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AgriTech

The $30M Seed Surge & The Rise of Physical AI | AgriTech Intelligence – 04

In this edition, we witness a decisive shift from digital dashboards to Physical AI, as over $30M in fresh capital floods the sector to put “brains into the brass.” From Singapore’s self-recharging pollination drones to Ontario’s nitrogen-sipping robots, the focus has moved toward autonomous hardware that can navigate, learn, and act directly in the field. With major players like FarmX and BigHaat setting aggressive 2026 roadmaps for global scale and profitability, the industry is no longer just collecting data—it is deploying the intelligent machinery required to solve the global labor and sustainability crisis head-on.

Brilliant Harvest Raises $4M to Expand AI Platform for Heavy Equipment Dealers

Calgary-based agtech startup Brilliant Harvest has secured $4 million in seed funding to scale its AI-powered customer experience platform for heavy equipment dealerships. The round saw participation from FTW Ventures, Alpaca VC, Automotive Ventures, SVG THRIVE, NYA Ventures, along with existing investors. The platform is already used by dealerships representing over 50% of CNH Industrial’s large dealer stores and is backed by multiyear renewals from major groups such as Titan Machinery and Rocky Mountain Equipment. Focused on delivering verified, OEM-compliant AI knowledge, Brilliant Harvest plans to use the funding to expand product capabilities and deepen adoption across the dealer ecosystem, helping improve service efficiency and customer response times.

Polybee Raises $4.3M to Scale Physical AI Drones for Pollination and Yield Forecasting

Singapore-based Polybee has secured $4.3 million in seed funding led by Paspalis Capital and elev8 VC to rapidly scale its AI-powered drone platform for agriculture. The company uses tiny self-recharging drones as “physical AI agents” to forecast yields, detect crop stress, and perform autonomous pollination in greenhouses and open fields. Polybee plans a five-fold expansion to cover over 4,000 acres by 2026, driven by strong commercial traction across Australia, the US, and the UK. Its technology has delivered up to 15% higher yields in greenhouses and 3x profit improvements in leafy greens by optimizing harvest timing and reducing losses. By replacing manual scouting and unreliable pollination methods, Polybee gives growers real-time visibility and control over crop variability. The company follows a subscription-based, hardware-inclusive model, making advanced agri-robotics accessible without upfront capital.

FarmX Acquires Amos Power to Scale AI-Driven Autonomous Farming

FarmX has acquired Amos Power, a developer of fully electric autonomous tractor technology, strengthening its vision to build a vertically integrated, AI-powered agriculture platform. The acquisition, alongside new funding, enables FarmX to combine electric machinery with its advanced AI, machine learning, computer vision, and autonomy software to deliver continuously learning, data-driven farming systems. The integrated platform is designed to operate reliably even in GPS-challenged environments and across diverse farming systems, including orchards, vineyards, and row crops. With expanded manufacturing capabilities and a growing global footprint across India, Japan, and Australia, FarmX plans to begin integrated production deployments under a unified roadmap in 2026, accelerating the global rollout of intelligent, autonomous farming solutions.

Agovor Raises AU$3 Million to Scale Autonomous Horticulture Robotics

New Zealand-founded Agovor has secured AU$3 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round led by Tenacious Ventures, with participation from Hort Innovation and investors via New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus scheme. The company develops autonomous electric eTractors with interchangeable attachments such as mowers and sprayers, designed to address labor shortages and reduce operating costs in horticulture. Early adopters report annual savings exceeding $30,000, a 90% reduction in water use, and lower chemical inputs. The new funding will accelerate R&D, expand manufacturing in Sydney, and strengthen sales and service networks across Australia and New Zealand as Agovor scales its robotics platform for commercial deployment.

MyEasyFarm Launches MyEasyAI to Drive Low-Carbon Sugar Beet Production

MyEasyFarm has launched the MyEasyAI project in partnership with Cristal Union and the University of Reims Champagne Ardenne (URCA) to accelerate the agroecological and low-carbon transition of sugar beet cultivation in France’s Grand Est region. Backed by €1.6 million in funding from the European Union, the French State, and the Grand Est Region, the initiative will use AI-driven decision support and primary farm data collection to improve sustainability monitoring and advisory services. The project aims to shift carbon accounting to farm-level data, targeting a 27.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions along with improved water efficiency and reduced input use. By integrating artificial intelligence with agronomic expertise, MyEasyAI seeks to enhance resource efficiency, strengthen farmer competitiveness, and support measurable environmental outcomes across the sugar beet sector.

CryoBio Raises $1.3M to Develop Novel Frost Protection for High-Value Crops

New York-based startup CryoBio has secured $1.3 million in pre-seed funding to advance its innovative frost-protection technology for apples, grapes, and other high-value crops. Inspired by antifreeze proteins found in cold-adapted animals, the company engineers microbes to produce protective molecules that prevent damaging ice crystal formation in plants. The spray-on solution, applied before frost events, aims to offer a more reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods such as orchard heaters, wind machines, and nutrient sprays. Following successful greenhouse trials, CryoBio is preparing field tests in New York, Washington, and Canada, with plans to scale production and potentially launch commercially by 2027.

