DigiFarmz was one of the startups invited to take part in the 2025 AgTech Innovation Showcase, held on July 16 at EnterpriseWorks, the innovation hub at the University of Illinois Research Park in Champaign, Illinois. The event brought together agricultural professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs for a close-up look at emerging technologies addressing key challenges in Midwestern farming.
Hosted in collaboration with BioSTL, a St. Louis-based organization that supports bioscience startups, and the Illinois Farm Bureau, the event welcomed approximately 90 attendees, including farmers, industry stakeholders, and investors. Nine startups presented innovations focused on nutrient management, weed control, and decision-support tools for the field.
Alex Chequim, CEO of DigiFarmz, introduced the company's platform, which integrates agronomic data, weather information, cultivar characteristics, and other variables to deliver tailored technical recommendations for each farming area. Following the presentations, participants engaged in small-group discussions to explore the technologies in greater depth.
“This event was an important opportunity to speak directly with farmers and ag professionals, understand their needs, and demonstrate how our solution can help drive better field performance and profitability,” said Chequim. “It was also a valuable space to connect with initiatives focused on bringing practical innovation to agriculture.”
The AgTech Innovation Showcase is designed to foster dialogue between producers, researchers, and companies, contributing to the development of technologies with real-world applications in agriculture. In addition to presentations and demonstrations, the event promoted meaningful connections and discussions on how innovation can be integrated into day-to-day farm operations.
(Photo courtesy of Daniel Garcia, University of Illinois Research Park)