John Deere Unveils Five Innovative Companies in 2026 Startup Collaborator Program

John Deere Unveils Five Innovative Companies in 2026 Startup Collaborator Program



Deere & Company has recently revealed the five startups chosen for its highly-anticipated 2026 Startup Collaborator Program, aimed at fostering innovation within the agriculture and construction sectors. Since its inception in 2019, this program has sought to bridge the gap between John Deere and up-and-coming tech companies, enhancing the value of solutions available to their customers in agriculture, construction, and roadbuilding.

Wes Robinson, Vice President of Corporate Development Strategy at John Deere, expressed the company's commitment to addressing essential challenges presented across various industries. “Through the Startup Collaborator Program, we’re collaborating with startups leveraging advanced technologies to bring forth critical advancements,” he stated. Innovations in real-time equipment monitoring, AI-driven robotics, and digital crop intelligence are among the highlights of this collaboration, all geared toward enhancing precision, productivity, and sustainability.

The selected startups for the 2026 cohort include:

  • - AIRS ML: An edge AI company focused on creating device-based intelligence that integrates advanced sensing and machine learning. Their aim is to ensure real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of essential industrial assets.
  • - IoTag: This company provides a patented telematics solution transforming raw operating data into actionable insights, thereby optimizing machinery performance across diverse fleets in agriculture and construction.
  • - resonAg: An Australian agritech innovator that applies verified technologies from medical, mining, and oil sectors to deliver sophisticated soil sensing systems, facilitating precision agriculture.
  • - TorqueAGI: This firm is dedicated to developing the foundational AI model that will enable a new breed of enterprise robots to operate autonomously and make real-world decisions.
  • - Aerobotics: A pioneering company in the fruit industry that utilizes drone technology and cutting-edge computer vision AI to assist in smarter farming decisions. Their platform aids growers and shippers in accurately estimating yields and optimizing supply chain operations.

Colton Salyards, Principal in Corporate Development at John Deere, noted the diverse range of technologies brought in by the startups. “The companies in our eighth collaboration cohort cover critical areas like monitoring, sensing, AI, robotics, and data-driven insights. Working closely with them allows us to uncover tangible benefits for our customers in the agriculture and construction realms,” affirmed Salyards.

In the new landscape of ag-tech and construction technology, such initiatives by John Deere highlight the company's ongoing dedication to innovation and adaptation. As the world evolves towards smarter, more efficient practices in these sectors, the collaboration with startups signifies a positive shift toward modernized, sustainable farming and construction solutions.

About John Deere


With nearly two centuries of experience, John Deere’s influence spans from agriculture to infrastructure development. The firm embraces innovation while serving its broad customer base, irrespective of their familiarity with farming machinery or heavy equipment. From the original steel plow to the latest in agricultural technology, John Deere continues to be a leader in pushing boundaries within various industries, nurturing a sustainable future.

For further details, navigate to John Deere’s official news site.

Topics Consumer Technology)

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