BemAgro Raises US$5.83 Million to Scale AI Solutions for Agriculture

Brazil-based agtech company BemAgro S.A has secured approximately US$5.83 million (R$30.3 million) in a Series A funding round backed entirely by agriculture-focused investors. New backers include The Yield Lab LATAM and Grupo Colorado, while existing shareholders CNH and Atvos expanded their participation. Additional support comes from agro-industrial and investment partners across sugarcane, grains, forestry, and biofuels. Founded in 2018, BemAgro develops artificial intelligence and computer vision technologies to enhance farm productivity and resource efficiency. The new capital will fund product development and expansion, strengthening the company’s mission to deliver scalable, image-based AI solutions for sustainable agriculture.

Upside Robotics Raises $7.5M to Scale Autonomous Fertilizer Technology

Upside Robotics has secured $7.5 million in seed funding, led by Plural, to expand its autonomous fertilizer robots designed to reduce nitrogen waste in row crops. Backed by investors including Garage Capital and the founders of Clearpath Robotics, the company aims to replace early-season mass fertilizer applications with lightweight, AI-driven robots that apply nutrients precisely when and where crops need them. Having already logged over 10,000 autonomous kilometers across 1,200 acres, Upside plans to operate on more than 3,000 acres in Ontario and the U.S. in 2026, with reported fertilizer reductions of up to 70% and potential savings of $150 per acre. The company is preparing to expand into the U.S. Corn Belt amid strong farmer interest.

BigHaat Targets $1B Revenue with Global Expansion Plans

Bengaluru-based agtech platform BigHaat has unveiled plans to expand across India and enter African and Southeast Asian markets, aiming to achieve $1 billion in annual revenue within five years. Founded in 2015 by Sateesh Nukala and Sachin Nandwana, the company has grown from an online farm input marketplace into a full-stack agri value chain platform serving nearly three million monthly active farmers. Following a recent $10 million funding round led by Bidra, the VC arm of OCP Group, BigHaat says it is close to EBITDA breakeven and expects full profitability by 2026. The company plans to scale its input and market linkage businesses, monetize its large agricultural data platform, and expand sourcing of traceable spices, grains, and pulses, positioning itself as a capital-efficient, last-mile digital connectivity platform for rural markets.

Editor’s Note

Built for Decision Makers

As we wrap up this 4th edition, the clear takeaway is that 2026 is becoming the “North Star” for the industry. Nearly every major update this week—from FarmX’s integrated production to BigHaat’s profitability targets and Polybee’s 4,000-acre expansion—points toward 2026 as the year these technologies move from pilot programs to global infrastructure.

We are moving past the era of “experimental” agtech. With over $30 million in new funding flowing into specialized AI and autonomous hardware, investors are betting on solutions that provide immediate, measurable ROI: 70% less fertilizer, $30,000 in labor savings, and 15% higher yields. The “Physical AI” revolution isn’t just coming; it’s already in the field, recharging its own batteries and preparing for the next harvest.

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Top Funding, Product launches, M&A in AgriTech in this week | AgriTech Intelligence- 3

The global agri-food ecosystem is moving faster than ever—powered by artificial intelligence, regenerative practices, climate-smart production, and next-generation food technologies.

In this third edition of AgriTech Intelligence, we bring you a snapshot of how startups, investors, and governments are redefining what food and farming will look like over the next decade.

From Finland’s oat-based cheese revolution and AI-driven supply chains to connected beehives, precision breeding, and laser-powered weed control, the stories in this edition reveal one clear truth: agriculture is no longer just about yield—it’s about intelligence, sustainability, and scale.

Mö Foods Raises €2.4m to Scale Oat-Based Cheese Technology

Finnish food-tech start-up Mö Foods has raised €2.4 million in a funding round led by Nordic Foodtech VC to scale its proprietary oat-based cheese production and prepare for international expansion. Founded in 2017, the company uses locally grown Finnish oats and a unique process to create meltable and sliceable plant-based cheeses with a short, natural ingredient list and dairy-like taste and texture.

Mö’s products are already available in major Nordic retail chains, with broader European rollout planned. The funding comes as consumers shift toward “post-vegan” products that must compete with dairy on taste, price, and performance rather than ideology. Mö reported 88% year-on-year retail sales growth, far outpacing the wider plant-based cheese category in Finland. Alongside retail expansion, the company is also preparing to license its technology to major European food producers.

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GrubMarket Raises $50M Series H at $4.5B Valuation to Scale AI and Global Expansion

GrubMarket has raised approximately $50 million in Series H funding at a $4.5 billion pre-money valuation, led by Future Food Fund and Portfolia Funds, to accelerate AI software development, expand its global eCommerce platform, and pursue strategic acquisitions.

The funding follows a year of strong growth marked by multiple acquisitions and the launch of AI-powered tools that automate inventory management, reporting, and order processing across the food supply chain. Operating profitably across all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 countries, GrubMarket aims to further modernize global food supply chains while continuing its sustainability initiatives and self-sustaining business model.

Brilliant Harvest Raises $4 Million to Tackle Ag Equipment Service Bottlenecks with AI

Brilliant Harvest, an AI-powered helpdesk platform for agricultural equipment dealers, has raised $4 million in seed funding to improve service efficiency and customer experience across the ag machinery sector.

