BF Educational
BF Educational is an Italian center of excellence for digital innovation in agriculture, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BF S.p.A. It delivers advanced training programs and applied research in precision agriculture, digital agronomy, and agrophysics for students, agronomists, and researchers at its Jolanda di Savoia campus.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2023
- HeadquartersJolanda Di Savoia, Italy
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What BF Educational does
BF Educational is an Italian center of excellence for digital innovation in agriculture, established in 2023 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of BF S.p.A., Italy's largest agribusiness group listed on the Milan Stock Exchange. The company operates from its residential campus in Jolanda di Savoia, Ferrara, and delivers advanced training programs (Master Level I in Precision Agriculture in collaboration with the University of Florence, Master Level II in Modern Cropping Systems with the University of Bologna, Summer Schools, and specialized international training) alongside applied agricultural research. It serves graduate students, young professionals, agronomists, agricultural researchers, and PhD candidates seeking specialized digital agriculture skills, with scholarships covering tuition and living costs for the majority of enrolled students.
BF Educational's underlying technology stack is built around three research laboratories: the Digital Agronomy and Crop Science Lab (DACS), which uses satellite and UAV sensing for spatial variability analysis; the Agrophysics Laboratory — described as the world's first transdisciplinary laboratory integrating physics, engineering, and agronomy using PET and MRI imaging adapted for field crops; and an AI/ML capability layer developing decision-support algorithms for yield forecasting, irrigation, fertilization, and disease diagnosis. The company also participates in externally-funded research projects including RE-IMAGINE-CROPS (Horizon Europe, developing portable in-field PET-ME imaging) and REMVIT (methane emission reduction in beef cattle).
The business model combines tuition revenue (€5,500 for Master Level II, €3,000 for auditor participation), publicly-funded research grants (Horizon Europe, Emilia-Romagna regional programmes), and corporate partnership contributions (e.g., AgriEnergy, Eni/Joule via the Bios Factory innovation hub in Sardinia). The majority of student tuition is covered by scholarships. Customer concentration is low at the individual learner level but structurally moderate due to parent-company backing and concentration of research funding among a few institutional partners. The company operates with 1-10 employees and approximately 200 students involved annually across 10 research and training projects.
BF Educational firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BF Educational
- Legal name
- B.F. EDUCATIONAL S.R.L.
- Website
- https://bfeducational.it
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- BF Educational is an Italian center of excellence for digital innovation in agriculture, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BF S.p.A. It delivers advanced training programs and applied research in precision agriculture, digital agronomy, and agrophysics for students, agronomists, and researchers at its Jolanda di Savoia campus.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BF Educational industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Agricultural Education Services
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Educational Support Services (61171)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- STEM-Focused Technical Universities (EDAHAEAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences) (EDAHABAB), Corporate Learning & Training Content Development (EDAGAKAC)
Keywords
Where BF Educational is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Jolanda Di Savoia
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
BF Educational business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Master's Degree Programs: Revenue generated from tuition fees for Master Level I and Level II programs. The Master Level II program costs €5,500, with payment split between first installment (€3,000) and second installment (€2,500). Auditors pay €3,000 for participation.
- Training Programs and Courses: Revenue from specialized courses, Summer Schools, and international training programs. Scholarships are provided to cover tuition and living costs for enrolled students.
- Research and Development Services: R&D activities supported by collaboration with research institutes and industrial partners. The company conducts applied agricultural research projects including RE-IMAGINE-CROPS (Horizon Europe funded) and REMVIT project.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Master Level II - Design and Management of Modern Cropping Systems |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Master Level I - Precision Agriculture |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | International Call - Agri-Feedstock Supply Chain Training |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Summer School - Digital Water Management |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Auditor Participation |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
BF Educational product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BF Educational is a center of excellence dedicated to digital innovation in agriculture, delivering advanced training programs (Master's degrees, Summer Schools, and specialized courses) and conducting applied R&D in precision agriculture, digital agronomy, and sustainable cropping systems. It operates dedicated research laboratories (DACS, Agrophysics Lab) and runs R&D projects such as RE-IMAGINE-CROPS and REMVIT, complemented by the Bios Factory innovation hub that connects startups, researchers, and industry partners.
