MBA Student Presents Innovative Startup at U.N. Forum
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jashvinu Yeshwanth Raj, an MBA student at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, recently shared his startup, wrkFarm, at the U.N. Technology Science Innovation Forum in New York City. Developed partly at the College of Agricultural Sciences’s Youth Food Lab, wrkFarm focuses on crop modeling, tracking everything from planting to harvest.
The primary aim of wrkFarm is to map out a crop’s growth on a week-by-week basis. This helps farmers identify any problems that may prevent them from achieving their expected yields. Raj highlighted the importance of using advanced tools such as remote sensing and artificial intelligence to help small farmers in countries like Thailand, India, and the U.S.
Raj’s interest in agriculture stems from his personal background and the challenges farmers face due to climate change. “Farmers are directly impacted by climate change; what worked years ago often doesn’t apply now,” he noted. He emphasized that unpredictable weather now disrupts planting schedules and affects how much water crops need.
With wrkFarm, farmers can spot issues like disease or stress in their crops early on, target treatments precisely, and minimize pesticide and fertilizer use by relying on data rather than guesswork.
Reflecting on the opportunity to speak at the forum, Raj said it was a significant moment for him. “Being the youngest speaker among leaders in food systems at the U.N. Forum was amazing. I was able to present wrkFarm’s mission on a global platform and connect with people dedicated to improving food systems worldwide,” he explained.
The forum unites governments, researchers, and innovators to advance the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. Raj emphasized the need for a shift in farmers’ focus from merely maximizing outputs to optimizing what they can achieve on their own land.
Yeshwanth Raj credited the Youth Food Lab for playing a crucial role in making wrkFarm a reality. The lab connected the team with vital partners and provided access to experts, funding, and resources to enhance their product’s usability.
Maria Spencer, director of Penn State’s Youth Food Lab, praised Raj’s work as a vital part of addressing global food security issues. “Jash’s journey has been remarkable, and I’m incredibly proud of what he has accomplished. Young innovators are key to solving today’s challenges. When given the proper tools and guidance, they can profoundly change the system,” Spencer stated.
Most importantly, Raj noted that the lab helped him engage with around 4,500 farming families. “The Youth Food Lab was essential to expanding wrkFarm. While I’m a computer science major, we needed industry experts to guide us on making this technology effective and beneficial,” he said.
Transparency throughout the supply chain is crucial for Raj. He believes that both farmers and consumers should see how food is produced, with a focus on fewer artificial inputs and reliable data supporting claims of organic and sustainable practices.
“By working closely with farmers, we want to accurately document the growing process and share this information with buyers. Everyone benefits when they understand how sustainably food is grown, and maintaining this digital record helps farmers improve their practices,” he added.