Founded by industry veteran Remi Schmaltz, the company’s white-label AI assistant integrates dealer work orders, technical manuals, ERP data, and past interactions to deliver fast, accurate responses for farmers, technicians, and service teams. Backed by investors including FTW Ventures, Alpaca VC, Automotive Ventures, and SVG Ventures, the platform is already seeing strong adoption, with multiyear renewals from major dealers and expanded use at CNH locations.

By reducing low-value service calls and saving technician time, Brilliant Harvest offers immediate, measurable ROI while addressing talent shortages and operational complexity in large, multi-location dealerships.

UBEES Raises €8 Million to Scale Regenerative Pollination Worldwide

Regenerative agriculture company UBEES has secured €8 million in Series A funding co-led by Starquest and Capagro, with participation from Newtree Impact.

Founded in 2017, UBEES integrates pollination into farming systems using connected beehives, sensors, and agronomic data. The company supports farmers and brands with structured pollination programmes that improve productivity, crop quality, biodiversity, and resilience.

The new funding will help expand operations globally, especially in Latin America and Africa, while strengthening its presence in Europe and the US. UBEES also plans to enhance its technology and impact measurement tools. The company currently operates in over 15 countries across five continents.

Sparxell Raises $5 Million to Scale Plant-Based Structural Colour Technology

Sparxell has raised $5 million in a Pre-Series A round to scale its plant-based structural colour technology that replaces synthetic dyes with cellulose-based materials.

Founded in 2023 by University of Cambridge scientists, the company creates colour using physical structures instead of chemicals, drastically reducing water use and eliminating toxic colourants. The round was backed by SWEN Capital Partners, Alpha Star Capital, and Cambridge Enterprise.

The funding will support tonne-scale manufacturing, product certification across industries, and team expansion. Sparxell is already working with major global brands and plans commercial partnerships in 2026.

Its technology offers a biodegradable, high-performance alternative for textiles, cosmetics, automotive, and packaging sectors.

Qatar’s Hydrovest Raises $275,000 to Scale Agritech Production and Enter the UAE

Doha-based agritech startup Hydrovest has raised $275,000 (QAR 1 million) to move into commercial-scale production and expand into the UAE.

Founded in 2020 by Jeacim Francis Adaya, the company develops climate-smart farming solutions and value-added food products. The funding will support a new production facility in Al Wakrah, strengthen R&D partnerships, and prepare for UAE market entry in Q4 2026.

Hydrovest is best known for its Lettuce Chips and is launching freeze-dried fruits and Lettuce Tea. It also plans to offer AI-powered hydroponic farming kits. The company aims to support food security, sustainability, and regional retail expansion across the GCC.

UK Backs Farm Innovation with £21.5 Million for Precision Breeding and Low-Emission Tech

The UK government has announced £21.5 million in funding for 15 innovation projects to boost productivity, cut emissions, and strengthen farm resilience across England.

Delivered through Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme with Innovate UK, the initiative will turn research into practical tools such as vitamin D–enriched “Sunshine Tomatoes” and climate-resilient precision-bred hemp. The projects focus on reducing methane and fertiliser emissions, improving crop nutrition, and developing low-carbon inputs.

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said the funding will help farmers adopt real-world solutions for sustainable growth. The programme supports the government’s pledge to invest £200 million in agricultural innovation by 2030. It builds on earlier ADOPT Fund trials already testing climate-smart technologies on working farms.

Carbon Robotics Unveils AI Model That Instantly Identifies and Eliminates Weeds

Carbon Robotics has launched a new AI system called the Large Plant Model (LPM) that can instantly recognize and classify plant species in the field. Trained on over 150 million images from more than 100 farms across 15 countries, the model now powers the company’s LaserWeeder robots.

Unlike earlier systems, LPM can identify new weeds without needing retraining or manual data labeling. Farmers can simply select a plant in the robot’s interface and command the machine to remove it in real time.

The model is delivered through a software update to existing robots. Carbon Robotics has raised over $185 million from investors including Nvidia NVentures, Bond, and Anthos Capital.

Editor’s Note

Built for Decision Makers

What stands out in this edition is not just the diversity of innovation—but the maturity of the market.

These companies are no longer experimenting; they are scaling, licensing, expanding globally, and delivering real-world ROI.

Whether it’s Mö Foods proving that plant-based must compete on taste and performance, GrubMarket modernising supply chains with AI, or Carbon Robotics redefining weed management with machine vision, the message is clear: AgriTech has entered its execution era.

At AgriTech Intelligence, our mission is to cut through the noise and bring you the signals that matter—technologies, business models, and policies that will shape tomorrow’s food system. Thank you for reading, and welcome to Edition 3.

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AgriTech Intelligence Weekly – Edition 2

The global agri-food ecosystem is no longer driven by scale alone — it is being reshaped by intelligence, resilience, automation, and sustainability.

This week’s edition highlights how capital is flowing into deep tech platforms that solve the most expensive problems in food and agriculture:
post-harvest losses, chemical dependency, disease outbreaks, carbon accountability, supply-chain complexity, and plastic waste.

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From AI-powered potato storage in Canada to UV-C vineyard robots in California, cell-based meat in Germany, bio-colors in Denmark, and enterprise agribusiness SaaS from India — the message is clear:

The future of food is data-driven, climate-aligned, and automation-first.

For founders, investors, and agribusiness leaders, these moves offer a real-time map of where next-generation agri-value chains are being built.

