Agricultural technology startups can apply for up to $50,000 in services to test and commercialize innovations benefiting California agriculture through the California AgTech Alliance’s Innovation Grant Program. Applications are due Nov. 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, according to UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Oct. 30 announcement.
UC ANR administers the program and pays participating service providers directly rather than giving cash to startups. Approximately $1.7 million is expected to be available, with no matching funds required. California Jobs First funds the program.
One ceiling across multiple services
A proposal can combine several providers, but the $50,000 ceiling applies to the full package of services, not to each provider. Options include access to private farms, UC ANR Research and Extension Centers and other agricultural sites for field trials, demonstrations and validation.
Other eligible services include research and development, prototype development, laboratory testing, specialized equipment or software, and user testing. Business support can cover identifying prospective customers and their needs, commercialization strategy, market development, financial planning and investor readiness.
Startups retain responsibility for directing their projects, including technical work, analysis and reporting. The services are intended to help companies answer technical and business questions as they move toward agricultural use.
California benefit required
Applicants do not have to be headquartered or incorporated in California. However, every project must demonstrate a clear benefit to California agriculture, and all funded services must take place in the state.
Projects must address at least one of four California agricultural research and innovation roadmap priorities: water and soil management, automation and technology, pest management, or biomass management. Applicants must identify one as their primary focus.
How applications will be evaluated
UC ANR says competitive review will consider technical merit, feasibility, team and provider capacity, adoption potential, budget and grower support. Application materials are available through the California AgTech Alliance’s innovation grants webpage. Farms, ranches, research centers, universities, laboratories and technical or professional service organizations can also apply to join as providers.
