Key Takeaways:
- Series A Funding: Kilter raised $8.6 million in a Series A funding round co-led by Pymwymic and Nufarm, with participation from SBG Invest, Natural Ventures, and ProAgInvest.
- Technology Expansion: The funding supports the development of Kilter’s autonomous weeding robot, the AX-1, and its entry into new markets, including Australia and New Zealand.
- Sustainable Weeding Innovation: The AX-1 uses Single Drop Technology to reduce herbicide usage by up to 95% and improve crop health.
- Global Challenges: The robot addresses issues such as herbicide resistance, regulatory constraints, and labor shortages in agriculture.
- Partnership with Nufarm: A collaboration with Nufarm will facilitate local distribution and scaling efforts in Australia and New Zealand.
Kilter, a Norwegian agtech company specializing in precision agriculture, has raised $8.6 million in Series A funding. The round was co-led by impact investor Pymwymic and global crop protection company Nufarm, with additional backing from SBG Invest, Natural Ventures, and ProAgInvest. The funding will be used to expand Kilter’s technology, develop new applications for its products, and enter new markets, including Australia and New Zealand.
Precision Technology in Weeding
The centerpiece of Kilter’s offering is the AX-1, an autonomous weeding robot that applies herbicides using a patented system known as Single Drop Technology. This system uses precise, single droplets to target weeds while avoiding crops, with field mapping capabilities that divide fields into a 6×6 mm grid. According to Kilter, the AX-1 reduces herbicide usage by up to 95%, lowers labor costs, and supports crop and soil health.
Addressing Agricultural Challenges
The AX-1 is designed to address some of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, including:
- Herbicide Resistance: By using targeted applications, the AX-1 may help reduce the impact of herbicide resistance.
- Regulatory Compliance: The robot’s precise application aligns with tighter regulations on herbicide use.
- Labor Shortages: The autonomous design reduces reliance on manual labor, potentially decreasing operational costs.
Global Expansion Plans
Founded in 2015 as a robotics project within Adigo Mechatronics, Kilter became an independent company in 2020. The company has established operations in Norway, Sweden, and Germany and now plans to expand globally. Through a partnership with Nufarm, Kilter will bring its technology to Australia and New Zealand, aiming to adapt the AX-1 for additional crop categories and scale production.
“Nufarm has been working in precision application since launching a broad-acre solution in 2014,” said Rico Christensen, Group Executive, Portfolio Solutions at Nufarm. “Partnering with Kilter brings new opportunities to introduce robotics in horticultural markets.”
Funding to Support Growth
The funding round is expected to facilitate Kilter’s efforts to enhance its weeding technology, address key industry challenges, and expand its market reach. The AX-1 is targeted at high-value vegetable crops such as carrots, onions, and swedes, which require precision and efficiency in weed management.
Paul Rous, Partner at Natural Ventures, highlighted the importance of precision weeding in modern farming. “Kilter’s focus on reducing herbicide use and improving yield aligns with current agricultural needs,” Rous said.
