First Place and $10,000 Prize: Kyle Mohler, Insignum AgTech

Farming is the heartbeat of Indiana. Kyle Mohler, CEO and Founder of Insignum AgTech, has combined his deep-rooted agricultural background with advanced scientific knowledge to revolutionize crop management.

Kyle's journey began as a teenager when he borrowed some of his dad’s equipment to farm a neighbor’s field. This early experience sparked a lifelong passion for agriculture. After completing his PhD and returning to Indiana, Kyle observed some practices on his family’s farm that didn’t quite make sense. His brother and father had started using fungicides, often purchasing them and deciding to spray in winter, long before any seeds were in the ground and before they knew if they would face disease problems.

Kyle's scientific training and practical farming experience led him to question this approach. He realized that by the time diseases are visible, leaves are already dead and yield loss has occurred. Unlike humans, plants cannot be healed after damage has been done, so treatments must be preventative to be effective. This insight applies to many agricultural issues, including insect damage and fertility problems.

Motivated by the need for a more efficient and sustainable method of crop management, Kyle conceived the idea for Insignum AgTech in 2019.

Insignum AgTech is transforming the way farmers manage their crops by enabling plants to communicate their needs using natural pigments. The company’s groundbreaking technology allows plants to signal early signs of disease and other issues, enabling timely and precise interventions.

At Insignum, we empower plants to use their pigments to communicate with farmers. Our first gene causes corn leaves to turn purple when disease is starting, giving farmers a clear warning so they can apply treatments exactly when and where needed. This targeted approach not only improves crop production but also promotes sustainable farming practices by reducing unnecessary chemical use.

The future vision for Insignum AgTech includes expanding this technology to use multiple natural colors to signal various problems. Imagine corn leaves turning red to indicate an insect attack or blue to signal low fertility. This color-coded communication system will optimize crop production across all types of crops, making farming more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Kyle Mohler’s innovative approach addresses a significant challenge in modern agriculture: the need for preventative treatments. Traditional methods often rely on timing and broad applications, which can be wasteful and less effective. By allowing plants to signal their needs, Insignum AgTech provides a precise and responsive solution.

This technology represents a major shift towards sustainable agriculture. By minimizing the overuse of chemicals and ensuring treatments are only applied when necessary, Insignum AgTech helps protect the environment while maintaining high crop yields.

What’s Next?

Insignum AgTech is poised to make a significant impact on the agricultural industry. With a strong foundation in research and practical farming experience, Kyle Mohler and his team are well-equipped to bring their vision to life. As the technology evolves, farmers will have a powerful tool to optimize crop production, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices.

Kyle’s journey from a teenage farmer to a leading AgTech innovator is a testament to the power of combining hands-on experience with scientific research. His commitment to improving agriculture through innovation is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.

As we celebrate the achievements of Kyle Mohler and Insignum AgTech, we look forward to the continued advancements they will bring to the world of agriculture, helping farmers everywhere achieve better outcomes through smarter, more responsive crop management.