Radicle Growth launches global renewables challenge with John Deere and Land O’Lakes

Radicle Growth opened applications for the Radicle Renewables Challenge on Oct. 19, 2026, with John Deere, Land O’Lakes and AgRogue Growth Partners as sponsors. The global competition is seeking companies that can create new demand and revenue for farmers through renewable fuels, feedstocks, materials, chemicals and related business models.

Why it matters: - The challenge is aimed at linking farmers to the fast-growing renewables economy, where new demand for crops and biomass could create additional revenue streams for agriculture. - The sponsors want technologies that can help renewable fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, renewable chemicals and bio-based materials scale faster. - The effort could accelerate commercialization pathways for startups building the infrastructure and business models behind renewable value chains.

What happened: - Radicle Growth launched the Radicle Renewables Challenge on Oct. 19, 2026. - John Deere, Land O’Lakes and AgRogue Growth Partners are sponsoring the global search. - Applications opened Oct. 19, 2026, and close Nov. 20, 2026. - Companies from around the world are encouraged to apply. - More information and application details are available here.

The details: - The challenge is looking for companies developing technologies that can create new value, demand and revenue opportunities for farmers. - Target areas include renewable fuels, next-generation feedstocks, renewable chemicals and materials, low-carbon production systems, carbon-intensity solutions, processing and infrastructure technologies, traceability and measurement platforms, and business models tied to renewable markets. - Radicle Growth said the program builds on its model of finding breakthrough technologies and connecting entrepreneurs with strategic industry partners. - John Deere is contributing expertise in agricultural equipment, precision agriculture, farm management and technology adoption. - John Deere said the effort is intended to support demand for the crops its customers grow and help farmers benefit more from the bio-based economy. - Land O’Lakes said the opportunity depends on innovation that works across the agricultural value chain and through trusted retail channels. - AgRogue Growth Partners is positioned as an ag innovation platform focused on accelerating commercialization across agriculture and food. - AgRogue links innovative companies with retailers and farmers to bridge the gap between innovation and market adoption. - AgRogue’s retail partners include Keystone Cooperative, Central Valley Ag, Farmers Cooperative – Dorchester, Farmward Cooperative, Alabama Farmers Cooperative and GreenPoint Ag.

Between the lines: - The sponsors are trying to make renewables a farm-level growth story, not just an energy or industrial one. - The emphasis on retailers, measurement tools and infrastructure suggests the challenge is meant to push ideas beyond the lab and into adoption. - Radicle Growth is using the challenge to position itself as a connector between startups and established agricultural players that can speed commercialization.

What's next: - Radicle Growth will review applications through Nov. 20, 2026. - The program is expected to surface companies that can help build scalable renewable value chains across fuels, feedstocks, materials, chemicals and carbon-related markets. - Radicle Growth also aims to spotlight technologies with measurable impact across the agricultural economy.

The bottom line: - The challenge is a targeted bet that agriculture can capture more value from the renewables boom if startups can solve the commercialization gaps.