SVG Ventures | THRIVE Invests in Cellar Insights to Scale AI-Powered Potato Storage Monitoring

SVG Ventures | THRIVE has invested $500,000 in Calgary-based Cellar Insights through the SVG Ventures Pioneer Fund to accelerate the commercialization of its AI-powered potato storage monitoring technology. The company’s smart system helps growers and processors detect early spoilage risks by tracking gases, temperature, humidity, and CO₂, enabling timely action to reduce post-harvest losses. Cellar Insights gained momentum through SVG Ventures’ Alberta accelerator and has since expanded deployments across multiple Canadian provinces. A major milestone includes validation at FCC’s EMILI Innovation Farm Network in Manitoba, proving real-world performance at commercial scale. The new funding will support the company’s growth across North America and strengthen its path toward global adoption.

Saga Robotics Bets Big on Chemical-Free Vineyards with UV-C Robots

Saga Robotics is expanding in the US vineyard market with new leadership and fresh funding to scale its UV-C powered Thorvald robots. The company recorded a 10x increase in treated vineyard acreage in California in 2025 and expects to nearly triple it again in 2026. Its night-time UV-C technology offers a chemical-free alternative to fungicides, helping growers tackle powdery mildew more effectively. Rising resistance to chemicals and high labor costs are driving adoption of this autonomous solution. With a Robots-as-a-Service model and data-driven features, Saga is making sustainable and regenerative winegrowing more accessible.

Eat App Raises $10M to Scale Restaurant Tech in India

UAE-based foodtech Eat App has raised $10 million in a Series B extension led by PSG Equity via Zenchef, taking its total funding to over $23 million. India has emerged as a key growth market, with the platform scaling to more than 2,000 restaurants in just one year. To accelerate expansion, Eat App acquired ReserveGo and partnered with Swiggy to launch its restaurant growth suite under the GroMax brand. The platform helps restaurants unify reservations from multiple channels into one system and use data to improve capacity and guest experience. With India’s food service market expected to cross $85 billion by 2028, Eat App is positioning itself as a core technology partner for the country’s dine-in economy.

Innocent Meat Raises €6M to Build Automated Cell-Based Meat Platform

German biotech startup Innocent Meat has raised €6 million to develop its fully automated production system for cultivated meat and to begin building a demonstration facility. Founded in 2020, the company is creating an end-to-end, software-driven platform that allows meat processors to produce cell-based meat with minimal technical expertise. The funding will support scalable infrastructure, regulatory approvals, and the construction of a demo plant for potential customers. Existing investor GENIUS Venture Capital participated in the round, reaffirming confidence in the technology. Innocent Meat plans to enter the market in 2028 with a plug-and-play solution for traditional meat producers.

Octarine Bio Raises €5M to Scale Sustainable Bio-Based Colour Platform

Copenhagen-based Octarine Bio has secured an additional €5 million in Series A funding to accelerate industrial-scale validation and commercial rollout of its PurePalette natural pigment platform. The extension brings the company’s total Series A to €12.8 million, backed by both existing and new investors including DSM-Firmenich Ventures, The Footprint Firm, Edaphon, and former Novozymes leaders. The funding will help scale production of its first flagship colours, expand into new industries, and strengthen commercial partnerships. Octarine uses precision fermentation and biocatalysis to produce fully bio-based pigments that integrate into existing manufacturing systems. Its PurePalette platform delivers the full colour spectrum through a single sustainable process, reducing the environmental impact of traditional dyes.

Maia Farms Raises C$3.75M to Scale Health-Focused Mushroom & Mycelium Ingredients

Canada-based Maia Farms has raised C$3.75 million in an oversubscribed seed round to expand its fermentation-made mushroom and mycelium ingredient platform. The company is shifting toward a “farm to pharmacy” model, focusing on functional, nutrition-rich food ingredients for everyday products. Its patented fermentation and extrusion processes power meat alternatives, noodles, soups, and baked goods with lower costs and higher nutrition than conventional proteins. With over 20 products launched and capacity to supply up to 200,000 kg annually, Maia is scaling globally. The startup aims to position mycelium as a climate-friendly, health-first ingredient for the future of food.

Anzen Industries Raises $2.2M to Reinvent Chemical Manufacturing

UK-based deeptech startup Anzen Industries has secured $2.2 million in pre-seed funding to advance its cell-free biomanufacturing platform for producing complex chemicals. The company uses reusable enzyme reactors and AI-driven design to manufacture high-value molecules more efficiently than traditional synthesis or fermentation. Its technology reduces infrastructure, energy use, and production costs while strengthening global supply chain resilience. Backed by LocalGlobe, Creator Fund, and strategic angels, Anzen plans to relocate to the US and build its first manufacturing facility. The startup aims to make chemical production faster, scalable, and more sustainable through cell-free systems.

Notpla Secures €4M EU Funding to Create Plastic-Free Coffee Cups

Notpla has received €4 million in Horizon Europe funding, alongside 14 European partners, to develop fully natural, home-compostable coffee cups without plastic coatings. The project’s first phase will focus on material testing, product development, and scaling production for circular use. Notpla is already advancing real-world trials, including espresso cup pilots and plastic-free drink carriers in major venues. The company is also expanding commercial deployments across universities and events. This funding strengthens Notpla’s mission to replace single-use plastics with seaweed-based, sustainable packaging.

