Six innovative ag tech startups are set to take center stage at the upcoming VINE Connect Field Day in Fresno County, offering a glimpse into the future of California agriculture. The event, scheduled for June 26, 2025, will showcase cutting-edge technologies designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges faced by growers today, from water conservation to labor shortages and crop disease management.
The VINE Connect program, a collaborative effort between UC ANR Innovate and Farmhand Ventures, aims to bridge the gap between emerging agricultural technology and the farmers who stand to benefit from it. The six startups selected for this year’s program have developed promising solutions that could revolutionize the way California farmers approach their work.
One of the standout participants is Bonsai Robotics, a company that retrofits orchard machinery with advanced vision and control systems, transforming them into self-driving machines. Their autonomous equipment can operate around the clock, even in challenging environments, to shake trees or clear orchard floors without the need for a human operator. This technology could be a game-changer for farmers grappling with labor shortages and the need for increased efficiency.
Another notable startup is HotSpot AG, which offers a smart irrigation management system that allows farmers to remotely monitor and control irrigation pumps, engines, and valves via cloud-based technology. With persistent drought conditions in California, this innovation could help growers optimize water usage and conserve this precious resource.
The VINE Connect Field Day will provide an opportunity for growers, agricultural professionals, and community members to see these technologies in action and engage directly with the startup teams. The event is free and open to the public, with live demonstrations scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the UC West Side Research and Extension Center in Five Points, Fresno County.
The implications of this event extend beyond the immediate benefits to the participating startups and attending farmers. By fostering direct engagement between technology developers and end-users, the VINE Connect program accelerates the adoption of innovative solutions that can enhance the resilience and profitability of California’s agricultural sector.
Moreover, the program underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in driving progress within the industry. As these startups refine their products based on grower feedback, they contribute to a broader ecosystem of innovation that benefits all stakeholders in California agriculture.
The VINE Connect Field Day is not just an exhibition of new technologies; it’s a testament to the power of partnership and the potential for ag tech to transform the way we grow our food. As these startups take their solutions from the field to the market, they pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future for California farming.
To attend the VINE Connect Field Day, please register at https://bit.ly/VINEconnectJune2025.