Instacrops to Showcase Water-Saving AI at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
San Francisco - Instacrops, a startup founded by Mario Bustamante, will demonstrate its water-saving and crop-boosting artificial intelligence (AI) at the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt conference in San Francisco later this month. The company's innovative technology has already helped 260 farms reduce their water consumption by up to 30% while increasing crop yields by as much as 20%.
According to Bustamante, who spoke with TechCrunch, the problem of water scarcity is particularly pressing in countries like India and Chile, where agriculture accounts for more than 90% of fresh water usage. "Lack of water is a big issue here," he said, highlighting the need for effective solutions.
Initially founded to deploy internet-of-things (IoT) sensors on farms to detect frost conditions, Instacrops pivoted to software and focused on water use after the hardware market became commoditized. This shift allowed the company to process massive amounts of data, with over 15 million data points processed per hour - a feat that was previously only achievable annually.
"We're reducing costs, team members, and generating more impact with less," Bustamante explained, highlighting the benefits of the AI-powered approach. "We've been able to scale our operations significantly without increasing our staff."
The company's AI technology uses machine learning algorithms to analyze data from various sources, including weather forecasts, soil moisture levels, and crop health indicators. This information is then used to provide personalized recommendations for farmers on optimal water usage, resulting in significant reductions in water consumption.
Instacrops' participation in Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 marks a major milestone for the company as it prepares to showcase its innovative technology to a global audience. With its water-saving and crop-boosting AI, Instacrops is poised to make a significant impact on the agriculture industry, which accounts for approximately 70% of the world's fresh water usage.
As Bustamante noted, "We're not just reducing costs; we're also helping farmers increase their yields while conserving precious resources." With its cutting-edge technology and commitment to sustainability, Instacrops is set to revolutionize the way agriculture operates worldwide.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*