Barnwell Bio Raises $6M to Bring COVID-Style Bio-Surveillance to Poultry Farms

US-based startup Barnwell Bio has raised $6 million in seed funding to apply COVID-era bio-surveillance techniques to poultry barns, helping producers detect disease risks before outbreaks occur. Using metagenomic sequencing of barn foot swabs, the company creates a unique microbiome fingerprint for each facility, enabling early detection of pathogens like avian flu and tracking overall flock health. The platform shifts poultry health management from reactive firefighting to proactive, data-driven decision-making. Backed by partners such as Mississippi State University, Vital Farms, and West Liberty Foods, Barnwell Bio aims to build a powerful microbiome data asset with potential applications across other livestock sectors as well.

KhetiBuddy Launches Next-Gen Enterprise SaaS Platform for Agribusinesses

KhetiBuddy has launched Verdnt, a next-generation AI-native enterprise SaaS platform designed for mid-to-large agribusinesses operating across complex supply chains. Verdnt unifies farm operations, sustainability metrics, and enterprise workflows, enabling companies to move from retrospective reporting to proactive, data-driven decision-making.

The platform integrates agronomy, procurement, production planning, inventory, and compliance data, providing traceable, auditable, and explainable insights. Its AI models, trained on agronomic, climate, and regulatory data, support risk assessment and operational decisions while maintaining human oversight. Verdnt builds on KhetiBuddy’s global deployments, aiming to position farm intelligence as a core component of enterprise systems.

Proba Raises €1.25M to Take Scope 3 Emissions Certification to the US and Brazil

Proba, a climate-focused AgTech start-up, has raised €1.25 million to expand its Scope 3 emissions certification platform into the United States and Brazil. Backed by Future Food Fund, Yield Lab Europe, and Value Factory Ventures, the company focuses on certifying fertilizer-related emission reductions across major crop value chains like coffee, corn, sugar, and potatoes. Agriculture’s fertilizer use is a major source of global emissions, and Proba aims to make these reductions measurable, traceable, and financeable. The expansion will help global agri-food companies meet climate compliance goals with verified impact. Proba’s platform connects farmers, cooperatives, and food companies to scale credible climate action across the Americas.

Deep-tech Startup Aviwell Raises €11 Million in Series A Funding

France-based deep-tech startup Aviwell has raised €11 million in a Series A funding round led by Blue Revolution Fund, with participation from Blast.Club and SWEN Capital Partners. The funding will support the development of its microbiome-based solutions for poultry and aquaculture. Aviwell focuses on improving animal growth and food security through natural, sustainable, and cost-effective technologies. The company is built on over 30 years of academic research combining life sciences, data systems, and AI/ML. With proven lab and field results, Aviwell is now scaling commercially in global broiler chicken and aquaculture markets.

Editor’s Note

Built for Decision Makers

This edition reflects a major shift in agri-food innovation:
we are moving from incremental efficiency to systemic reinvention.

What stands out is not just the funding volume — but the quality of solutions:

  • AI replacing manual risk detection
  • Biology replacing chemicals
  • Data replacing guesswork
  • Automation replacing fragile supply chains
  • Sustainability replacing short-term cost logic

For decision-makers, the signal is strong:
agriculture is now a core technology sector, not a commodity industry.

Those who invest, partner, and adapt early will define the next decade of food, climate, and bioeconomy leadership.

See you in Edition 3.

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Top Funding, M&A’s in Agritech of this Week | AgriTech Intelligence- 1

This week, many AgriTech and related companies received investments, and we have covered summaries of these funding rounds. let’s see…

Equitable Earth Raises $14.7M to Scale Trusted Certification for Nature-Based Carbon Projects

Paris-based carbon markets standard platform Equitable Earth has raised €12.6 million ($14.7 million) in a new funding round to expand its certification programme for nature-based carbon projects. Founded in 2020, the company provides a global certification standard approved under the ICVCM’s Core Carbon Principles (CCPs), ensuring projects deliver verified benefits for climate, biodiversity, and local communities. The funding will be used to strengthen data systems, modelling, R&D, and digital certification tools, grow its teams, expand the supply of certified credits, and develop new methodologies for threatened ecosystems, helping make carbon markets more trusted, transparent, and scalable.

reTyre Raises €7M to Scale Low-Carbon, Fully Recyclable Bike Tyres Made from Ocean Material

Norway-based startup reTyre has raised €7 million to scale its patented injection-moulding technology for producing low-carbon, 100% recyclable bicycle tyres using materials such as invasive sargassum seaweed and oyster shells. Led by Hatch Blue’s Blue Revolution Fund, with participation from Fundracer and existing investors, the funding will support production scale-up, fulfil a growing order book, and accelerate profitability. reTyre’s technology cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 80%, enables decentralised manufacturing near OEMs, and reduces transport emissions. The company will install its first fully automated production cell in Norway, followed by an Asian facility in 2026, and has entered a strategic co-development partnership with Vittoria to launch next-generation performance tyres based on its platform.

