SCIO Launches SCIO Mini 2 Corn - Next-Generation Lab-Grade Moisture Analysis for Corn

WILMINGTON, Del., July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Over a thousand scans. Zero shelling. Instant results. That's the promise of the newly launched SCIO Mini 2, a device that helps US corn growers and seed producers measure moisture in the field, which builds on the success of SCIO Mini 1. The new device has already been adopted by agriculture leaders such as Corteva and Syngenta.

Launched by SCIO, the ag-tech innovator formerly known as Consumer Physics, the SCIO Mini 2 features a sleek, more durable design that enhances field efficiency. It continues to deliver instant, accurate, and non-destructive corn moisture analysis - no preparation required. It uses near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and syncs with SCIO's cloud-based platform. Together, these features support faster and better data-driven decision-making for harvest, storage, and field management decisions. With over 13 million scans logged by 10,000 users across 186 countries, SCIO continues to push the boundaries of handheld spectroscopy.

For US agriculture, the stakes are massive. In 2023 alone, farmers produced 15.3 billion bushels of corn for grain valued at $73.9 billion. The corn sector generated $151 billion in total economic activity, including $62 billion added to US GDP. With rising costs and shrinking harvest windows, real-time field analysis tools are becoming essential.

What's new in SCIO Mini 2

SCIO Mini 2 builds on the proven capabilities of its predecessor, SCIO Mini, with a refined design and enhanced features tailored for more efficient and reliable field use. Upgrades include:

• Built-in corn ear accessory  
  No more attachments—the corn accessory is now seamlessly integrated into the device, streamlining the workflow in the field.
  
  
• Higher scan capacity per charge  
  A new high-capacity battery: supports over 1,000 scans per charge, compared to around 250 scans in SCIO Mini 1.
  
  
• Improved durability with IP53 rating
  Designed for rugged environments, the SCIO Mini 2 resists dust and water spray, enabling confident outdoor operation.
  
  
• Sleek, ergonomic design
  The modernized form factor improves comfort and ease of use, both indoors and outdoors.
  
  
• Faster, more reliable performance
  A new light source and internal improvements enhance robustness and scanning accuracy.
  
  
• Convenient USB-C charging
  Replaces the older Micro-USB with faster and more user-friendly USB-C charging.

SCIO Mini 2 builds on the strong capabilities and massive adoption of SCIO Mini 1, which allows farmers to scan a cob and see moisture levels within seconds, without the need for shelling or grinding. In SCIO Mini 2, Bluetooth sync allows data to flow straight into mobile apps or cloud dashboards.

"For the seed tech manager walking 20-acre plots in August heat, speed matters," said Damian Goldring, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at SCIO. "SCIO Mini 2 puts precision in the palm of your hand. In seconds, you know whether to harvest or hold."

The device has already seen rapid uptake among leading names in the agri-food sector, including Syngenta and Corteva. Producers have reported cutting testing time by more than 50%, improving harvest timing, storage strategies, and cost control.

The device requires little to no training, with a user-friendly and portable design suited for in-field use.

"We're building tools that deliver more than data; they deliver confidence in the field," added Goldring.

About SCIO

SCIO (formerly Consumer Physics) is on a mission to make real-world material data instantly accessible. Its focus is simple yet transformative: revealing the makeup of physical materials to empower better decisions.

At the heart of SCIO is advanced near-infrared spectroscopy combined with a vast database of molecular signatures. This enables fast, accurate chemical analysis in the field or at the source. Each scan contributes to the growing database, making SCIO smarter and more precise over time.

SCIO, which is led by Dr. Assaf Carmi (CEO) and Dr. Damian Goldring (CTO), holds over 60 patents. The company's long list of customers includes Syngenta, Cargill, Corteva, Bayer, Beck's, Chr. Hansen, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), Driscoll's, Vita Plus, Dairyland Laboratories, Inc.

To learn more, visit www.scionir.com.

Images can be accessed here.

Media contact:
Amir Ben Artzi, Meirovitch PR, [email protected] 

SOURCE SCIO