Key Takeaways
- I-Pulse has launched iTerra, a specialized subsidiary focused on eliminating weeds using high pulsed power technology instead of chemical herbicides.
- The system utilizes AI-driven detection to target individual weeds with five-millisecond electrical pulses, achieving up to 95% accuracy in early trials.
- The technology is designed to maintain soil health and protect water tables by leaving no chemical residues and preserving soil microbiology.
- iTerra is collaborating with the USDA and major universities, including UC Davis, Cornell, and Rutgers, for large-scale parcel testing in Q2 2026.
- The subsidiary is led by CEO Romain Leray and advised by former UK Environment Secretary George Eustice and policy analyst Sarah Mock.
I-Pulse Introduces Sustainable Agricultural Subsidiary
I-Pulse, the global leader in pulsed power technologies, has officially announced the launch of iTerra. This new subsidiary is dedicated to providing non-chemical weed control solutions for the agricultural sector. By leveraging the parent company's expertise in high-energy electrical discharges, iTerra aims to reduce the global agricultural industry's reliance on traditional chemical herbicides.
The venture comes at a time when farmers face increasing pressure from herbicide-resistant weed species and tightening environmental regulations. I-Pulse designed the iTerra system to offer an economically viable alternative that supports organic and regenerative farming practices.
Precision AI and Pulsed Power Integration
The iTerra system integrates two primary technologies: high pulsed power and artificial intelligence. Using AI-driven detection, the equipment identifies weeds with high precision—noted at 95% in initial testing—and delivers a controlled electrical pulse lasting only five milliseconds. This pulse eliminates the weed at the root without damaging the surrounding crops or disrupting the soil's natural microbial balance.
“By controlling weeds with our pulsed electrical power, we will reduce reliance on the load of poisonous chemicals that are being used in global agriculture,” said Robert Friedland, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of I-Pulse. “It maintains soil health so that the food can be organic and regenerative by protecting the water table.”
I-Pulse Leadership and Academic Partnerships
While I-Pulse leadership will oversee the subsidiary, day-to-day operations are managed by iTerra CEO Romain Leray. The team is further supported by advisors George Eustice, former UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and U.S. agriculture policy analyst Sarah Mock.
To validate the technology's effectiveness across various climates and soil types, iTerra is working with the USDA and leading research institutions, including Cornell University, Rutgers, and UC Davis. These collaborations follow successful preliminary research conducted at l’École d’Ingénieurs de Purpan in Toulouse, France.
Commercial Scalability and Future Testing
A critical phase for the I-Pulse subsidiary will begin in the second quarter of 2026 with the commencement of large-parcel testing. These trials are essential for proving the commercial viability and scalability of the pulsed power solution in diverse agricultural settings.
By allowing treated weeds to remain in the soil to decompose naturally, the iTerra system helps maintain soil structure and supports long-term crop performance. This approach addresses the environmental concerns associated with chemical accumulation in the food chain and the surrounding ecosystem.
