Brazilian AgTechs: Youth, Purpose, and the Race for Global Climate Protagonism
- Equipe ESGpec
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
The AgTech Radar 2024, a mapping prepared by Embrapa , SP Ventures and Homo Ludens , reveals a mature and dynamic ecosystem, where sustainability, diversity and connection with the SDGs - UN Sustainable Development Goals - become central pillars for the future of agriculture.
At the intersection of agriculture and technological innovation, Brazilian agriculture has been consolidating one of its greatest revolutions: the construction of a startup ecosystem committed not only to productivity but also to positive impact. The AgTech Brazil Radar 2024 delivers more than a statistical snapshot—it offers a strategic roadmap for those who want to understand and transform the future of agriculture and livestock farming in the country.
In this analysis, we delve into the study's most relevant findings, offering a critical and constructive reading that highlights paths, challenges, and opportunities for Brazilian agriculture to fully assume its leading role in the global climate agenda.
Brazilian AgTechs: Youth, Purpose, and the Race for Global Climate Protagonism
1. An ecosystem that breathes maturity and diversity
With nearly 2,000 startups mapped , the AgTech Radar 2024 highlights that Brazil already has a structured ecosystem, distributed across the three links of the agricultural chain: before, on, and after the farm . The ongoing mapping since 2019 allows us not only to observe trends but also to accurately identify which areas are advancing most rapidly and which still require attention.
2. Sustainability stops being a speech and becomes a business
Perhaps the biggest change on Radar 2024 is the growth of agtechs in sustainability-related categories:
Biodiversity and sustainability have increased participation since 201, from 35 to 84 startups, with a growth in relation to the total from 3.4 to 4.3%;
Carbon credits, insurance and fiduciary analysis jumped from 24 startups in 2019 to 97 in 2024, with a growth in relation to the total of 2.4% to 4.9%;
Innovative foods and new food trends lead the post-farm with 275 startups.
These data indicate that innovation in agriculture is increasingly linked to environmental and social impact —which includes reducing emissions, regenerating ecosystems, new food models, and green finance.
Initiatives like ESGpec—a startup that develops digital tools to measure and improve sustainability, carbon, and animal welfare indicators on dairy farms—demonstrate how the innovation ecosystem is becoming more sophisticated by integrating data science, environmental assessment, and real impact on the field. With solutions that directly align with Brazil's climate commitments, companies like ESGpec highlight the potential of Brazilian agtechs to occupy a strategic place in global sustainable value chains. |
3. Young startups, connected to the SDGs and the future
Nearly two-thirds of startups emerged after 2018. This youth brings with it a new mindset: more open to collaboration, global agendas (such as the SDGs), and the incorporation of ESG from the outset. This is the generation that sees agriculture not just as production, but as a purpose.
4. Investment and innovation environments: the importance of the network
The Radar reveals the presence of more than 450 innovation environments , including hubs, technology parks, accelerators, and incubators. Governance and coordination of these environments are highlighted as critical success factors.
Despite this, challenges remain in accessing seed capital and connecting stakeholders. The sector demands more bridges between applied research, investors, and producers . Specialized funds and corporate ventures appear to be emerging forces, but they require continuity and scale.
5. Golden opportunity: COP30 and Brazil's green reputation
The report proposes a bold vision: to leverage COP30 as a showcase for Brazilian agro-environmental innovation . This requires the country to invest in governance, communication, and policies that recognize those already doing things right—and encourage those who want to start.
Furthermore, it is reinforced that diversity and inclusion are strategic trends, still little explored, but fundamental to the legitimacy of the solutions created by this ecosystem.
Conclusion: more than a map, a call to action
The AgTech Radar 2024 is not just a technical survey—it's a call to action. It shows that Brazil has what it takes to be a world leader in low-emission food production , but that it needs to remove obstacles and accelerate decisions.
With the field more connected, young entrepreneurs committed to purpose, and a growing innovation network, the window of opportunity is wide open . The question remains: who will cross it first?
The full report is available at: https://radaragtech.com.br/
