its Innovation Grants Program, which offers service vouchers of up to $50,000 to help agricultural technology startups test, validate and commercialize innovations that benefit California agriculture. Applications are due Nov. 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Before a new ag tech solution is ready for growers, it needs to be tested in the field, refined and validated under real-world conditions. For many startups, de-risking the path to commercialization and adoption requires access to farms, specialized facilities, laboratory testing and business expertise that they can’t easily find or afford.
Innovation Grants close that gap by providing startups with vouchers to access specialized services from participating providers including farms, research centers, laboratories and business advisers. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), which administers the program, pays providers directly. About $1.7 million in funding is expected to be available, and no matching funds are required.
The California AgTech Alliance is a statewide network connecting California’s agricultural regions around shared priorities in innovation, workforce development and entrepreneurship.
“New agricultural technology has to prove itself in real growing conditions,” said Helle Petersen, director of UC ANR Innovate. “This Innovation Grants Program connects startups with the research expertise, UC ANR Research and Extension Centers and agricultural partners that can help them test promising ideas and help bring practical solutions to growers.”
A single proposal can combine services from more than one provider in three categories:
- Land Services: Access to private farms, UC ANR Research and Extension Centers across the state and other agricultural sites for field trials, demonstrations and validation, plus related research or extension support.
- Infrastructure and Technology Services: Research and development, prototyping, laboratory testing, specialized equipment or software, and user testing.
- Professional Services: Customer discovery, commercialization strategy, market development, financial planning and investor readiness.
The $50,000 cap applies to all services in one proposal. The startup leads each project and is responsible for its technical direction, analysis and reporting.
“For an ag tech startup, the next step might be a field trial, technical testing or a clearer path to market,” said Sarah Masterson, director of the California AgTech Alliance. “These vouchers help companies work with qualified providers, answer key technical and business questions and build the evidence growers want to see.”
Applicants don’t need to be based or incorporated in California. However, each project must show a clear benefit to California agriculture, and all voucher-funded services must be performed in the state.
Each project must address at least one of four priorities from the California Agricultural Research and Innovation Roadmap (PDF) and name one as its primary focus: Water and Soil Management, Automation and Technology, Pest Management, or Biomass Management.
Applications are reviewed competitively on technical merit, feasibility, team and provider capability, adoption potential, budget and grower support.
Farms, ranches, Research and Extension Centers, universities, laboratories and organizations offering technical or professional services can also apply to become service providers.
The request for applications, the startup application and service provider information are available at calagtechalliance.org/innovation-grants.
The Innovation Grants Program is funded by California Jobs First.
About California AgTech Alliance
California AgTech Alliance is a statewide network connecting California’s agricultural regions around shared priorities in innovation, workforce development and entrepreneurship. Anchored by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), the Alliance helps partners coordinate programs, expand access to training and career pathways, support ag tech startups and bring climate-smart technologies closer to the farms and communities that can use them. The Alliance is part of California Jobs First. Learn more at calagtechalliance.org.
About UC ANR Innovate
UC ANR Innovate is the innovation arm of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. It connects growers, entrepreneurs, researchers and partners with the expertise, facilities and networks they need to develop agricultural technologies and bring them to market. Its work spans technology development, commercialization and workforce preparation. Learn more at ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-innovate.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu.
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