🚀 Over 150 Startups Have Already Applied to GLOCAL Game Changers
We’re entering the final days to apply and get your startup considered for the Private Demo Day with Corteva Catalyst.
In this 7th edition of GLOCAL Game Changers, Corteva, a key global player in agriculture, joins as this year’s main partner.
Startups that apply before May 4th will have the opportunity to:
→ Pitch directly to the Corteva Catalyst team
→ Explore pilot opportunities and strategic partnerships
→ Present at the Private Demo Day, a side event of World Agri-Tech São Paulo
Industry Highlights
AgriFoodTech Unicorns Show Signs of Recovery in 2026
DigitalFoodLab’s 2026 mapping identifies 56 AgriFoodTech unicorns globally, up from 52 last year, signaling recovery after the post-2022 slowdown. As valuations rebound, this creates a timely window for corporates to secure startup partnerships and investments before multiples re-inflate.
Syngenta Weighs IPO as Biologicals Drive Growth
Syngenta is considering a potential IPO while reporting double-digit growth in its biologicals segment, reinforcing biologicals as a key strategic pillar amid broader market stabilization.
Corteva’s Spin Off
Corteva is moving forward with its planned split into two companies: its crop protection business (New Corteva) and a standalone seeds company (SpinCo). Chuck Magro is set to lead SpinCo, while Luther Kissam will become CEO of the crop protection business.
High Fertilizer Prices Are Accelerating Biologicals Adoption
As U.S. growers look to reduce input costs and improve nutrient efficiency, biological solutions are gaining traction within crop nutrition strategies. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, are adding volatility to energy markets and indirectly pressuring fertilizer prices upward.
Brazil’s Agribusiness Hits Record Start to 2026
Brazil’s agricultural sector posted a historic Q1, surpassing $38 billion in exports and generating a $33 billion trade surplus, reinforcing its role as a global food powerhouse and highlighting continued strength in commodity demand and export competitiveness.
IDB’s Record Argentina Package Could Boost Agribusiness
The Inter-American Development Bank announced over $7.2 billion in planned 2026 financing for Argentina. Beyond macro support, the package could unlock investment in infrastructure, logistics, SMEs, and agribusiness.
Embrapa Scales Generative AI Across Research Units
Brazil’s agricultural research corporation Embrapa is deploying generative AI across 14 units to accelerate research and enhance field-level decision-making through simulations, personalized recommendations, and integrated soil, climate, and genetic data.
JBS Opens Biotech Hub in Brazil
JBS inaugurated a biotech hub in FlorianĂłpolis focused on alternative proteins, animal health, and functional ingredients, reflecting how major food companies are building in-house biotech capabilities to drive future innovation.
🔎 Featured AgriFoodTech & ClimateTech Rounds and Deals
Instacart Acquires Colombia’s Instaleap
The deal will help accelerate the global expansion of Instacart’s enterprise platform, while highlighting Latin America’s growing ability to build scalable retail-tech companies with global relevance.
22-Year-Old Founder Raises $2.7M for Wildfire AI Startup
Satellites on Fire, led by 22-year-old founder Franco Rodriguez Viau, secured a $2.7 million seed round led by Dalus Capital. The startup uses AI, satellite data, and real-time alerts to detect wildfires faster and scale globally.
Portfolio News
Verqor Highlighted as a Driver of Agribusiness Formalization
In a recent article, Hugo Garduño explains how digitizing Mexico’s agribusiness transactions can build financial identity, unlocking formalization and access to credit. Verqor was recognized for helping modernize agricultural value chains through digital transactions and embedded finance.
Auravant at CDA 2026
Auravant participated in the CDA – Agro Distributors Congress (Buenos Aires) engaging with Argentina’s distribution and cooperative ecosystem. The team presented Aurasales, its commercial intelligence vertical, enabling sales teams to leverage real field data to improve planning, targeting, logistics, and sustainability across the channel.
Kilimo Scales Water Solutions Through Corporate Partnerships
Sami Tellatin, Head of Climate & Water Solutions at Kilimo, is leading partnerships with Microsoft, AWS, and Coca-Cola to scale verified water-saving projects across agriculture’s most stressed regions.
microTERRA Co-Founder Recognized Among Top Women in AgriFoodTech
Marissa Cuevas Flores, co-founder of microTERRA, was named one of the 99 most influential women in global AgriFoodTech, recognizing her leadership in sustainable biotech innovation.
GLOCAL Portfolio Companies Named in FoodTech 500
ZoomAgri and Done Properly, both part of GLOCAL’s portfolio, were recognized in the FoodTech 500. Applications for the 2026 edition are now open.
🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 News from Our Media Partners
Transelec Ventures launched a call for startups focused on vegetation monitoring and remote archaeological detection. Selected teams will receive US$6,000 to run pilot projects and validate solutions.
Inova Agro Tour Arrives in Rio de Janeiro
Organized by SNASH, Inova Agro Tour will take place on June 8 in Rio de Janeiro, bringing together leaders, startups, and companies for a full day of innovation and networking.
See you soon!
