Innovation & Tech

Edmonton Startup Pioneers AI Tool for Prairie Farmers

A local tech firm has launched an artificial intelligence platform designed to help farmers across Alberta monitor crop health, predict yields, and reduce costs using real-time satellite data.

By By Laura Henderson • 2025-08-05

An Edmonton-based startup is making waves in the agriculture industry with the release of its new artificial intelligence platform tailored specifically for Prairie farmers. The tool, called CropVision AI, promises to help producers monitor crop health, forecast yields, and optimize resource use by integrating satellite imagery with advanced machine learning models.

Founded by a team of former University of Alberta computer scientists and agricultural specialists, the company spent three years developing the software in collaboration with local farming cooperatives. “We wanted to bridge the gap between emerging AI capabilities and the real-world needs of farmers,” said CEO Mark Ellison during a product launch event on Monday.

CropVision AI analyzes daily satellite images and cross-references them with historical climate data, soil conditions, and pest activity reports. The platform then generates actionable recommendations, such as when to irrigate, apply fertilizer, or implement pest control measures.

Early trials with 25 farms across Alberta and Saskatchewan showed promising results, with participating producers reporting an average 12 percent increase in yields and up to 15 percent reduction in fertilizer costs. “The savings are significant, but the real benefit is being able to spot problems before they spread,” said John Peters, a canola farmer near Camrose.

The platform’s predictive algorithms have also attracted attention from crop insurers, who see potential in using the technology to assess risk and expedite claims after weather events. Several insurance firms are reportedly in talks with the startup about potential partnerships.

Industry analysts say the launch comes at a crucial time for Canadian agriculture, as producers face increasing pressure from climate change, volatile commodity prices, and labour shortages. “Digital tools like this could help farms remain competitive and sustainable in the long term,” said agri-tech consultant Melanie Frost.

The company plans to expand the tool’s coverage to Manitoba by next year and is exploring export opportunities in the U.S. Midwest. Meanwhile, the Edmonton team is continuing to refine its algorithms and add features such as disease prediction and carbon footprint tracking.

While some farmers remain cautious about adopting new technology, advocates believe the platform could be a game-changer for the region’s agriculture sector. “It’s not about replacing traditional farming knowledge,” Ellison said. “It’s about enhancing it with better data and faster insights.”