The rise of agritech in Southeast Asia marks a significant turning point in the region’s agricultural landscape, offering innovative solutions to pressing challenges related to food security and sustainable development. Traditional farming methods, often reliant on outdated practices and vulnerable to environmental fluctuations, are being revolutionised by the rapid growth of agriculture technology.

The growing number of agritech startups in the region are harnessing the power of technology to optimise crop yields, manage resources more efficiently, improve supply chain logistics, and connect farmers with markets. Climate change, with its increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and extreme events, is forcing farmers to adopt more resilient solutions.

Here are the 3 growing tech hubs in Southeast Asia that are eyeing regional dominance

Simultaneously, rapid population growth is placing immense pressure on food production systems, demanding higher yields and more efficient resource utilisation. Additionally, rising agricultural imports—projected to reach USD 55.2 billion in 2025 with an annual growth rate of 4.74% —highlight the increasing reliance on external food sources.

Here are 5 top agritech companies in Southeast Asia:

Urban Farm Tech

Malaysian-based startup Urban Farm Tech is a leading innovator in sustainable urban agriculture, specialising in hydroponics, aquaponics, and IoT technologies. The company provides consultancy on farm design, crop selection, and marketing while offering educational programs on sustainable farming. Committed to reducing water usage, eliminating pesticides, and maximising crop yields, Urban Farm Tech is crucial in strengthening the commercial food chain.

In collaboration with IMCD Malaysia, the company launched the Smart Farm Project at Jalan Empat Primary School (JEPS), integrating IoT-enabled hydroponics into the curriculum to teach students about soilless farming and food security. Since its launch hardly a year ago, the project’s 2,000-square-foot farm has produced 6,000 pots of crops, generating approximately USD 850 in revenue for the school. 

AgriAku

AgriAku, an agritech startup based in Jakarta, Indonesia, provides farmers with a comprehensive, app-based platform to access essential agricultural resources and services. Established in 2021, the company addresses key challenges in agriculture by offering a user-friendly Android application that streamlines procurement and advisory support.

Its platform connects farmers directly with suppliers of high-quality seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and essential farming tools. This system reduces logistical barriers, ensures competitive pricing, and simplifies access to crucial inputs. On January 1, 2024, the company secured an undisclosed investment from Ascent Venture Group, further supporting its mission to enhance agricultural efficiency in Indonesia.

Vertical Oceans

Singapore-based startup Vertical Oceans is pioneering a new approach to sustainable seafood production by integrating IoT, AI, and vertical farming techniques. Since 2020, the company has been developing modular growing habitats—stacked in a tower structure—designed to replicate natural ecosystems through multi-trophic biology and advanced digital technologies. Sensors and IoT devices continuously monitor critical parameters such as water quality, microbiology, and energy usage.

Vertical Oceans showcased its sustainable shrimp at the annual FHA-Food & Beverage event in Singapore in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore. It also featured its shrimp in “Menu 2034 – The Future of Foods,” highlighting the impact of climate change on global food sources.

BoomGrow

BoomGrow is a Malaysia-based agritech startup specialising in agriculture technology through controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Established in 2015, the company enhances food security and sustainability by utilising modular, containerised farming systems. These repurposed shipping containers facilitate precision farming by regulating key environmental factors such as water, light, and humidity, eliminating uncertainties associated with traditional agriculture.

Compared to conventional outdoor farms, BoomGrow’s system requires 95% less land, water, and labour, making it a highly efficient solution for urban and remote areas. In a 2023 funding round, it secured an undisclosed pre-Series A investment from Gobi Partners through the Khazanah Nasional Berhad-backed Gobi Dana Impak Ventures (GDIV) fund.

TreeDots

Transforming food supply chain management with an innovative B2B marketplace that reduces food waste by connecting suppliers with businesses is the aim of Singaporean startup TreeDots. It provides a tech-driven platform that allows food suppliers to sell surplus and “imperfect” inventory—items that traditional bulk buyers might reject—at lower prices without compromising quality. TreeDots’ platform enables suppliers to redistribute excess food inventory to buyers such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, corporate pantries, and welfare organisations.

By matching supply with demand, the company ensures that perfectly edible food does not go to waste while helping businesses cut costs. It raised USD 11 million in a Series A round in November 2021, co-led by Amasia and East Ventures. 

Adopting agriculture technology, including precision farming and IoT-based solutions, transforms how food is grown, distributed, and consumed across Southeast Asia. Agritech startups are crucial in this shift by helping farmers and businesses boost yields, minimise waste, and adopt sustainable practices.

Looking ahead, the future of agritech in Southeast Asia appears promising, with emerging innovations like blockchain agriculture. Blockchain enhances food traceability, providing consumers with detailed insights into food origins and ensuring greater transparency. As an immutable digital ledger, blockchain records every step of a product’s journey from farm to market, making it easier to trace sources and quickly address food safety issues, such as recalls.