AgTech innovation and soil health take center stage in Des Moines

Pivot Bio, a global leader in microbial crop nutrition, is in the spotlight at the 2025 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, part of the World Food Prize Foundation’s annual event in Des Moines, Iowa. The company’s CEO, Chris Abbott, joined a distinguished panel titled Innovating the Future Now, alongside global thought leaders in food and agriculture. Abbott also serves as a judge for the inaugural Innovate for Impact Challenge, a competition spotlighting early-stage startups advancing global food security.

This year’s Borlaug Dialogue theme, “SOILutions for Security,” highlights soil health as the cornerstone of climate resilience, food security, and economic stability. The Dialogue honors Dr. Mariangela Hungria, Senior Researcher at Brazil’s Embrapa National Soybean Center and the 2025 World Food Prize Laureate, recognized for her groundbreaking work in biological nitrogen fixation that has transformed productivity and sustainability across millions of hectares.

Pivot Bio’s participation aligns with its mission to harness soil microbiology to enhance nutrient efficiency and crop performance while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. The company’s microbial nitrogen solutions are helping farmers achieve higher yields, stronger crops, and more predictable outcomes across diverse climates.

Abbott’s remarks at the Dialogue underscored the urgency of scaling science-based solutions that deliver both profitability and resilience for farmers. He emphasized the company’s readiness to expand in Brazil, supporting growers adopting microbial innovations that reduce fertilizer inputs and strengthen soil ecosystems.

Following the panel, Abbott joined a panel of industry leaders to evaluate the top three finalists of the Innovate for Impact Challenge — APOLO Biotech (Argentina), Capsber Agriscience (India), and Vet Konect (Nigeria) — selected from nearly 400 applications across 65 countries. These startups represent next-generation innovation in RNA-based crop protection, microbiome-powered soil health, and AI-driven livestock care. The winner will receive a $50,000 grand prize presented by Karsten Temme, Pivot Bio’s Founder and Chief Innovation Officer.

Pivot Bio continues to earn international recognition for its role in advancing sustainable agriculture. The company has appeared on TIME’s 2025 lists of the World’s and America’s Top Green Tech Companies, Fortune’s Impact 20, CNBC’s Disruptor 50, and MIT Technology Review’s 15 Climate Tech Companies to Watch. It has also been featured multiple times in TIME’s Best Inventions and Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas lists.

Expanding its footprint beyond North America, Pivot Bio is preparing to launch its patented crop nutrition technologies in Brazil, while also working with smallholder farmers in Africa through a partnership with MIT. These initiatives reflect the company’s growing global commitment to deliver microbial innovations that enhance productivity, reduce emissions, and strengthen climate resilience.