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Career Compass: Mapping Educational Routes to AgriTech

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06 Mar 2025

7 Min Read

Taylor's Team (Editor)
IN THIS ARTICLE

Lost at what to study? Discover your direction with our Career Compass! Explore opportunities in the AgriTech industry to map your educational path.

The Agricultural Technology (AgriTech) industry is transforming how we grow, manage, and sustain food systems globally. From urban farming and crop science to AI (Artificial Intelligence) powered farm robots, soil health innovations, and carbon-friendly agriculture, AgriTech is redefining the future of agriculture. This fast-evolving industry offers exciting opportunities for those passionate about technology, sustainability, and innovation, solving real-world challenges.

What is AgriTech?

But what exactly is AgriTech, and why should you, as a high schooler or high school graduate, consider a career in this industry? The answer lies in the need for sustainable, data-driven, and resilient agricultural systems.

 

With new methods like city-based farming, improving plant genetics, smart farming robots, healthier soil practices, and climate-friendly agriculture, AgriTech is shaping the future of food production. By integrating science, engineering, and sustainability, it paves the way for smarter, climate-friendly solutions that ensure a more secure and sustainable food supply. 

What are the careers in AgriTech?

The AgriTech industry offers a range of exciting career paths that integrate technology, science, and sustainability. Whether you're interested in sustainable farming, climate-smart agriculture, biotechnology or automation, there’s a niche for you. Let’s explore five exciting careers in AgriTech and the educational routes to achieving them!

1. Soil Health & Microbiome Specialist

female soil health & microbiome specialist taking sample of the soil
What does this career do?

 

A Soil Health & Microbiome Specialist studies microbial life in soil and develops natural solutions to improve crop growth, soil fertility, and sustainability. They work with biofertilisers, beneficial microbes, and regenerative farming methods to reduce chemical use, enhance nutrient availability, and support climate-smart agriculture. Their role helps create healthier, more productive soils, making farming more resilient to environmental challenges.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • SGS Malaysia: Provides testing, inspection, and certification services for carbon verification, soil health assessments, and sustainable agriculture practices.
  • Carbon Plus: Produces biochar, a soil amendment that enhances soil fertility and sequesters carbon, contributing to improved soil health and microbial activity.
  • Carbon Zero Sdn Bhd: Specialises in biochar and sustainable biomass solutions, supporting carbon sequestration and soil health improvement.  
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those with an interest in sustainable farming and innovative solutions in agriculture. If you’re passionate about improving how food is grown, making farming more efficient, and reducing environmental impact, this role is for you.

 

What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Science.
  • Pre-U: Consider a foundation in Science, Cambridge A level or AUSMAT.
  • Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications iin soil conversation, pollutant bioremediation can be beneficial.

2. Urban Farming Expert

two scientists analysing plant growth in greenhouse
What does this career do?

 

An Urban Farming Expert designs and manages city-based farming projects such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and permaculture. They focus on making food production more sustainable in urban areas, using innovative techniques to grow fresh produce in limited spaces like rooftops, vertical farms, and community gardens. Their work helps cities become more self-sufficient, environmentally friendly, and food-secured.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • CityFarm Malaysia: Specialises in urban farming solutions, offering courses and systems for beginners to grow their own food without extensive space or maintenance.
  • Urban Farm Tech: Provides urban farming solutions, designing and building systems like aquaponics, hydroponics, and indoor farming setups.
  • Saturn Agtech: A leading Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) company in Southeast Asia, operating modern indoor vertical farms in Malaysia and Singapore.
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career suits individuals who are passionate about sustainable food production, urban sustainability, and innovative farming methods. If you enjoy working with plants, experimenting with new ways to grow food, and making cities greener, this role offers a hands-on way to impact the future of farming.

 

What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Biology, Science, and Business.
  • Pre-U: Consider a foundation in Science, Cambridge A level or AUSMAT.
  • Undergraduate: Pursue a science-related bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Engineering, or Architecture.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in biofabrication and cellular agriculture or MycoAgriculture can be beneficial.

3. Agrigenomic Researcher

male and female researchers conducting test tubes analysis
What does this career do?

 

An Agrigenomic Researcher studies the genetic makeup of crops and livestock to improve yield, disease resistance, and sustainability in agriculture. These professionals use biotechnology, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequencing, and gene editing to develop more resilient crops and enhance food production, contributing to global food security and sustainability.

 

Where can you work in this career?

 

Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those who are curious about how science and technology can improve food production. If you’re interested in how plants and animals grow, why some crops are more resilient than others, or how genetics can enhance farming, this role is for you.

 

What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • Pre-U: Consider a foundation in Science, Cambridge A level or AUSMAT.
  • Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in functional genomics and metabolomics, synthetic biology or bioinformatics and computational genomics can enhance your expertise.

4. Carbon Farming Consultant

Male farmer presents the crop harvest to female farmer
What does this career do?

 

A Carbon Farming Consultant works with farmers and agribusinesses to adopt carbon sequestration techniques like regenerative agriculture, soil management, and agroforestry on a larger scale. Unlike urban farming, which focuses on growing food in cities, carbon farming takes place on farmland and rural landscapes to reduce emissions, improve soil health, and generate carbon credits. This role helps make agriculture more sustainable while also creating financial incentives for farms.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • SGS Malaysia: Provides testing, inspection, and certification services for carbon verification, soil health assessments, and sustainable agriculture practices.
  • Carbon Zero Sdn Bhd: Specialises in biochar and sustainable biomass solutions, supporting carbon sequestration and soil health improvement.
  • YTL-SV Carbon Sdn Bhd: The largest Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) consultancy in Malaysia, providing end-to-end solutions for carbon credit projects, including identification, documentation, registration, and sale of carbon credits.

 

Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those passionate about sustainability, climate action, and carbon management. If you’re interested in innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions, improve land use, and make agriculture more eco-friendly, this role offers the chance to apply science and technology to create real change in the way food is grown.

 

What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Biology, Science, and Business.
  • Pre-U: Consider a foundation or diploma in Science or Business, or Cambridge A level or AUSMAT.
  • Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business specialising in Global Business and Sustainability.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certification in carbon market law and climate regulations, carbon accounting and climate finance can be beneficial.

5. Agri-Robotics Engineer

Male engineer flying drone in the farm
What does this career do?

 

An Agri-Robotics Engineer develops smart machines and automated systems to improve efficiency in farming. Using IoT (Internet of things), AI, and robotics, they design and enhance self-driving tractors, automated harvesters, smart irrigation systems, and AI-powered crop monitoring tools to help farmers increase productivity, reduce labour costs and optimise resource use.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Urban Farm Tech: Utilises IoT technologies in their urban farming systems, integrating automation for better yield.
  • Archisen: Employs IoT and data analytics in their controlled-environment agriculture, developing smart farming solutions.
  • Aonic (formerly Poladrone): Specialises in drone and automation solutions for agriculture, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

 

Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those who are interested in technology, engineering, and problem-solving. If you enjoy figuring out how machines work, automating processes, and using AI to improve efficiency, this role is for you.

 

What to study for this career?

Conclusion

Embarking on a career in the AgriTech industry is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to innovate and make a real impact. Whether you're interested in AI-driven agriculture, genetic crop innovation, soil health, or urban farming, there’s a path for you in this fast-evolving field.

 

By focusing on the right subjects in high school and pursuing relevant degrees and skills, you can turn your passion for technology, science, and agriculture into a rewarding career that helps shape the future of food security and sustainability. Remember, the future of AgriTech is driven by innovation and impact, and it’s in your hands to create lasting change
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