3 Things That May Surprise You About Missouri’s Agtech Scene
- March 17, 2025
Missouri is well-known as a leader in agriculture and agtech, but the state is full of surprises, and its impact on the industry goes even deeper than you might think.
Here are three things you may not know about Missouri’s agtech industry:
- Home to the world’s largest concentration of plant scientists
Missouri is a global leader in plant science research and has the world’s highest concentration of plant science PhDs. According to BioSTL, “The highest concentration of plant science PhDs in the world – more than 1,000 – call St. Louis home.”
At the heart of this expertise cluster is the 39 North Innovation District in St. Louis, a hub that brings together cutting-edge research institutions, startups, and industry leaders. The district houses the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, the world’s largest independent nonprofit dedicated to plant science, as well as the Helix Center, a biotech incubator supporting bioscience, agtech, and plant science startups.
- Missouri is a launchpad for agtech startups
Missouri’s agtech sector isn’t just about research—it’s also a breeding ground for startups tackling some of agriculture’s biggest challenges. Organizations like The Yield Lab, BioSTL, and the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) provide funding, mentorship, and commercialization support, helping agtech innovators bring their ideas to market.
- The Yield Lab invests in early-stage agtech companies, scaling solutions in precision agriculture, sustainable farming, and alternative proteins.
- BioSTL supports agtech ventures through BioGenerator Ventures, helping startups move from research to commercialization.
- MTC funds high-growth agtech businesses through its Missouri IDEA Funds, fostering innovation at every stage.
Its strong investment ecosystem and talent pipeline has earned Missouri worldwide recognition as an epicenter for agtech startups, accelerating advancements in food security, climate-smart agriculture, and farm efficiency.
“With over 1,000 plant science PhDs, 100 bioscience companies, $1.3B in bioscience venture capital under local management, and a close proximity to the heart of U.S. agriculture, there is no better place to be in agtech and plant science.” Danforth Center
Family farms are fueling innovation & sustainability
Missouri’s agricultural landscape is deeply rooted in family-owned farms, which make up over 88% of the state’s nearly 88,000 farms. While these farms uphold generations of tradition, they are also at the forefront of agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Missouri farmers are early adopters of precision agriculture, regenerative farming, and conservation practices. Many implement no-till farming, cover cropping, and rotational grazing to promote sustainability while maintaining productivity.
Through collaborations with agtech startups and research institutions, these farms are integrating advanced solutions like AI-driven analytics, drone technology, and sensor-based soil monitoring systems to optimize yields and reduce resource consumption.
With innovators, startups, researchers, and family farms working together, Missouri will continue driving innovation and shaping the future of agriculture technology.