DigiFarmz was one of the startups selected to present at the Innovation Startup Showcase during the Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) Illinois in May. The company showcased its agtech solutions to an international audience of government officials, business leaders, and academic representatives.
The Showcase, organized by the Innovation Exchange Coalition and innovation hub Distillery Labs, marked the conclusion of the second day of ACE programming, which included a visit to the University of Illinois Research Park in Urbana-Champaign—a hub known for its intersection of scientific research, technological innovation, and industry partnerships.
With offices in Peoria and Champaign, Illinois, and in Brazil, DigiFarmz delivers advanced digital agriculture tools such as DigiFarmz Cropper and DigiFarmz Linkage. These platforms are powered by over 20 years of field and greenhouse research conducted across North and South America. They analyze more than 50 agronomic parameters to support the management of diseases, weeds, and nematodes in key crops, as well as provide real-time data on genetics and climate.
DigiFarmz stood out at the event for its alignment with ACE's core themes: fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening regional economic development.
“Participating in ACE Illinois was a valuable opportunity to showcase our work and explore how it can connect with other innovation ecosystems across the Americas,” said Alexandre Chequim, CEO of DigiFarmz.
The company is also developing new features, including risk mitigation scores that link crop insurance and credit solutions to on-farm management practices. With these tools, DigiFarmz not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports more sustainable and profitable agriculture.
Driving Local Impact with Global Vision
The Americas Competitiveness Exchange is an initiative of the Organization of American States (OAS), supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce and other institutions. Each edition brings together around 50 high-level leaders—including ministers, public officials, executives, researchers, and entrepreneurs—to foster international collaboration, promote trade, and share best practices across countries.
By taking part in the Showcase, DigiFarmz strengthened its network of potential partners and reaffirmed its position as a locally rooted innovator with a global growth strategy. The event also highlighted the vibrancy of Illinois’ innovation ecosystem and the role of startups in delivering scalable solutions tailored to the real-world challenges of modern agriculture.