Purdue Ag-Celerator Invests in Plant Scanning Technology

Leaf Spec Ag Technologies was awarded $100K for its plant and leaf scanning technology (photo courtesy of Purdue University)

The Purdue University Ag-Celerator Fund is investing in an agriculture startup that developed plant and leaf scanning technology. Leaf Spec Ag Technologies won first place in the Spring 2020 Demo Day and will receive $100,000.

Purdue says the technology developed by Leaf Spec allows growers to identify the nutrient and chemical composition of plants in real time.

“Partnership between Purdue and industry helps us move technologies forward from the lab to the marketplace,” said John Mascoe, chief executive officer of Leaf Spec. “This latest show of confidence in our technologies and business comes at a crucial time as we look to exponentially grow even as the pandemic presents new challenges.”

Purdue says this year’s demo day event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Purdue Ag-Celerator was founded in 2015 by Purdue Ventures, Purdue Foundry and Purdue’s College of Agriculture.

“Ag-Celerator is meant to help Purdue plant science entrepreneurs build momentum to commercialize their innovations, gain customers and earn more funding,” said John Hanak, managing director of Purdue Ventures.

Purdue says students, faculty and alumni can receive up to $100,000 in funding through the program.