Israeli agtech start-up AgriPass Robotics has successfully completed its seed funding round, raising $7.5 million. The funding was led by Harbor Venture Consulting, alongside existing investor E44 Climate Ventures. The capital will be instrumental as AgriPass works to commercialize its innovative robotic solutions in collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Fyled.

Founded in 2023, AgriPass specializes in mechanized weeders known as the Robot of Human Inspired Cultivation (RHIC). These advanced robots employ computer vision and contextual AI technologies to identify and eliminate weeds right at the root level. According to CEO Liron Yanay, AgriPass’s AI solutions are grounded in proprietary data, encompassing soil, crop, and agronomic insights. This sophisticated technology is designed to minimize or eliminate the use of harmful chemicals in weed control.

The RHIC is tailored for small- and medium-sized fields, while a larger variant, the Extended Robot Human Inspired Cultivation (ERHIC), is designed to be towed behind tractors for bigger operations. Currently, AgriPass’s technology effectively removes 80-85% of weeds while ensuring that over 97% of crops remain intact. The company expects these efficiency rates to improve as their AI systems become more robust.

“Our goal is to replicate the most sustainable solution, which is manual labor, but to do it efficiently and sustainably,” Yanay explained. “If we do not adopt practices that reduce chemicals and limit tillage, we risk diminishing the viability of farming as soil erosion and chemical resistance continue to impact crop productivity.”

Future Growth Plans: Targeting $1 Million in Revenue by 2026

AgriPass plans to leverage its seed funding to bolster commercial activities, with aspirations for a subsequent funding round aimed at scaling operations. The company has also secured $1.7 million in non-dilutive grants from the Israeli Innovation Authority as part of this seed funding.

With an existing customer base in both the EU and U.S., AgriPass anticipates generating over $1 million in revenue by 2026 through contracted business agreements. Additionally, the integration of its software with machinery produced by Italy-based OEM Fyeld is expected to enhance its commercialization efforts.

Through this partnership, Fyeld will incorporate AgriPass’s adaptive sensing technology into its machinery lineup, which includes harvesters, sprayers, and weeders across multiple brands. Livio Marchiori, chairman of Fyeld Group, stated, “The strategic partnership with AgriPass aligns with our commitment to fostering innovation and expertise, particularly in advanced optical systems that significantly enhance machine efficiency.”