1 Keith A. Wheeler Chairman and CEO ZedX Inc.
2 How we at ZedX work?
3 ZedX 26 years of InnovationWeather ZedX was the first company to develop high resolution, raster weather databases that are compatible with Geographic Information System (GIS) programs. ZedX has co-developed a weather forecast service called E-Weather through a commercial venture called SkyBit, Inc. Precision Agriculture ZedX developed a precision agriculture service called HighQ® through a commercial venture called AgVenture, L.L.C. ZedX developed AgFleet®, an integrated interactive, web-based in-season, tactical decision support service to support sustainable production for the agricultural community. Integrated mobile applications – AgServices ZedX created an image ordering and processing web-based product for John Deere Agricultural Services (JDAS). Integrated Pest Management ZedX developed an interactive, web-based platform (NAPPFAST) to support United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) planners in the allocation of resources and in the assessment of how an invasive species impacts agricultural production. ZedX developed an interactive, web-based platform, the integrated pest management (ipm) Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education or ipmPIPE for the USDA APHIS and Risk Management Agency (RMA), as well as the governments of Canada and Mexico. ZedX is taking lessons learned to build a global BIG DATA system for an integrated Pest Management Information Management system (iPIPE) to be released in 2013. Sustainable Agriculture ZedX has been retained to develop an interactive sustainable agriculture web site for the Keystone Center "Field to Market" to support strategic analysis of sustainable farming practices by growers throughout the US. ZedX is now working with key stakeholders in Europe and Latin America to create a global field print calculator to support strategic analysis of sustainable farming practices by growers and the food supply chain. Agriculture Traceability ZedX developed a web-based mechanism for seed pedigree tracking for the rice industry to insure GMO seed segregation for selected markets. ZedX is currently developing a global crop monitoring and yield forecast system (GRAIN) with EADS/Astrium, designed to provide the most accurate crop commodity yield forecasts by integrating its weather data, satellite data, and crop modeled data into a seamless geo-referenced graphic interface with supporting analytical tools. Irrigation ZedX leader in Smart Irrigation and Precision irrigation modeling and decision support system. R&D ZedX is recognized as a leading Research & Development modeling company. A few key examples of its Research & Development works include: Computer models for monitoring the environmental degradation of non-ceramic insulators. Gypsy Moth model for simulating the phenological development of gypsy moth across the U.S. based on high resolution, climatological data. A Monarch model for simulating the arrival and coincident development of the butterfly life stages with corn plant phenology. A multi-module, agricultural model which allows a user to determine the economic advantage of planting GMO seed by assessing the potential yield loss from a local pest, such as the European corn borer. The grower can vary a number of parameters such as choice of corn variety, planting date, and market value of a crop at harvest. A three-dimensional, aerobiological model that simulates the potential global movement of an invasive species, such as soybean rust, UG99, etc. into the continental U.S. An integrated wireless in-field sensing decision support system for apple growers to enhance tactical field operations. An in-field customer support system that is integrated with operational tracking software to enhance real time reliability of customer service. Software models to support in-field sensing of corn moisture content for the Bio-Fuels industry.
4 Information Technology (IT) Paradigm Hierarchy of Information Flow
5 Information Technology (IT) ParadigmFocuses on Stakeholder Participation 1988 1993 1995 Education 2000 2003 Training 2005 Management 2008 Scope 2009 Monitoring Modeling 2011 Government University Industry Public Research News, Programs Policy Copyright © 2013 ZedX Inc. Confidential
6 ipmPIPE Modeling ProductsWeather Models Crop & Disease Models Hysplit Model Copyright © 2013 ZedX Inc. Confidential
7 AgFleet Precision Agriculture Monitoring/Management/Training ExampleCopyright © 2013 ZedX Inc. Confidential
8 Global Weather Data Input for Crop Model32 km Daily Maximum Temperature July 26, 2009 Copyright © 2013 ZedX Inc. Confidential
9 U.S. Weather Data Input for Crop Model32 km Daily Precipitation Total July 26, 2009 Copyright © 2013 ZedX Inc. Confidential
10 Global Tracking of Wheat Stem Rust (Ug99) Modeling/Research ExampleSimulation of Wheat Stem Rust Spore Transport from Middle Eastern Infection Sources Copyright © 2013 ZedX Inc. Confidential
11 Smart Sampling tool recommends sensor/sample locationZone Maker Module Smart Sampling tool recommends sensor/sample location Smart Sampling tool indicates where to place sensors or take samples & provides navigation file Copyright © 2013 ZedX Inc. Confidential
12 Scouter Application 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ConfidentialStep 1. Preseason. Grower bounds soybean fields & provides soil, hybrid, pest history. Step 2. In-season. Model predicts crop stage and disease infection at an approximate 1 km resolution. Step 3. In-season. Scout records crop stage and disease development at field level. Step 4. In-season. Smartphone transmits crop & pest data via the Internet. Step 5. In-season. Model uses crop & disease observations to calibrate model output to field scale. Step 6. In-season. Interface allows expert consultant to view crop and pest data geospatially & track application decisions versus disease infection predictions. 1 2 3 Data 4 5 6 7 Copyright © 2013 ZedX Inc. Confidential
13 Pest Disease Models Via Smartphones1. Setup Historical Obs. 3. Risk Assessment Credit: iPhone Simulator by Testiphone.com (http://www.testiphone.com/) Copyright © Web design Online Program Copyright © 2013 ZedX Inc.
14 Comparison of 924 m Grid and County Scale Model OutputGRAIN Crop Model Comparison of 924 m Grid and County Scale Model Output Corn Condition July 25, 2009 Copyright © 2013 ZedX Inc. Confidential
15 ZedX latest idea - Ag3S
16 Key Elements for ZedX Product SuccessValue Proposition: the product/service, its features and benefits or uniqueness vs. competition; size of the market opportunity; and the minimum viable product (MVP) that best illustrates the product as quickly as possible to elicit customer feedback early Customer Segments: who is your customer and what problem(s) does the product solve Channels: how will you distribute and sell your product Customer Relationships: how will you create demand Cost Structure: what are the fixed and variable costs required to operate your business Key Activities: what are the tasks your company must perform to succeed Key Resources: who are the suppliers, commodities, or other essential elements of the business Key Partners: what other enterprises essential to success of the business Revenue Streams: what are the revenue(s) and profit source(s) and size
17 Your Big Idea’s Biodigester system for smallholder farms.Portable field kit that enables extension workers and others to make in-field diagnoses of soil constraints with Android smart phones. Cassava mechanization and agro processing technologies Grating equipment for easier pressing and milling Cassava roots into flour after drying the pressed cassava mash. SMS Agronomy Services and GIS Mobile Applications which smallholders could buy as an add on to the current soil test service. Animal-drawn farming implement that performs farming tasks such as ripping, chiseling, weeding and seeding. Biodigester system for smallholder farms. Commodity market exchanges for futures markets, maximizing price discovery, liquidity and market transparency. Smartphones mobile application software Provides lead farmers with agronomic, postharvest and marketing information and seeding. Manufacture and market a high protein organic fish fertilizer product made from fish waste. Groundnut-focused technologies
18 Ideas to Innovation (Is the Market Ready?)
19 Great Ideas + Great Tech + Right Market + Right Plan =