Black Bull Biochar Raises £4M to Scale Biochar Production and Carbon Removal Across the UK and Europe

UK-based Black Bull Biochar (BBB) has secured £4 million in late seed funding to expand its biochar production and low-carbon heat solutions across North West England and accelerate entry into northern Europe, including Denmark. The round was co-led by TSP Ventures and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Investment Fund, with participation from Old College Capital, and includes £2M in equity and £2M in debt from Innovate UK’s Future Economy Facility. The funding will support new production sites, expanded R&D, and the relocation of BBB’s headquarters from London to Manchester. BBB’s pyrolysis technology converts sustainably sourced biomass into high-quality biochar for soil health and long-term carbon storage, while also decarbonising industrial heat systems, positioning the company as a scalable player in agricultural decarbonisation and carbon removals.

UK’s Verna Raises $4M to Use AI for Turning Biodiversity Reporting into Long-Term Nature Restoration

London-based NatureTech startup Verna has raised $4 million to help organisations move beyond biodiversity reporting and deliver measurable, long-term nature recovery projects. The funding round was led by NAP (Berlin) and Übermorgen (Zurich), with participation from Vanneck, Love Ventures, Concrete Ventures, and Climate VC. Verna’s platform integrates existing biodiversity datasets, supports planning and decision-making, and tracks restoration outcomes over decades, with upcoming AI-powered tools to optimise and verify recovery plans. Within a year of launch, the company surpassed $1M in ARR and now serves 3,000+ users across 100 organisations, initially focusing on Biodiversity Net Gain projects and expanding globally as demand for nature-positive action accelerates.

Hydrosat Raises $60M to Scale Thermal Satellite Data and AI Analytics for Water, Agriculture, and Defense

Thermal satellite data provider Hydrosat has raised $60 million in new funding to accelerate expansion across commercial, civil government, and defense markets. The financing includes Series B capital and additional equity, led by Hartree Partners, Subutai Capital Partners, and Space 4 Earth, with new participation from Truffle Capital and follow-on investments from existing backers. Hydrosat operates two thermal infrared satellites, delivering daily, field-scale temperature data across more than 10 million sq. km, and uses AI-powered analytics to generate actionable insights for water management, irrigation optimisation, drought monitoring, and resource security. The funding will support constellation expansion, product development, and deeper regional presence across Central Asia, MENA, India, and Latin America.

USask-Led Crop Research Projects Secure $4.5M to Advance Climate-Smart and Resilient Agriculture

More than $4.5 million has been awarded to 24 University of Saskatchewan (USask)–led crop research projects through Canada’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), announced at the Saskatchewan Crops Forum. In total, 39 crop-focused projects received ADF support in this funding round, with USask researchers leading more than half. The funded research spans soil health and carbon storage, crop genetics, pest and disease resistance, protein processing, and climate-smart agriculture, covering crops such as wheat, barley, pulses, oilseeds, and specialty crops. Additional support includes $2.5M from the Strategic Research Initiative for herbicide resistance research and $3.2M in industry contributions, reinforcing strong public–private collaboration to strengthen Canada’s agri-food resilience.

AfDB to Invest €102 Million to Boost Poultry and Crop Production in Benin

The African Development Bank approves a €102.12 million loan to Benin to implement the first phase of its Agriculture Transformation Programme in the savannah region. The project will cultivate 120,000 ha of maize and 80,000 ha of soybean, supporting annual poultry production of 41,000 tonnes. Benefiting 50,000 farmers directly and 500,000 indirectly, the initiative promotes climate-resilient seeds, structured water management, mechanization, and women’s participation, strengthening food security, livelihoods, and inclusive economic growth.

NPHarvest Receives Up to €1.2M from Business Finland Deep Tech Accelerator to Scale Fertilizer Innovation

Finnish cleantech company NPHarvest, which develops fertilizer inputs by recovering nutrients from liquid waste streams, has been selected for up to €1.2 million in funding through Business Finland’s Deep Tech Accelerator (DTA) program. The phased funding is tied to technical and commercial milestones and supports the company’s transition from pilot-scale demonstrations to scalable deployment. NPHarvest addresses nutrient overload challenges in Europe’s waste-to-energy sector by recovering nitrogen and phosphorus and converting them into usable fertilizers. The company’s industrial-scale demonstrator and field trials have validated the performance of recycled nutrients, positioning NPHarvest for broader commercialization across European agricultural and industrial markets.

Grove Secures $5M Seed Round to Build Demand-Driven Fresh Produce Supply Chain in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh-based fresh-produce startup Grove has raised $5M in Seed funding led by Outliers VC, with participation from angel investors, to scale its technology-enabled supply chain. Founded in 2024, the company operates a vertically coordinated model that connects farms, markets, and households while aligning production with real consumer demand. Grove aims to improve quality, transparency, and sustainability by shifting away from volume-driven, intermediary-led systems. The platform reports repeat-purchase rates of nearly 48% and food waste below 5%, highlighting strong early traction. The new funding will support expansion of its demand-driven model across Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing fresh produce market.

Indorama India Secures $72.9M Sustainability-Linked Trade Facility from DBS Bank India

Indorama India Private Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Indorama Corporation, has secured a sustainability-linked trade facility of approximately $72.9M from DBS Bank India—the bank’s largest single-ticket facility of this kind. The financing is tied to predefined environmental performance targets, enabling Indorama to access capital while reducing energy, water, and emissions intensity across its manufacturing operations. The partnership strengthens Indorama’s liquidity while embedding sustainability into its financial strategy, reinforcing the company’s commitment to ESG-driven growth and responsible business practices.