Product overview
BF Educational is a center of excellence dedicated to digital innovation in agriculture, operating as a subsidiary of Italy's most important agribusiness group BF SpA. The company offers a portfolio of advanced training programs including Master's Level I in Precision Agriculture (452 hours, University of Florence collaboration) and Master's Level II in Design and Management of Modern Cropping Systems (552 hours, University of Bologna collaboration), alongside intensive courses like the Summer School on Digital Water Management (40 hours) and the Advanced Training on Agri-Feedstock Supply Chain. Research capabilities are delivered through specialized laboratories including the Digital Agronomy and Crop Science Lab (DACS), the Agrophysics Laboratory (world's first transdisciplinary soil-plant-atmosphere research facility using PET and MRI technologies), and AI/Machine Learning capabilities for crop optimization. The company also conducts dedicated research projects including REMVIT (methane emission reduction) and RE-IMAGINE-CROPS (Horizon Europe mobile imaging). BF Educational participates in the Bios Factory innovation hub for bio-based circular economy in Sardinia.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Master's Level I in Precision Agriculture A first-level postgraduate Master's program designed for graduates and young professionals seeking advanced training in precision agriculture, combining digital agronomy, sensor technologies, and data-driven farming practices. Delivered in partnership with Italian universities.
- Master's Level II in Design and Management of Modern Cropping Systems An advanced second-level Master's program for researchers, agronomists, and senior professionals focused on the design and management of modern cropping systems, integrating sustainability, productivity, and digital innovation.
- Summer School - Digital Water Management for Sustainable Irrigation An intensive short-course program focused on digital water management and sustainable irrigation techniques, delivered on campus at Jolanda di Savoia with both residential and auditor participation options.
- Advanced Training on Agri-Feedstock Supply Chain An advanced training program addressing the digital and agronomic dimensions of the agri-feedstock supply chain, designed for industry professionals and agronomists.
- Treccani Accademia Agribusiness Master A flagship agribusiness Master's program delivered in association with Treccani Accademia, targeting professionals seeking senior specialization in agribusiness management and digital transformation.
- Digital Agronomy and Crop Science Lab (DACS) A dedicated research laboratory specialization at BF Educational focused on digital agronomy and crop science, supporting both educational teaching and applied R&D projects.
- Agrophysics Laboratory A specialized laboratory focused on the physics of agricultural systems, integrating advanced imaging technologies (PET, MRI) with on-site AI/ML analysis to support precision agriculture research and education.
- RE-IMAGINE-CROPS R&D Project A multi-year R&D project focused on next-generation cropping systems, funded under the Rural Development Programme (PSR 2014-2022, Region Emilia-Romagna), operated through the Agrophysics Laboratory.
- REMVIT Project A multi-year R&D project addressing improvements to living and working conditions in viticulture, supporting the wine industry's transition to sustainable and digitally enabled practices.
- BIOS Factory Innovation Hub An on-campus innovation hub connecting startups, researchers, students, and industry partners to accelerate the development and commercialization of digital and sustainable agriculture solutions.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% employment rate achieved by first Master program graduates during internship phase
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use BF Educational
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
BF Educational technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability7 records
Feature4 records
BF Educational partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
35 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.
- Eni (through Joule)corePromoter of Bios Factory innovation hub in Sardinia. Joule is Eni's school for enterprise. BF Educational participates as a promoter alongside Fondazione di Sardegna.
- University of FlorencecoreOrganizing institution for Master Level I in Precision Agriculture. Provides academic faculty and research expertise in precision and digital agriculture.
- University of Padua (Unipd)coreAgreement signed for scientific collaboration, teaching support, and PhD candidate training. BF Educational and University of Padua DAFNAE and TESAF departments collaborate on specific projects including international level initiatives. PhD candidates can conduct large-scale research at the Jolanda di Savoia campus.
