Agtech is a targeted industry for development in Lexington-Fayette County. In 2022, the city joined the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and Alltech in founding the Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp, a nonprofit partnership dedicated to supporting this industry’s growth.

Bluegrass AgTech is helping shape the future of agriculture and food innovation in Fayette County and across Kentucky. It is building an ecosystem to benefit farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors by expanding economic opportunities. Initial efforts focus on building a pipeline of advancements in agriculture and food tech and on branding and promoting Kentucky as the place to build agtech businesses.

In 2023, Bluegrass AgTech launched a new incentive program to encourage these businesses to locate and grow in Lexington and Kentucky. The Challenge Grant program connects agricultural innovators with project funding, resource support, and promotional opportunities. To learn more and apply for a challenge grant, visit bluegrassagtech.org.