Tagros Chemicals Acquires Bayer’s Flubendiamide Assets to Expand Global Footprint

Tagros Chemicals India has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bayer AG’s Flubendiamide (FLB) business assets across Latin America, EMEA, and the Asia-Pacific region, significantly strengthening its global crop protection portfolio. The transaction includes formulations, trademarks, product registrations, regulatory and technical data, and inventories related to the diamide insecticide, providing Tagros access to more than 25 international markets. The acquisition enhances Tagros’ position in the diamide segment and marks its strategic entry into the B2C formulations market through its newly established entity, Arqivo, enabling the company to move closer to end-users with branded products while building a more integrated global presence in agricultural inputs.

Editor’s Note – First Edition of AgriTech Intelligence

Built for Decision-Makers

Welcome to the inaugural edition of AgriTech Intelligence by GrowinAgri! Designed for decision-makers, this newsletter brings you the most relevant insights from global AgriTech, FoodTech, and sustainability sectors.

This week, we highlight major investment moves shaping the future of agriculture — from Equitable Earth raising $14.7M to expand carbon certification, to Hydrosat securing $60M for AI-powered thermal satellite analytics, and Grove’s $5M seed round to scale demand-driven fresh produce supply chains in Saudi Arabia. Strategic acquisitions like Tagros Chemicals acquiring Bayer’s Flubendiamide assets and Indorama India securing a $72.9M sustainability-linked trade facility further illustrate the pace of innovation and global expansion.

These stories showcase how capital, technology, and sustainability are converging to create smarter, more resilient, and profitable agriculture. AgriTech Intelligence distills these developments to help founders, investors, and executives make informed decisions that drive growth.

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Bonsai Robotics Boosts Team to Revolutionize Farming

Bonsai Robotics, a company creating smart machines for farmers, is making big moves! They’ve added new leaders to their team and bought another company called farm-ng to make farming easier with high-tech tools.

What’s Happening?

Bonsai Robotics welcomed a group of experts to lead their mission. These leaders know a lot about farming, robots, and computers. In July, Bonsai also bought farm-ng, a company that builds electric farm machines. This helps Bonsai offer more solutions to farmers.

Why It Matters

Bonsai is working on machines that can think for themselves using cameras and computers. These machines:

  • Work in tough spots, like dusty fields or places with no GPS.
  • Fit on old tractors or new electric machines, like the Bonsai Amiga.
  • Team up to get jobs done faster.
  • Share information to help farmers save money and grow better crops.

Who’s on the Team?

The new leaders bring tons of experience:

  • Tyler Niday, CEO: Built machines at John Deere and Blue River.
  • Ugur Oezdemir, CTO: Expert in making machines “see” with cameras.
  • John Teeple, COO: Ran tech projects at John Deere.
  • Matt Pigeon, CFO: Manages money for big companies.
  • Gary Bradski, Chief Science Officer: Created OpenCV, a tool that helps computers understand pictures.
  • Brendan Dowdle, Chief Business Officer: Used to lead farm-ng and now helps sell Bonsai’s machines.
  • Arlen Frew, CRO: Knows how to get new tech to farmers.

Looking Ahead

Bonsai is already testing its machines on crops like fruits and veggies. These machines help farmers who don’t have enough workers and make farming cheaper and faster. With their new team and farm-ng’s tech, Bonsai is ready to change farming for the better!

Autonomous Mushroom Harvesting Company 4AG Robotics Raises $40M CAD

Great news for Mushroom industry, worldwide; because an autonomous mushroom harvesting company, 4AG Robotics raises $40M CAD.

About 4AG Robotics

4AG Robotics a Canadian Company which is working with robotics for mushroom industry. this company help mushroom growers for harvesting mushrooms with their autonomous robots. their robots currently operate in Canada, Ireland, and Australia, with launches planned in the U.S. and Netherlands.

About Funding

This investment $40M CAD is series B funding round. this financing to accelerate production and global expansion. The round was led by Astanor and Cibus Capital, with participation from Voyager Capital and continued support from InBC, Emmertech, BDC Industrial Innovation Fund, the Jim Richardson Family Office, Stray Dog Capital, and Seraph Group. The new funding brings the company’s total capital raised to $57.5 million in two years.

Target is $60 billion Industry

According to 4AG, The global mushroom market is set to grow exponentially, reaching a projected value of $60 billion by 2030. However, as demand surges, the industry faces a stark reality: a growing gap in labor availability.

Future Plans of 4AG

Plan is clear of 4AG Robotics. global expansion & innovation in their technology. what you think about this 4AG Robotics and their technology and this investment also; comment below!

Today’s Top 7 Agri Updates | 22 July 2025

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1. China Reaffirms Food Security at 16th International Agri-Trade Policy Conference

Beijing hosted the 16th International Agricultural Trade Policy Conference on July 15, bringing together leaders from the WTO, FAO, and various international diplomats. Vice Minister Zhang Zhili reiterated China’s commitment to bolstering food security through a dual strategy of robust domestic production and moderate imports. Amid rising global protectionism, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change, the conference underscored the importance of multilateral collaboration, resilient supply chains, and advancing green transformation in agriculture. The 2025 China Agro-Trade Report was also released, setting a strategic path for China’s engagement in global agriculture.

