Key Takeaways
- Rien Kamman, CEO and co-founder of Source.ag, leads the company in providing AI solutions for greenhouse growers.
- Source.ag’s technology includes the Source Plant App, Source Track, Source Irrigation Control, and Source Cultivate, all designed to enhance greenhouse operations and decision-making.
- Since its inception in November 2020, Source.ag has expanded to over 2,000 hectares of high-tech greenhouses across 15 countries.
- The company’s AI technology predicts yields 3-4 weeks before harvest, aiding growers in planning and contract negotiations.
- By 2030, Source.ag aims to be a trusted partner for growers worldwide, optimizing operations across 1,000,000 hectares of greenhouses.
In the rapidly evolving world of agriculture, Source.ag has emerged as a key player, providing innovative AI solutions tailored for greenhouse vegetable growers. Founded in November 2020 by Rien Kamman and Ernst van Bruggen, Source.ag is driven by a vision to leverage artificial intelligence to address the challenges of modern agriculture.
Early Beginnings and Vision
Rien Kamman and Ernst van Bruggen met during their academic pursuits and combined their expertise to establish Source.ag. Kamman, who has a background in mechanical engineering from TU Delft and an MBA from Columbia University, previously led data science teams at Boston Consulting Group, developing custom AI software for global corporations. This extensive experience laid the foundation for Source.ag’s mission to transform agriculture with cutting-edge AI technology.
Transforming Greenhouse Operations with AI
Source.ag’s core technology suite includes the Source Plant App, Source Track, Source Irrigation Control, and Source Cultivate. These tools are designed to digitize greenhouse operations, enhance data collection, and provide growers with actionable insights. Kamman explains, “We aim to empower growers and facilitate their work to ensure their success.”
- Source Plant App: Tracks plant measurements to monitor growth.
- Source Track: Centralizes greenhouse data for comparison and analysis.
- Source Irrigation Control: Automates irrigation management for optimal crop growth.
- Source Cultivate: Consolidates vital data and simulates plant growth, ensuring accurate yield forecasts.
“Our technology offers the ability to make future projections based on current data, helping growers plan better,” Kamman states, highlighting the practical benefits of Source.ag’s AI solutions.
Expanding Global Footprint
Since its launch, Source.ag has expanded its reach significantly, managing over 2,000 hectares of high-tech greenhouses in 15 countries. The software primarily focuses on critical crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. With a team of over 110 employees, Source.ag collaborates closely with growers to develop solutions that best meet their needs, which Kamman believes is key to increasing adoption rates.
Challenges and Adaptations
Implementing AI in agriculture is not without its challenges. Variability in recommendations based on historical data is a significant hurdle. However, Source.ag’s technology can predict yields 3-4 weeks before harvest, assisting growers in contract negotiations and planning. “The use of AI is complicated as recommendations depend on historical data, but it helps predict yields and manage volatility,” Kamman elaborates.
Read the complete interview here.
