THE agribusiness is one of the pillars of the Brazilian economy, representing 27.4% of GDP in 2021. This sector not only feeds the country but also drives economic growth and generates millions of jobs. With the growing demand for food and the need to increase productivity, the innovation became essential.

In recent years, the agtechs gained prominence by applying technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and automation in the field. In 2021, 34 deals and investments of US$100 million were registered in this ecosystem. Precision agriculture, for example, led this movement, attracting US$170.1 million in investments.

However, the sector still faces challenges, such as disparity in relation to other segments, such as fintechs. This article explores the role of agtechs in the transformation of agribusiness, highlighting trends, opportunities and the future of agricultural production in Brazil.

Main Points

• Agribusiness represents 27.4% of Brazilian GDP.
• Agtechs apply AI, Big Data, and automation in the field.
• Investments in agtechs reached US$100 million in 2021.
• Precision agriculture leads investments.
• The ecosystem still faces challenges compared to other sectors.

The Role of Rural Startups in the Agribusiness Revolution

The transformation of agribusiness is directly linked to technological advancement. agtechs have been protagonists in this change, applying innovative solutions to optimize processes and increase efficiency. A notable example is TerraMagna, which in 2021 released R$500 million in advance credit through analysis of data satellites.

GA Agro, in turn, has been serving more than 800 farms with management software since 1988. Pulse Hub, in partnership with 1,200 companies, has reduced consulting time by 95% in cases like Perfect Flight's. These examples demonstrate how technology is revolutionizing the market agricultural.

How agtechs are transforming the sector

Since 2017, investment in the sector has grown by 4,00%. Robotization, for example, has reduced operating costs by 30% on medium-sized properties. Drones used for spraying have generated savings of 20% in inputs, according to ARPAC.

The importance of technology in modern agriculture

The adoption of agricultural marketplaces has increased producers' profit margins by 15%. Furthermore, technical training has been essential. Perfarm University, for example, trained 2,500 professionals in 2023. These innovations ensure control greater on production and promote the automation of tasks.

Precision Agriculture: The Future of the Field

THE precision agriculture is revolutionizing the way the field operates. This approach uses advanced technologies to optimize the monitoring and resource management, ensuring greater efficiency and sustainability.

With the use of sensors and machines With intelligent systems, it's possible to collect real-time data on soil, climate, and crops. This information helps producers make more assertive decisions, reducing costs and increasing productivity.

Monitoring and automation technologies

IoT systems, for example, allow the monitoring microclimate with an accuracy of 98%. Autonomous tractors reduce fuel consumption by 25%, while Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry (ILPF) increases productivity by 35%.

These innovations not only improve efficiency but also promote more sustainable practices. Task automation, such as planting and harvesting also takes center stage, minimizing errors and maximizing results.

Examples of startups that lead this area

Fazenda Aberta serves 15,000 properties in 8 states using precise geolocation. Datacoper, an agricultural CRM, increased sales efficiency in 40% in 100 cities. Certicafé reached 36,000 family coffee farmers with a certification app.

Another example is Scicrop, which uses machine learning to predict crop yields with 92% accuracy. Agristamp also stands out, offering parametric insurance based on 15 climate variables. These initiatives demonstrate how precision agriculture is shaping the future of the field.

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Agribusiness

The combination of artificial intelligence and big data is transforming agriculture. These technologies enable the analysis of data in real time, offering information accurate to improve productivity and reduce costs.

How AI is Optimizing Agricultural Production

THE artificial intelligence is being used to predict pests up to 15 days in advance. Furthermore, predictive algorithms help identify plant diseases in less than a second. This precision enables quick and effective action.

Another example is the use of computer vision to monitor the soil. Satellite-integrated sensors collect data on 12 parameters simultaneously, ensuring greater control over agricultural conditions.

Startups that use big data for accurate predictions

Brain.ag analyzes more than 50 data sources data public to mitigate risks. Solinftec developed the Alice platform, which reduced input waste by 18%. These solutions demonstrate the potential of big data in the field.

Krilltech uses biosensors for leaf analysis, achieving 99% accuracy. The Cromai platform, in turn, performs nutrient diagnostics via NIR spectrometry, ensuring more efficient resource management.

• Pest prevention 15 days in advance.
• Identification of plant diseases in 0.8 seconds.
• Monitoring of 12 soil parameters simultaneously.

Sustainability and Innovation: Startups that Make a Difference

THE sustainability in agribusiness is gaining momentum with innovative technologies. These solutions not only increase productivity but also promote environmental impact positive. The agtechs are leading this transformation, adopting sustainable practices that benefit the soil, the water and the climate.

