Estonian agri-tech company Paul-Tech has been named among the top 13 start-ups in the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) Cultivate Challenge 2025. The competition attracted more than one hundred applications from over forty countries.
The IFA Cultivate Challenge is a global initiative that identifies and supports companies developing solutions to make fertiliser production and use more sustainable. The competition focuses on innovations that contribute to the decarbonisation of ammonia and nitrogen fertiliser production, improved phosphorus use efficiency, and nutrient use efficiency tracking, as well as breakthrough approaches that enhance agricultural sustainability.
Paul-Tech stood out with its novel approach to precision agriculture, based on an innovative soil sensor system developed in Estonia and an AI-driven decision-support platform. The system collects real-time soil data, including measurements of nitrogen levels in the soil. By combining this data with other sources, the platform provides farmers with clear and practical recommendations. This enables more accurate fertilisation decisions, cost savings, and improvements in both soil health and environmental impact.
In addition to being named a finalist, Paul-Tech is one of only four companies invited to present on stage at the THRIVE Global Impact Summit in Santa Clara, California, on 29 October. This event offers Paul-Tech the opportunity to showcase its solution to an international audience of investors, agricultural experts, and fertiliser industry leaders.
As a finalist, Paul-Tech receives a 12-month IFA membership with full access to the association’s global network and valuable business connections. The company will also have the chance to present at major international events in London, Bangkok, and Rabat. The grand finale of the competition will take place at the IFA Cultivating Tomorrow Conference in 2026.
“This is a major step forward and an important recognition for Paul-Tech, giving us the opportunity to bring Estonian innovation onto the world’s biggest stages,” said Mikk Plakk, CEO of Paul-Tech. “The recognition is particularly significant as it comes from the most influential international stakeholders in the field.”
Founded in 2019, Paul-Tech provides farmers with a soil station that measures soil processes in real time, helping to improve fertiliser efficiency, increase yields, and reduce environmental impacts. The company has expanded beyond Estonia into Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom.