John Deere has announced six new companies joining its 2025 Startup Collaborator Program, an initiative aimed at fostering cutting-edge technologies in agriculture and construction. This marks the seventh year of the program, which was first launched in 2019 to strengthen Deere’s engagement with innovative startups capable of delivering real value to farmers and builders.
What is the John Deere Startup Collaborator?
The Startup Collaborator Program was created to connect John Deere with emerging companies that are developing groundbreaking technologies. Through this initiative, startups gain access to John Deere’s expertise, resources, and potential integration opportunities, while Deere explores new solutions that can enhance efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in agriculture and construction.
“The John Deere Startup Collaborator Program reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and customer-focused solutions. By working with forward-thinking startups, we aim to explore new technologies that can significantly impact agriculture and construction.”
— Jahmy Hindman, Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, John Deere
Meet the Six Startups Joining John Deere in 2025
- Array Labs – A space-tech company developing a satellite network for high-resolution 3D imaging of the entire Earth’s surface. This technology could provide valuable data for precision agriculture, land management, and environmental monitoring.
- Landscan – Specializes in creating “digital twins”, using proprietary soil signals and remote sensing data to optimize resource management. These insights help farmers make data-driven decisions for improved productivity.
- LIDWAVE – A leader in 4D LiDAR-on-a-chip technology, which enables high-precision mapping, automation, and inspection. In agriculture, this technology can enhance autonomous machinery, obstacle detection, and field analysis.
- Presien – An artificial intelligence (AI) startup developing plug-and-play AI solutions to improve safety and productivity on construction sites. The company collaborates with OEMs to integrate AI-driven hazard detection and workflow optimization tools.
- ReSim – A startup focused on AI testing and simulation, helping advance automation and autonomous machine capabilities. Their technology supports the development of safer and more efficient autonomous systems.
- WiTricity – A pioneer in wireless charging technology for commercial and passenger vehicles, as well as specialized machinery. By eliminating the need for plug-in charging, WiTricity’s solutions support the future of electric and autonomous equipment.
Proven Success: The Bear Flag Robotics Acquisition
One of the biggest success stories from previous Startup Collaborator programs was John Deere’s acquisition of Bear Flag Robotics. The startup, which originally joined the program, was acquired by Deere in 2021 and has been developing autonomous tractors and smart farming solutions ever since. This move underscored John Deere’s commitment to advancing automation and AI-driven farming technologies.
John Deere’s Commitment to Innovation
Over the past seven years, John Deere has continuously expanded its partnerships with early-stage tech companies to accelerate advancements in automation, AI, and precision agriculture. These collaborations provide startups with industry insights and growth opportunities while allowing John Deere to stay at the forefront of technological progress.
As the 2025 Startup Collaborator Program begins, John Deere looks forward to working closely with these six companies to explore how their innovations can contribute to a smarter, more efficient future in farming and construction.
For a look at the 2023 Startup Collaborator lineup, visit: https://www.news-jd.com/who-will-john-deere-partner-with-this-year/