The technology offers early warning signs as many as 10 days before visible symptoms appear, enabling farmers to make data driven decisions and treat their crops preventatively and more effectively.

Fungal diseases are the scourge of farmers, devastating one field while leaving the other untouched. For farmers operating on razor-thin margins, this can spell disaster. But what if the plants could wave an early warning flag, a notification just like you get on your phone?

Insignum AgTech, a Purdue Strategic Ventures portfolio company, designed its first product to make corn visually react to fungal diseases like tar spot using natural pigments, turning leaves purple. The technology offers early warning signs as many as 10 days before visible symptoms appear, enabling farmers to make data driven decisions and treat their crops preventatively and more effectively.

"Exactly when, precisely where, and only if," said Kyle Mohler, founder and CEO at Insignum AgTech. "By applying fungicide at the optimal time, treating only affected areas of the field, and avoiding unnecessary spraying unless disease is actually present, farmers can make the best decisions to stay profitable and sustainable against potentially devastating diseases."

Mohler emphasizes that, contrary to stereotypes, farmers are keen to adopt technology. However, due to tight margins, new tech must demonstrate clear value. Insignum tackles this problem head on by hosting annual field days for farmers, investors, and partners to see the technology in action.

In-field corn marked with purple spots that signal early disease presence, Insignum makes its own case through immersive experience. Whether attendees are seasoned farmers or investors unfamiliar with the realities of crop scouting, they're able to gain firsthand insight into the company's innovative solutions.

With deep roots in agriculture and a commitment to remaining on the cutting edge of agtech, Insignum is poised for giant leaps in innovation. The company recently closed on a fundraising round which included a follow-on investment by Purdue Strategic Ventures.

"We are so excited to have Purdue as a follow-on investor," Mohler said. "Years ago, we received an investment from the Ag-Celerator fund and it really pushed us forward. We're honored to continue this relationship, not just through the investment but through the power of the Purdue network in so many forms."

Purdue Strategic Ventures' follow-on investment was a mark of support for the strategic importance of agricultural innovation for Purdue University.

Mohler says the company plans to bring their flagship corn product to market by working with the seed companies that farmers already know and trust. The company also aims to expand into canola and soybeans, tapping into other high-value crops where disease detection can significantly improve management and profitability. Later products could utilize two natural colors in the same crop, such as purple and red, to signal other issues, like insect attack.

About Insignum AgTech
Insignum is redefining plant stress mitigation by enabling crops to notify growers through visible pigmentation genes—unlocking early, accurate data driven analysis. By combining biotechnology, digital technology, and practical field applications, Insignum's system helps growers make better decisions, sooner. Exactly when. Precisely where. Only if.

About Purdue Strategic Ventures
Purdue Strategic Ventures provides strategic support, early-stage investment and community activation for Purdue-connected, venture-scale startups with strong growth potential across agriculture, deep tech, digital tech, mobility and life sciences. Within the Purdue Research Foundation, Strategic Ventures unlocks opportunities for lasting startup growth, transforming potential into performance for portfolio companies. Strategic Ventures is the nexus between entrepreneurial talent and strategic capital, driving Boilermaker innovation and investment success. For more information, visit strategicventures.prf.org.