Reservoir Farms Opens Applications for 2026 AgTech Startup Programs in Salinas
Reservoir Farms, an on-farm startup incubator, today announced the opening of applications for its highly anticipated 2026 startup programs. The programs offer deep tech teams the opportunity to accelerate the development and deployment of robotics, automation, sensing, connected AI/software, and IoT solutions specifically tailored for leafy greens, strawberries, and vegetables.
The launch coincides with the Grand Opening of Reservoir Farms' state-of-the-art Salinas campus which is scheduled for March 2026 and will serve as the operational base for participating teams. Startups accepted into the program will gain immediate access to dedicated acreage and real-world farm environments, with some teams focused on strawberries eligible to begin on-farm as early as January.
Two Tracks Built for Real-World AgTech Progress
Reservoir Farms offers two distinct tracks designed to meet the varying needs of early-stage and growth-stage companies, allowing teams to either build & test or prove & market their technologies:
1) DEVELOP Track: This track is for early-stage teams who need credible farm access, early grower feedback, and technical guidance to build a clear path to early customer adoption. Key features include field and shop access, strategy and technical support, and the Reservoir Readiness Assessment.
2) DEPLOY Track: This track is for growth-stage teams ready for commercial-scale trials, ROI analysis, and verified proof points. Features include validation trials, curated demo events, data instrumentation, and the comprehensive Reservoir Validation Report.
Accelerating Validation and Visibility
Spaces in the 2026 programs are limited, with several spots already confirmed. Startups accepted into the programs will benefit from:
Dedicated Acreage: Secure necessary land for testing during the upcoming growing season.
High Visibility: Be front-and-center during the March Grand Opening and featured in curated demo events.
Investor & Partner Access: Gain visibility with top Ag VCs, growers, and industry leaders.
Accelerated Product Validation: Conduct real-world trials and receive invaluable feedback from experienced growers.
Early Start: Teams working on strawberry solutions may begin on-farm as early as January.
Reservoir Farms accepts applications on a rolling basis. However, startups are strongly encouraged to apply by December 31, 2025, to receive priority consideration for dedicated acreage allocation.
Interested teams can learn more and apply now at reservoir.co/contact/.
Looking for more articles on Reservoir? Check out our past articles here.
