Leaps by Bayer’s Derek Norman: Why agtech needs to learn to fail faster

Derek Norman of Leaps by Bayer argues that the agtech sector must adopt a fail-fast mindset—testing to expose weaknesses early rather than to simply validate success—to improve capital efficiency and remain attractive to investors amid tightening funding. He highlights the potential of gene editing technologies and the integration of AI as drivers of innovation, while also noting sector-wide changes such as the restructuring of major agribusinesses that could spur growth and acquisitions. Norman emphasizes the importance of rigorous, early-stage testing and standardized knowledge sharing, as outlined in Leaps by Bayer’s Ag Playbook, to better allocate capital and enable successful product development. He believes that learning to fail faster is essential for the long-term viability and advancement of agtech.