- University of Bologna (UNIBO)coreJoint promotion of Master Level II program 'Design and Management of Modern, Sustainable, and Technologically Advanced Cropping Systems'. University provides academic direction through DISTAL department; BF Educational provides campus facilities and industry connections.
- University of TeramosecondaryCollaborating university for Master Level I program in Precision Agriculture.
- University of SalernosecondaryCollaborating university for Master Level I program in Precision Agriculture.
- University of ParmasecondaryPartner in Summer School 'Digital Water Management for Sustainable Irrigation' and other training initiatives.
- Fondazione di SardegnacorePromoter of Bios Factory innovation hub in Sardinia for bio-based and circular economy development.
- Versalis (Eni)secondaryTechnical partner for Bios Factory innovation hub in Sardinia.
- Euro-BioImaging ERICcoreCoordinator of RE-IMAGINE-CROPS Horizon Europe project developing portable PET-ME imaging system for precision agronomy.
- University of TurkusecondaryRE-IMAGINE-CROPS project partner. Hosting the first in-person annual meeting event in April 2026.
- University of MaastrichtsecondaryRE-IMAGINE-CROPS project partner bringing imaging and plant science expertise.
- CNRS/University of LillesecondaryRE-IMAGINE-CROPS project partner bringing bioimaging expertise.
- LIGHTCORE TechnologiessecondaryRE-IMAGINE-CROPS project partner specializing in imaging technologies.
- VRVissecondaryRE-IMAGINE-CROPS project partner bringing modeling and visualization expertise.
- National Research Council (CNR)coreCollaborating institution for Master Level I program in Precision Agriculture. One of Italy's leading national research bodies.
- CREA (Council for Research in Agriculture)coreCollaborating institution for Master Level I program. Italian council for agricultural research and economics analysis.
- Treccani AccademiasecondaryPartnership for Agribusiness Master program. BF Educational provides 12 full scholarships for the program.
- AgriEnergycoreCollaboration partner for Master Level II program and specialized training on agri-feedstock supply chains. Provides industry expertise in agri-energy sector.
- ANBI (National Association of Land Reclamation)secondaryPartner in Summer School 'Digital Water Management for Sustainable Irrigation' and agricultural water management initiatives.
- Canale Emiliano RomagnolosecondaryPartner in Summer School 'Digital Water Management for Sustainable Irrigation' for sustainable irrigation training.
- Innois (Fondazione di Sardegna)secondaryInstrumental company of Fondazione di Sardegna, promoter of Bios Factory innovation hub.
- Zest InnovationsecondaryOperator of Bios Factory innovation hub in Sardinia.
- The Net Value (TNV)secondaryOperator of Bios Factory innovation hub in Sardinia.
- Sardegna RicerchesecondaryInvolved in Bios Factory innovation hub for bio-based and circular economy development in Sardinia.
- University of SassarisecondaryPartner university in Bios Factory innovation hub, connecting local academic expertise with industry.
- University of CagliarisecondaryPartner university in Bios Factory innovation hub for bioeconomy development.
- Confindustria SardegnasecondaryIndustrial association partner in Bios Factory innovation hub.
- ColdirettisecondaryAgricultural association partner in Bios Factory innovation hub.
- Fondazione Alma MatersecondarySupport partner for Master Level II program with University of Bologna.
- Co.Di.Pr.A. TrentominorPartner in Hack to Farm hackathon event for agricultural technology innovation.
- Condifesa BolzanominorPartner in Hack to Farm hackathon for agricultural risk management technology.
- Asnacodi ItaliaminorPartner in Agri Risk Management Festival and Hack to Farm hackathon.
- Agriduemila Hub InnovationminorSupport partner for Hack to Farm hackathon event.
- GPIminorPromoter of Hack to Farm hackathon event alongside BF Educational.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
BF Educational competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Università degli Studi della Tuscia: Tuscia is an Italian public university with a strong agriculture and environmental sciences faculty, including precision agriculture research and Master's-level programmes. As a domestic Italian higher-education peer already part of BF Educational's partner network, it is directly comparable in curriculum and target audience.
