Reservoir, an experimental farm group in California, has partnered with John Deere for $10 million and three years of research and development to help commercialize artificial intelligence in ag tech for specialty crops.

The partnership, announced in a news release on Aug. 26, will help Reservoir subsidize startup participation and connect technology entrepreneurs and engineers more directly with growers.

Reservoir is a self-described technical community that pairs innovation with funding to advance AI-enabled robotics and precision technology. The group operates Reservoir Farms, working blocks that function as robotics innovation centers in Salinas and Sonoma, California. Since opening the farms in 2026, more than 20 startups have begun operations at the farms. •