Our Focus isn’t Just on Developing New Technologies But on Ensuring Those Technologies Make a Real Difference for Farmers and the Planet: Nate Kelly, CEO of Terramera

Terramera is a leading cleantech company combining artificial intelligence, science, and nature to develop innovative technologies that reshape food production and address critical global challenges. Guided by its Actigate™ Targeted Performance technology, Terramera works to unlock the intelligence found in nature to build a thriving, sustainable future.

The company is on a mission to reduce synthetic chemical use in agriculture by 80 percent while boosting global farm productivity by 20 percent by 2030. Founded in 2010, Terramera has grown into a dynamic organization supported by a team of accomplished engineers, scientists, advisors, and investors, all united in their commitment to advancing sustainable solutions.

SME Business Review reached out to Nate Kelly, CEO & Board Member of Terramera, for an interview to discuss his leadership journey, the company’s groundbreaking innovations, and its mission to revolutionize sustainable agriculture. Here’s what Mr. Kelly had to say.

Interview Excerpts

What inspired you to get involved with Terramera and its mission?

I have always been passionate about finding ways to create a more sustainable world. Agriculture plays a critical role in that journey, but it’s also one of the sectors with the highest environmental impact. Terramera’s mission to reduce synthetic chemical use in agriculture while increasing productivity was exactly the kind of innovative approach I wanted to be part of. The opportunity to combine science, technology, and a respect for nature to solve global challenges was inspiring and aligned perfectly with my values.

Could you elaborate on the role you play at Terramera?

As part of the leadership team, I focus on aligning our strategy with the mission to make agriculture more sustainable. I work closely with our teams to drive innovation, ensure we’re meeting our goals, and build partnerships that help scale our solutions globally. My role is about making sure our technology and vision translate into real-world impact.

What challenges do you face when trying to reduce synthetic chemical use in agriculture?

One of the biggest challenges is helping farmers make the transition. Farmers have been using synthetic chemicals for decades because they’re reliable and familiar. Our job is to demonstrate how our Actigate™ technology provides better outcomes without compromising productivity. Education and trust are key. Another challenge is ensuring our solutions are accessible to farmers of all sizes, whether they’re managing a small family farm or a large-scale operation.

What impact does Actigate™ technology have on farming practices?

Actigate™ allows farmers to get the most out of their agricultural inputs by increasing precision and efficiency. It reduces waste and minimizes environmental harm while boosting crop yields. Farmers don’t just save resources; they also see tangible improvements in productivity. It’s about giving them tools that are both sustainable and profitable.

How does Terramera balance innovation with practicality for farmers?

We believe innovation is only meaningful if it works in the real world. That’s why we involve farmers early in the process, testing our technologies on the ground and gathering feedback. It’s about designing solutions that fit seamlessly into their operations. By listening to farmers and understanding their needs, we ensure our technologies are easy to adopt and deliver clear benefits.

What has been the response from farmers using Terramera’s technology?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Farmers appreciate that we’re offering something practical that addresses real challenges they face, like rising costs and environmental concerns. Many have shared how our technology has improved their yields while reducing their dependence on synthetic chemicals. That kind of feedback is incredibly rewarding and drives us to keep pushing forward.

How does artificial intelligence play a role in your solutions?

Artificial intelligence helps us analyze data at a scale and speed that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. It allows us to optimize inputs, predict outcomes, and refine our technologies continuously. For example, we can analyze soil and crop data to tailor solutions that maximize efficiency for specific conditions. AI is a critical tool for making farming smarter and more sustainable.

What drives Terramera’s goal of reducing synthetic chemicals by 80 percent and increasing farm productivity by 20 percent by 2030?

Agriculture is at a crossroads. On one hand, there’s a growing demand for food to support a growing population. On the other hand, the environmental impact of current practices is unsustainable. Our goal reflects a commitment to solving that dilemma. By reducing synthetic chemical use, we’re addressing environmental concerns. By increasing productivity, we’re ensuring farmers can meet global food demands. It’s about creating a balance that benefits everyone.

What makes Terramera unique in the cleantech space?

What sets us apart is how we merge AI, science, and nature to create solutions that are both innovative and practical. Our focus isn’t just on developing new technologies but on ensuring those technologies make a real difference for farmers and the planet. We’re also driven by a clear mission and a willingness to tackle complex challenges head-on.

How does collaboration factor into Terramera’s success?

Collaboration is essential to everything we do. Whether it’s working with farmers, partnering with research institutions, or engaging with policymakers, we believe in bringing diverse perspectives to the table. That collaboration helps us refine our solutions, scale our impact, and stay grounded in real-world needs. No one can solve these challenges alone, so we see partnerships as key to driving change.

Could you share a moment in your journey with Terramera that stands out?

One moment that stands out is when we heard directly from a farmer who shared how our technology completely transformed his operation. He explained how it helped him cut costs, increase yields, and reduce his environmental footprint. Hearing that kind of impact firsthand was incredibly motivating and reminded us why this work matters.

How do you see Terramera evolving over the next few years?

Our focus is on scaling our impact. That means expanding the reach of Actigate™ and developing new technologies that further support sustainable agriculture. We’re also looking at opportunities to apply our approach to other industries, such as environmental remediation. Ultimately, our goal is to continue driving innovation that benefits both people and the planet.

What advice would you give to someone looking to make an impact in the cleantech or agriculture sectors?

Stay curious and don’t be afraid to tackle big challenges. These sectors are full of opportunities to make a difference, but they require persistence and a willingness to think differently. Surround yourself with passionate, knowledgeable people and focus on creating solutions that are both impactful and practical. The combination of vision and action is what drives real change.

Nate Kelly, CEO & Board Member, Terramera

In Green Chemistry Solutions, our unique formulation platform combines machine learning design, over 350 patents for active-ingredient delivery and stability enhancement, and rapid prototyping capabilities to bring high-performance biological products to market faster and more cost-effectively than ever before.