USDA announces $12.3 million investment in private-sector tech innovation for food and agriculture — California companies to receive more than $1.4 million

From a USDA News Release

The USDA has announced an investment of more than $12.5 million as part of the USDA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The awards will support 76 small businesses conducting high-quality research that addresses critical scientific challenges and opportunities in agriculture.

Nine California firms working on these challenges have been awarded funding totaling more than $1.4 million.

1. Astalake Biosystems, Emeryville — $181,500 for a project that would aim to improve yields, stress tolerance and biomass quality in alfalfa.
2. Cellbae, Inc, Berkeley — $174,992 for the validation of rapid test kits for foodborne pathogens.
3. Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems Corp, San Jose — $174,962 for sensor advancements in greenhouses.
4. Isca Technologies Inc, Riverside — $125,000 for pest control for the diamondback moth.
5. OnaVia Inc, Hayward — $175,000 for development of an online nitrogen analyzer.
6. Quorum Bio, Inc – San Ramon — $181,476 for research of fertilizer alternatives.
7. Rednox Inc, Pleasanton — $174,976  for NOX and N20 sensors for both subsurface and ambient measurements.
8. Soliculture Inc, Scotts Valley — $161,172 for a new type of solar panel that can integrate with agricultural production.
9. Tiami, Elk Grove — $125,000 for repeater coordination for ultra-long-range rural wireless broadband access.     

“Small businesses play a key role driving innovation in the food and agriculture sectors,” said Dr. Manjit K. Misra, director of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which funded some of the projects. “By partnering with research institutions, these small businesses are bridging an important gap between where science is conducted and how it is made available to the public.”

View USDA news release