Miniaturized hyperspectral imaging sensors to empower climate-smart agriculture practices

Objective

Agriculture plays a crucial role in climate change adaptation and mitigation, and needs to feed a growing population while reducing its 22% contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) emerges as a solution, promoting sustainable development through practices that enhance productivity, resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CSA employs data-driven approaches, such as mapping data with hyperspectral imaging, for agricultural operations like soil testing, crop scouting, and irrigation management to improve crop yield. Despite its potential, hyperspectral imaging adoption in agriculture is hindered by expensive, heavy, and environmentally unfriendly sensors. This proposal advocates for miniaturized Hyperspectral Imaging Sensors (HISs) using organic materials (OMs) to address current challenges, including spectral resolution, cost, portability, scalability, and environmental impact. Building on our success in ultra-miniaturized spectrometers through bandgap and interface engineering, we aim to combine our miniaturization approach with OMs. We will create a groundbreaking new generation of OM-based miniaturized HISs with improved performance, reduced cost, greater portability, lower power consumption, scalability, and sustainable fabrication. We will also collaborate with industry players to ensure alignment with market needs. To pave the way for commercialization, our plan involves mapping the innovation in the hyperspectral imaging market, identifying market segments and stakeholders, and formulating an initial business model. We aim to make hyperspectral imaging more accessible, encouraging wider adoption of CSA practices among farmers and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.