2026 is once again showing how quickly the conditions for agriculture and food production can change. Severe heat and drought are putting crops across Europe under pressure, with the EU maize harvest potentially falling to its lowest level since the 1990s. At the same time, rising fertiliser costs and supply risks have prompted the EU to introduce a new Fertiliser Action Plan, while protein diversification is gaining importance for Europe’s food security and resilience.
These challenges are also reflected in the new RootCamp Batch. Nine startups from Germany, France, Slovakia, Argentina and the United States are developing new approaches to nutrient efficiency, soil and crop resilience, biological inputs and more sustainable food production.
NutriSen offers a real-time nutrient sensing for smart fertilization. The startup has developed the first biosensors test strips that can measure the amount of nitrate in plants directly in the field. Instead of indirect measurements such as chlorophyll content, NutriSen provides lab-accurate results, bringing the golden standard to the field and empowering farmers to take timely decisions.
KultFarm develops sustainable, mycelium-based protein foods by combining legumes with fungi through a solid-state fermentation process. The startup creates clean-label meat alternatives that are high in protein and fiber, free from common allergens, and produced with just a few natural ingredients.
Nerit’e works on patented soil sensing technology and digital tools that enable farmers to make data-driven fertilization and irrigation decisions. By combining in-field soil sensors with satellite imagery, the platform monitors plant-available nitrogen in real time, helping optimize fertilizer use, reduce costs and risks, and protect the environment.
Ekolive creates ecological bioleaching technology for the release of elements, the remediation of soils and the production of valuable ecological bio❘me❘stimulants to regenerate the soil and its microbiome as well as to stimulate plants.
PlantSalt offers plant-based salt alternatives that reduce sodium content in foods while maintaining a salty taste. Made from by-products of algae processing in line with circular economy principles, its ingredients help food manufacturers create healthier products without compromising on flavor.
Starfish Bioscience develops precision biosolutions derived from soil bacteria selected for their beneficial impact on soil health. Their solutions support soil microbiome regeneration, improve drought resilience, enhance soil fertility, control soil-borne pathogens, and enable soil decontamination.
Nunatak Biotech designs biological solutions derived from microorganisms found in extreme environments. Their solutions improve crop establishment, stress tolerance, soil health, and agricultural resilience through microbial seed treatments and bioinputs.
Sylvarum develops non-thermal plasma and electrostimulation technologies to enhance seed performance and quality. Their platform improves seed germination, early plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance without chemical inputs
Phycube builds a microalgae production platform based on proprietary reactor and process technology to supply sustainable biological raw materials. The company produces Chrysolaminarin (CRY), a defined B2B active ingredient used by formulators as an eco-friendly plant health biostimulant to replace phased-out chemical fungicides.
Over the coming months, the startups will receive targeted support to further develop their technologies and accelerate their time to market. Most importantly, RootCamp helps create opportunities for them to connect with and build partnerships with our leading industry partners. Join us for the RootCamp Demo Day on November 26 in Hannover, where Batch #8 will present their progress and solutions. The event is also a great opportunity to connect directly with the founders, exchange ideas, and discover potential opportunities for collaboration. Register here to be part.