Agricultural technology startups have until Nov. 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST to apply for service vouchers worth up to $50,000 through the California AgTech Alliance’s Innovation Grants Program. The program supports testing, validation and commercialization of technologies that benefit California agriculture, according to UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The awards are not cash grants paid to startups. UC ANR, which administers the program, pays participating service providers directly. About $1.7 million is expected to be available, and applicants do not have to provide matching funds.
A proposal can combine services from multiple providers, but the $50,000 ceiling covers all services in that proposal. Startups lead their projects and retain responsibility for technical direction, analysis and reporting.
Services available for testing and commercialization
Eligible land services include access to private farms, UC ANR Research and Extension Centers and other agricultural sites for field trials, demonstrations and validation. Related research or extension support can also qualify.
Infrastructure and technology services cover research and development, prototyping, laboratory testing, specialized equipment or software, and user testing. Professional services include customer discovery, commercialization strategy, market development, financial planning and investor readiness.
California benefit required
Applicants do not need to be based or incorporated in California. Each project must, however, demonstrate a clear benefit to California agriculture, and all services paid for with vouchers must take place in the state.
Projects must address at least one of four priorities and identify a primary focus: water and soil management, automation and technology, pest management, or biomass management. UC ANR says applications will receive competitive review based on technical merit, feasibility, team and provider capability, adoption potential, budget and grower support.
Farms, ranches, research centers, universities, laboratories and organizations providing technical or professional services can also apply to become service providers. The request for applications, startup application and provider information are available at calagtechalliance.org/innovation-grants. California Jobs First funds the program.