Sustainable practices adopted by agtechs

One of the main innovations is the use of bioinputs. Biotrop, for example, applied these products to 1.2 million hectares in the 2022/2023 harvest, increasing nitrogen fixation by 22%. Another highlight is smart irrigation, which saves up to 45% in water consumption.

Solar energy has also been an ally, ensuring 80% of self-sufficiency on medium-sized properties. Furthermore, technologies like blockchain enable complete traceability of the production chain, promoting transparency and trust.

Positive environmental impact of innovative technologies

Innovations also have a environmental impact Significant. Perfect Flight reduced agrochemical use by 30% with precise aerial application. Regenar sequestered 150,000 tons of CO2 through regenerative agriculture.

These practices not only preserve natural resources but also increase efficiency and profitability. Ecotrace, for example, has created a digital green seal for more than 500 agricultural brands, strengthening the connection between production and sustainability.

Agricultural Fintechs: Facilitating Credit in the Field

In the current scenario, the agricultural fintechs have stood out as essential allies for the rural producers. These companies offer financial solutions innovative solutions that simplify access to credit and optimize resource management in the field.

How fintechs are helping rural producers

To the agricultural fintechs are revolutionizing the sector by offering credit quickly and efficiently. For example, Agrolend has already originated R$250 million for 1,500 producers, while Nagro approves loans with an average amount of R$100,000 in just 72 hours.

Furthermore, Traive facilitates the credit international commodity market, with US$10 million already invested. These initiatives reduce bureaucracy and increase liquidity, directly benefiting rural producers.

Examples of startups offering financial solutions

Several companies have stood out in the market. TerraMagna, for example, reduced average interest rates by 60%, offering financial solutions more accessible. Another example is crowdfunding, which collectively financed 120 projects in 2023.

• Digital CPR anticipation: liquidity in 48 hours, compared to 90 days in the traditional model.
• Alternative scoring: analysis of 15 non-financial indicators for credit approval.
• Parametric agricultural insurance: automatic payment via IoT in case of weather events.

These innovations show how the investment in technology can transform the agricultural sector, ensuring greater efficiency and safety for producers.

The Current Scenario of Rural Startups in Brazil

The innovation ecosystem in Brazilian agribusiness is expanding rapidly, with a growth significant in recent years. According to the Agtech Radar 2023, there are 1,953 agtechs active in the country, with 43.3% concentrated in São Paulo. This scenario reflects the dynamism of the market and the potential of development of the sector.

Geographical distribution of agtechs

The regional concentration of agtechs is striking, with 65% of them located in the Southeast. In contrast, the Northeast is home to only 12% of these companies. This disparity reflects challenges such as rural connectivity, as only 33% in rural areas have 4G coverage.

A successful example is ESALQTec, which incubated 45 agtechs in Piracicaba, contributing to the strengthening of the local ecosystem. This initiative shows how decentralization can boost growth of the sector in other regions of the Brazil.

Investments and sector growth

You investments in agtechs have increased significantly. SP Ventures, for example, launched a R$300 million fund for Latin America, while Yield Lab invested US$50 million in 15 Brazilian companies. These resources are essential for development of innovative technologies.

Furthermore, the sector registered 22 acquisitions between 2021 and 2023, indicating a consolidation of market. Verticalization also stands out, with 41.7% of agtechs operating in the “Inside the Farm” phase. These numbers reinforce the strategic role of these companies in the agribusiness of Brazil.

The Future of Agribusiness with Rural Startups

Brazilian agribusiness is poised to enter a new era driven by disruptive technologies. Projections from ApexBrasil indicate that the country will have more than 2,500 agtechs by 2025, solidifying its position as a global innovation hub. According to McKinsey, the sector could generate US$1.5 billion in value by 2030, thanks to the advancement of trends such as synthetic biology, which is growing at an annual rate of US$1.5 billion.

Among the trends shaping the future, autonomous farms stand out, already in the testing phase in Mato Grosso and Goiás. Nanotechnology is also gaining ground, with controlled-release fertilizers that increase resource efficiency. Furthermore, cellular meat is being developed by 15 Brazilian companies, meeting the growing demand for sustainable food.

Partnerships like Vivo/ESALQTec are bringing rural 5G to 50 properties, accelerating connectivity in the countryside. With these innovations, Brazil is on track to become a global leader in tropical agtech by 2030, redefining the future of agribusiness.