Cajamar Innova Agrotech launches three technological challenges to transform the agri-food sector

 

Cajamar Innova Agrotech has launched a new call for Technological Challenges directed to startups, companies and research groups to develop digital solutions in the agri-food sector before February 23, 2026, under the framework of the project Andalucía Agrotech EDIH.

 

Boosting the digitalization of the agricultural sector

 

This initiative is part of the project Andalucía Agrotech European Digital Innovation Hub (Agrotech EDIH), with the firm purpose of connecting advanced technological talent with the real needs of producers and the industry. The selected projects will have the technical support of the Estación Experimental de Cajamar en Las Palmerillas (El Ejido, Almería).

 

The program encourages the open innovationallowing participants to validate their technologies in real-world production environments. Furthermore, those selected will be integrated into a high-level ecosystem that includes internationally renowned strategic partners such as Anecoop, Coexphal, Unica Group, Trops y Vicasol.

 

The three technological challenges of the call for proposals

 

In this edition, Cajamar Innova Agrotech has identified three critical axes for the competitiveness and sustainability of agribusiness global:

 

• Virtual assistant for plant health control: Implementation of Artificial Intelligence and machine vision for the automated identification of pests and diseases using field images.
• Early harvest prediction: Data analysis and machine vision tools to accurately estimate agricultural yields using captured audiovisual material in situ.
• Water footprint management: Creation of standardized digital tools to calculate the blue, green and grey footprint of agri-food products, optimizing water consumption.

 

Project timeline and key dates

 

The selection and development process follows a strictly defined schedule to ensure the technical feasibility of the proposed solutions during the first half of the year.

 

Program milestone	Deadline / Period
Application deadline	February 23th 2026
Project evaluation and selection	March 9th 2026
Deadline for developing solutions	Until May 5 2026

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about Agrotech Challenges

Who can participate in this call for applications?

The call is open to startupsTechnology companies, research teams, and innovative groups that possess the capabilities to develop solutions for IA and data analysis applied to the field.

What support do the selected companies receive?

They will receive specialized technical support in the Estación Experimental de Cajamar, access to top-level sector knowledge and the possibility of commercial validation with large partner cooperatives.

What is the ultimate goal of these tools?

Develop technologies scalable and with a real impact that allows agri-food companies to improve their profitability, production precision and environmental sustainability (especially in water use).