Australia | Data services for specialty crops

2026 Top Agri-food Pioneers: Steve Mantle

Steve Mantle is an agtech innovator who empowers specialty crop growers by turning real-world farm data into actionable decisions that improve yield, labor efficiency, climate resilience and operational risk. As founder and chief executive officer of innov8.ag, he builds technology that fuses data from machines, crews, weather, imagery and sensors into real-time operational intelligence. He helps growers tackle chronic labor shortages, shrinking profit margins and changing climate conditions proactively. Mantle thrives in the translation layer between cutting-edge AI and the realities of a harvest, showing how better data can protect margins, reduce waste and optimize inputs. He built his startup through deep public-private partnerships with land grant universities and USDA-funded initiatives, supporting research and grower education. Mantle connects the dots across hardware, data, research and people to solve modern agricultural challenges and keep fresh produce flowing globally.