NC State launches autonomous drone network across research stations
NC State's AIRS system deploys FAA-approved beyond-visual-line-of-sight drones that self-launch from weatherproof stations and fly crop trials remotely from Raleigh, collapsing the feedback loop between field data and research action.
Purdue spinoff gets $174K USDA grant for nitrogen-efficient wheat
Novin AgriTech received federal SBIR funding to validate a tissue culture-free wheat transformation platform, the first genotype-independent NUE trait engineering program at commercial stage.
USDA Creates Federal Farm-Testing Network for AgTech
USDA launched the National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech on April 7, 2026, with Grand Farm as operator and $11M in secured funding. It is the first federally-backed proving ground system for precision agriculture in U.S. history.