Reservoir has launched a three-tiered participation structure across its agricultural innovation network, lowering barriers for startups and researchers to access field testing and commercialization support. The shift transforms the organization from a gated community into an open innovation ecosystem designed to accelerate development of AI and agricultural robotics.
Why this changes the testing landscape for AgTech
The high cost of bringing agricultural automation to market has acted as a bottleneck. Western Growers estimates it can take up to $100 million to bring a commercial agricultural automation product to market. By providing a structured pathway to the farm, Reservoir aims to close the gap between nascent technology and the growers who need it.
The new model provides a clear choice based on company stage and objectives:
- Associate ($0 USD per month): A low-barrier entry point for student teams, researchers, and corporate R&D groups seeking short-term field access and product testing.
- Member ($3,000 USD per month): A structured program offering shared farm access, workspace, advisory support, and grower integration.
- Resident ($5,000–$6,000 USD per month): A deep engagement model for scaling companies. It provides dedicated acreage, machine-shop access, and strategic venture support through Reservoir VC.
Choosing the right track for your technology
Reservoir has mapped its residency tracks to technology readiness levels (TRL) to ensure teams get the right support at the right time:
- DEVELOP track: Built for early-stage, pre-seed/seed teams (TRL ~1–5) focused on building prototypes and gathering initial grower feedback.
- DEPLOY track: Designed for growth-stage teams (TRL ~6–9) who need commercial-scale trials and rigorous ROI analysis.
This infrastructure is already being utilized by an inaugural cohort including Agtom, Beagle Technology, and BHF Robotics, all of whom are testing in the spring of 2026. By joining the community, participants gain access to a network that includes major partners like John Deere and Netafim, providing a direct line to workforce pipelines and equipment markets.
What to do next
Applications for 2026 programs are open now, with certain strawberry teams able to begin on-farm testing as early as January 2026. Companies developing AI-enabled robotics or sensing technologies should decide on their participation tier based on current capital and development stage.
