Deepesh Bista, Ph.D., is an analyst at Lux Research, where he spearheads coverage on cutting-edge agricultural innovations, including robotics. His expertise spans crop protection and nutrition, with a focus on biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilizers, as well as navigating the complex regulatory landscape and pioneering new business models. A passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, Deepesh brings a wealth of technological expertise and a thorough understanding of the innovation landscape to Lux’s clients, consistently uncovering the most promising developers while pointing out the ones to ignore in a dynamic sector where science is driving the future of agriculture.
Before joining Lux, Deepesh distinguished himself as a research scientist at the University of Toledo. There, he led a USDA-funded R&D project investigating nutrient toxicity in flowering plants and designed innovative experiments addressing cyanobacterial contamination and plant nutrient uptake. The work gave him enduring insights into the views and priorities of agriculture’s many stakeholders — farmers, scientists, corporate executives, and regulators. Knowing firsthand how to navigate technology integration and policy changes lets him understand new business opportunities in the space. Deepesh also contributed as an editor for the CAMEL climate change project under a National Science Foundation-funded grant, dedicated to climate change and sustainability education.
Deepesh’s journey began in Nepal, where he earned his B.Sc. in agriculture and gained hands-on experience with various climate change and agriculture projects. He holds a Ph.D. in biology (ecology) from the University of Toledo, with a specialization in abiotic stress and plant nutrient uptake proteins. His scholarly contributions include over seven peer-reviewed publications and a notable book chapter in leading journals. For his master’s degree, he conducted critical research on nutrient runoff and its impact on algal blooms in Lake Erie.
