“We’re really excited about this year’s class and the potential for their innovations,” said Doug Dresslaer, director of innovation at DFA.
“It’s a very diverse group with some cutting-edge ag technologies that can help solve problems and benefit our farm family-owners as well as product-focused startups that are exploring new possibilities for dairy foods.”
In the ag-tech category, there are four companies.
CattleEye aims to deliver a deep learning, cloud-based AI platform designed to interpret visual imagery of cattle from industry-standard web cameras. The platform autonomously identifies individual animals to extract insights including measuring gait, applying mobility scores to track lameness, and other positive welfare indicators.
DairyOffice is designed as a central location for all data sets collected on a farm. The platform is built to integrate with herd management software and sensors, feed systems and ration formulation programs. It then manages data collection and provides spreadsheets and other analytical tools.
H2Ok Innovations is a data analytics platform and propriety sensor designed to help manufacturers gain comprehensive, real-time visibility into industrial liquid systems. This enables data-driven optimization operations for utilization in manufacturing facilities, as well as potentially on farms.
VERI Nano has created a patent-pending nanotechnology to be used as a bovine teat sealant, disinfectant, antimicrobial coating, skincare and wound care treatment. It aims to be more cost-efficient and effective than current mastitis treatments.
In the dairy category, Saga Ventures designed a single-serve cheese snacking bar to provide satiable fuel between meals. It utilizes California ingredients infused with two cups of milk, local fruits, nuts, and spices to create a snack-sized cheeseboard with 17g of protein.
SimpliFed utilizes the latest nutritional and microbiome science to develop a personalized organic formula and nutrition supplements to bridge the gap between breast milk and infant formula.
The Modern Milkman designed an online platform offering fresh, local products delivered to consumers’ doorsteps. The subscription-based model connects farmers with their communities and communities with fresh and local products.
The DFA CoLab Accelerator is a 90-day immersive program focused on dairy product innovations and new technologies for dairy farms. Startups will have the opportunity to work with DFA executives, investors and industry leaders. Throughout the program, participants will receive advice and participate in educational sessions on topics for startup growth, including finance, business development, distribution and supply chain, product development, brand building, sales and marketing, packaging and pricing.