- Wageningen University & Research: Wageningen is the world's leading agricultural and food sciences university, offering Master's programmes, summer schools, and applied research in precision agriculture and digital agronomy. It is the most direct global comparable to BF Educational's STEM-focused agricultural higher education and R&D model.
- University of Hohenheim: Hohenheim is a leading German agricultural university combining crop science, agricultural engineering, and bioeconomy research with industry-aligned Master's programmes. Its profile in sustainable cropping systems and bio-based industries closely mirrors BF Educational's curriculum and industry focus.
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU): BOKU is Austria's leading life sciences university covering agriculture, food, and bioeconomy with applied research labs and continuing-education offerings. Its combined focus on STEM agronomic research and professional training makes it a strong European comparable to BF Educational.
- CIHEAM Bari: CIHEAM Bari is the Italian-based Mediterranean agronomic institute offering advanced Master's degrees, short courses, and applied research in sustainable agriculture and agri-food systems. It directly parallels BF Educational's mix of post-secondary training and Italy-based research partnerships.
- Royal Agricultural University: Royal Agricultural University is a UK specialist provider of agricultural higher education with applied research and executive programmes. Its focus on producing industry-ready graduates for the agri-food sector closely mirrors BF Educational's training-plus-research positioning.
- Harper Adams University: Harper Adams is the UK's largest specialist agricultural university, running applied Master's programmes, short courses, and on-farm research in precision agriculture. It is highly comparable to BF Educational in operating model: a specialist provider blending STEM teaching with field-based research partnerships.
- Edmund Mach Foundation (former Istituto Agrario San Michele all'Adige): Edmund Mach is an Italian agricultural research and training institute combining secondary/higher education, applied agronomic research, and technology transfer. As a domestically based Italian peer operating research labs and credentialed programmes, it is a natural near-substitute for BF Educational.
Emerging players
- xFarm Technologies: xFarm is an Italian agritech platform offering digital farming software, training content, and an academy to farmers and agribusiness professionals. It overlaps with BF Educational on agritech training for the Italian market but competes primarily through SaaS rather than residential higher education.
Broad incumbents
- Purdue University College of Agriculture: Purdue Agriculture is a large US-based college offering broad curricula in agronomy, digital agriculture, and agricultural engineering alongside major research labs. It is a broad incumbent comparable to BF Educational on curriculum and research, but at materially larger scale and without BF Educational's narrow corporate-subsidiary focus.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
BF Educational social profiles
Digital presenceBF Educational financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BF Educational leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
BF Educational funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BF Educational M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BF Educational
What does BF Educational do?
BF Educational is a center of excellence dedicated to digital innovation in agriculture, delivering advanced training programs (Master's degrees, Summer Schools, and specialized courses) and conducting applied R&D in precision agriculture, digital agronomy, and sustainable cropping systems. It operates dedicated research laboratories (DACS, Agrophysics Lab) and runs R&D projects such as RE-IMAGINE-CROPS and REMVIT, complemented by the Bios Factory innovation hub that connects startups, researchers, and industry partners.
Is BF Educational a public or private company?
BF Educational is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was BF Educational founded?
BF Educational was founded in 2023. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is BF Educational based?
BF Educational is headquartered in Jolanda Di Savoia, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does BF Educational make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Master's Degree Programs are the primary driver. The others are training Programs and Courses and research and Development Services.
Who are BF Educational's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Wageningen University & Research, University of Hohenheim, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), CIHEAM Bari, Royal Agricultural University, Harper Adams University and Edmund Mach Foundation (former Istituto Agrario San Michele all'Adige). xFarm Technologies is listed as an emerging player. Purdue University College of Agriculture is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does BF Educational have an API?
No public API is recorded for BF Educational.
What industry is BF Educational in?
BF Educational's product category is Agricultural Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAEAD, STEM-Focused Technical Universities, with a secondary code of EDAHABAB, STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.