The concept of SoilNet was born during the initial days of EMpact’s creation. The need to gather “from the ground” data had become clear during the many discussions with supply chain companies, financial service providers, and other stakeholders working with small holder farmers. The idea became concrete during several trip to Guatemala, Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire and India. It came to life as a project at MIT in 2024 and is being championed by a multi-disciplinary team.