Idaho Teens Launched AI Irrigation Startup
Bishop Kelly seniors have developed an AI tool to optimize water usage on 7,000 acres of farmland.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Agriculture
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Two Boise teenagers have founded a startup, Irrigant, that utilizes machine learning to provide precise watering recommendations to farmers. The students have spent the last eight months testing their technology across 7,000 acres.
Why it matters
The founders created Irrigant to curb agricultural waste by reducing the excess labor, energy, and water consumed during crop production. Their technology aims to address the significant portion of freshwater resources currently dedicated to irrigation.
The startup, Irrigant, has conducted field testing across 7,000 acres of farmland over the past eight months. This development follows a period where irrigation accounted for 47% of total U.S. freshwater withdrawals.
The players
Marco Trotta
The 17-year-old co-founder of Irrigant is a senior student at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise.
Henry Turcotte
The 18-year-old co-founder of Irrigant attends Bishop Kelly High School alongside his business partner.
Irrigant
This Boise-based startup provides AI-driven irrigation recommendations to optimize agricultural water use.
Bishop Kelly High School
The Catholic college preparatory school in Boise serves as the home base for the student entrepreneurs.
The details
Co-founders Marco Trotta and Henry Turcotte developed the platform to analyze field conditions and provide growers with actionable insights on when and how much to water. The team plans to expand their operations after successfully trialing the tool in the Treasure Valley region.
Timeline
Between 2010 and 2020, irrigation accounted for 47% of U.S. freshwater withdrawals.
The startup has conducted field testing of its technology over the last eight months.
Market Landscape
This innovation follows the documented trend that irrigation accounted for 47% of U.S. freshwater withdrawals between 2010 and 2020. The startup is positioning itself within a growing agricultural tech market that prioritizes resource efficiency over traditional farming methods.
For farmers in the Treasure Valley, the adoption of this AI tool offers a potential reduction in overhead costs related to water and labor. Consumers may eventually see more sustainable agricultural practices reflected in the regional supply chain.
The takeaway
Precision technology is increasingly enabling younger entrepreneurs to tackle large-scale resource management challenges in agriculture. Farmers looking to minimize waste should consider evaluating AI-based data platforms to optimize their seasonal water allocation.
Further reading
Learn more about the local industry impact by visiting our Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by East Idaho News.
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