2. India Set to Boost Global Pulse Production by 8 Million Tonnes by 2034

India is projected to contribute an additional 8 million tonnes of pulses to global output by 2034. This forecast from the OECD-FAO Outlook attributes growth to:

  • Hybrid seed adoption
  • Enhanced mechanization
  • Supportive policies for farmers
  • Wider intercropping practices by smallholders

Per capita pulse consumption in India is set to reach 8.6kg annually by 2034, promising improved nutrition and increased farmer incomes. India’s leadership solidifies Asia’s pivotal role in meeting the world’s rising pulse demand.

3. Kharif Sowing Momentum: 708 Lakh Hectares Surpassed, Cotton Down

As of July 18, 2025, India’s Kharif sowing covered 708.31 lakh hectares, up nearly 28 lakh hectares year-on-year. Key highlights:

  • Rice: Registered the highest growth, up by 19.47 lakh hectares.
  • Coarse Cereals & Pulses: Expanded significantly.
  • Cotton: Acreage declined by 3 lakh hectares, attributed to market price volatility and delayed monsoons.
  • Soybean: Area fell, but groundnut and bajra recorded gains.

Despite setbacks in cotton and oilseeds, India’s overall Kharif season displays solid momentum.

4. Chhattisgarh Acts Against Fertilizer and Seed Black Marketing

Cracking down on black marketing, Chhattisgarh authorities conducted surprise raids in Bilaspur district:

  • Notices issued to three dealers for unauthorized sales and billing irregularities.
  • One license suspended for 15 days over non-compliance.
  • Warehouses sealed and sales banned for regulatory violations.

A mandatory POS (Point-of-Sale) system for all fertilizer transactions is now enforced, protecting farmers from adulteration and unfair practices.

5. Google Unveils AMED AI Tool for Indian Farmers

Google, in partnership with IIT Kharagpur under the Amplify Initiative, introduced AMED API—an AI-driven tool designed to help Indian farmers:

  • Monitor crops and farmland in real time using satellite imagery and machine learning.
  • Identify crops, measure fields, and detect sowing/harvest dates.

While initial adoption is slow due to income constraints and fragmented landholdings, the tool aims to boost productivity and resilience for Indian farmers. Notably, it also supports India’s linguistic and cultural diversity through tailored AI datasets.

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6. Bihar Announces ₹50,000 per Hectare Fruit Cultivation Subsidy

The Bihar government has launched a new subsidy—₹50,000 per hectare—to promote commercial fruit farming (guava, amla, apple ber, lemon) under its Crop Diversification Programme. Key features:

  • Covers 50% of the ₹1 lakh cultivation cost, split into two installments.
  • Available for up to 4 hectares per eligible farmer.
  • Online, first-come-first-served application to ensure transparency.

This scheme aims to increase farmer incomes and promote climate-resilient, high-return horticulture.

7. Gujarat Mango Exports Surge, Gir Kesar in Spotlight

Gujarat has exported 3,000 tons of mangoes in the last five years, with a record 29% shipped in 2024-25 alone. The famed Gir Kesar mango, protected by GI tag, is seeing heightened global demand—especially in the US and South Africa. Other highlights:

  • Mango production climbed 21% from 2021-22 to 2023-24.
  • Cultivation area increased by 8.4%.
  • Amreli district led with 8.16 tons/hectare productivity.
  • An irradiation facility in Bavla improved export quality, treating 805 tons of mangoes since 2019.

ICAR’s New Genome-Edited Rice Varieties Promise Resilience and Higher Yields

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has taken a major leap forward in rice cultivation with the launch of two new genome-edited rice varieties. Designed to tackle the growing challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and soil salinity, these varieties are not just scientific achievements — they are game changers for Indian farmers.

Let’s explore what makes these new rice varieties special.

Pusa Rice DST1 – Less Water, More Resilience

Developed by the team at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, led by Dr. Viswanathan C., Pusa Rice DST1 has been created using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This variety is tailor-made for regions facing water shortage and soil salinity.

What sets it apart is its ability to thrive on less water, thanks to its lower stomatal density. It grows faster with more tillers, larger leaves, and produces a higher number of grains. Even in the absence of stress conditions, it delivers a strong yield — and under drought or salt stress, it still performs reliably. This is the kind of innovation that can make a real difference for farmers working in tough environments.

DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) – High Yield Meets Early Maturity

The second breakthrough, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala), has been developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad. Dr. Satendra K. Mangrauthia, Dr. R.M. Sundaram, and their team used SDN1 genome editing to enhance the popular Samba Mahsuri variety.

DRR Dhan 100 isn’t just another high-yielding rice — it offers a 19% increase in grain yield and matures 15 to 20 days earlier than its predecessor. It also comes with moderate drought tolerance and retains the high grain quality that Samba Mahsuri is known for. For farmers, this means better returns in less time, with the added benefit of resilience in uncertain weather.

A New Era for Indian Rice Farmers

These two varieties reflect how science and agriculture can work hand in hand to solve real-world problems. With climate conditions becoming more unpredictable, and natural resources like water becoming scarcer, the need for such resilient crops has never been greater.

ICAR’s efforts in developing genome-edited rice varieties like Pusa Rice DST1 and DRR Dhan 100 show a strong commitment to sustainable and future-ready farming. For farmers across India, especially in vulnerable regions, these innovations offer hope — and the promise of better productivity, profitability, and peace of mind.

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