Here is the list of HexGn’s Top 10 Agritech Startups In Europe and Central Asia for 2023, that are revolutionizing the agricultural industry. These innovative Agritech Startups are leveraging technology and innovation to address the unique challenges faced by farmers in the region.
From farm management software and livestock trading platforms to DNA-based biodiversity monitoring services, these startups are driving positive change in the agricultural landscape. They are streamlining operations, improving financial returns, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainability.
With a focus on precision agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and data-driven decision-making, these startups are empowering farmers to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and mitigate risks. Additionally, they are tackling key issues such as the aging farming population, climate variations, access to finance, and efficient supply chains.
Breedr (The United Kingdom): Streamlining Farming Operations and Livestock Trading
In the world of agriculture, efficiency is key. Farmers are constantly seeking ways to streamline their operations, increase profitability, and reduce their environmental impact. This is where Breedr comes in. Breedr is a farm management software and livestock trading platform that is revolutionizing the way farmers in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States run their businesses.
At the heart of Breedr is its flagship product, a mobile app that allows farmers to track the individual performance of their livestock, manage their breeding programs, and market their animals to other farmers. By providing farmers with real-time data on the health, growth, and genetics of their livestock, Breedr enables them to make informed decisions about their breeding programs and identify potential buyers for their animals. This not only saves time and money but also ensures that farmers are maximizing the value of their livestock.
One of the standout features of Breedr is its online livestock market. Unlike traditional livestock trading methods that involve middlemen and auctions, Breedr connects farmers directly with each other. This eliminates the need for intermediaries, reduces transaction costs, and provides farmers with more control over the trading process. By cutting out the middlemen, farmers can secure better prices for their animals and improve their financial returns.
In addition to its software products, Breedr offers a livestock funding service called Breedr Cashflow. This innovative service allows farmers to unlock cash from their animals as they grow. By leveraging the value of their livestock, farmers can access much-needed capital to finance their businesses or cover unexpected expenses. This feature is particularly beneficial for small-scale farmers who often struggle with limited access to finance.
Breedr is also committed to sustainability and helping farmers reduce their carbon footprint. The company’s software enables farmers to track the carbon emissions from their farming operations. By monitoring their environmental impact, farmers can identify areas where they can make changes to reduce emissions and implement more sustainable practices. Breedr’s focus on sustainability aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly agricultural practices and allows farmers to contribute to a greener future.
Founded in 2017 by farmers Richard Thomas and Ben Woods, Breedr has quickly gained traction in the agricultural industry. That’s one of the reasons it has secured a spot on Hexgn’s esteemed list of Top 10 Agritech Startups in Europe and Central Asia Region for 2023.
With its user-friendly mobile app, online livestock market, and innovative funding service, Breedr is empowering farmers to optimize their operations, increase their financial returns, and minimize their environmental impact. Headquartered in London, England, with additional offices in Australia and the United States, Breedr is well-positioned to continue its growth and make a lasting impact on the agricultural sector.
Basecamp Research (The United Kingdom): Unleashing the Power of Nature’s Proteins
The field of biotechnology holds tremendous potential for addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Basecamp Research, a biotechnology company based in London, is harnessing the power of nature to discover and design new proteins that can be used to solve a wide range of problems.
Basecamp Research is building the largest, most sophisticated graph database of natural biodiversity in existence. Their database is entirely ethically sampled, meaning that they collect samples from locations where they have the permission of the local community and government. This commitment to ethical sampling ensures that their research is conducted responsibly and without causing harm to ecosystems or local communities.
The technology behind Basecamp Research’s work involves a combination of metagenomic sequencing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Metagenomic sequencing allows the company to identify and sequence all of the DNA in a sample, even from unknown or unculturable organisms. By analyzing the sequences of these new proteins using machine learning algorithms, Basecamp Research can predict their function and identify their potential applications.
The potential uses for these new proteins are vast. They can be applied in fields such as food, pharmaceuticals, and bioremediation. For example, Basecamp Research’s proteins could be used to develop more sustainable and efficient methods of food production, create new drugs to treat diseases, or help clean up environmental pollution.
In addition to their protein discovery and design work, Basecamp Research is also partnering with industry and academia to develop applications for their proteins. These partnerships allow them to translate their scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that can benefit society.
Basecamp Research’s dedication to ethical sampling, cutting-edge technology, and collaboration with industry and academia sets them apart in the field of biotechnology, this is why it has earned its place among Hexgn’s carefully curated Top 10 Agritech Startups in Europe and Central Asia Region for 2023. By unlocking the power of nature’s proteins, Basecamp Research is paving the way for innovative solutions to global challenges and making a positive impact on the world.
Agriconomie (France): Empowering Farmers with Agtech E-commerce Solutions
In today’s digital age, the agricultural industry is embracing technology to improve efficiency and productivity. Agriconomie, an online agtech e-commerce company based in France, is at the forefront of this digital revolution, providing farmers with a wide range of tools and services to enhance their operations.
One of the key offerings from Agriconomie is its purchasing support service. Through their online platform, farmers have access to a vast selection of agricultural products and supplies at competitive prices. From seeds and fertilizers to machinery and equipment, Agriconomie simplifies the procurement process, making it easier for farmers to find the right products for their specific needs. Moreover, the company provides expert advice and support, ensuring that farmers make informed decisions about their purchases.
Personalized advice is another crucial component of Agriconomie’s services. Their team of experts offers guidance on various agricultural topics, including crop planning, pest control, and soil health. By leveraging their deep knowledge and experience, Agriconomie empowers farmers to optimize their farming practices and achieve better outcomes.
Agriconomie’s platform also serves as a hub for information sharing among farmers. Through their online community, farmers can connect with one another, exchange knowledge and experiences, and stay up-to-date with the latest agricultural news and trends. This collaborative environment fosters learning and innovation, enabling farmers to continuously improve their practices and adapt to changing market conditions.
Furthermore, Agriconomie extends its services to input suppliers through its Supplier Services division. This includes data services, advertising opportunities, and software solutions that enable suppliers to reach a wider customer base and enhance their operations.
With its comprehensive range of tools and services, Agriconomie is empowering farmers to thrive in the digital era. By streamlining the procurement process, providing personalized advice, facilitating information sharing, and supporting input suppliers, Agriconomie is driving the digitization of the agricultural industry and helping farmers achieve sustainable growth. It is for this reason that it has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Agritech Startups in Europe and Central Asia Region by Hexgn for 2023.
xFarm (Switzerland): Digital Solutions for the Agri-Food Sector
In the modern agri-food sector, digital solutions are transforming the way farmers manage their operations and make decisions. xFarm, a technology company based in Zurich, Switzerland, is at the forefront of this digital revolution, providing farmers with a suite of innovative products and services.
At the heart of xFarm’s offerings is the xFarm Platform, a cloud-based software platform that helps farmers manage their businesses more efficiently. The platform provides access to a range of tools and resources, including crop planning and scheduling, field scouting and monitoring, irrigation management, pest and disease control, and financial management. By centralizing these critical functions in one user-friendly interface, xFarm enables farmers to streamline their operations and make data-driven decisions.
To collect essential data for decision-making, xFarm offers a range of connected sensors called xFarm Sensors. These sensors collect data on soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health. The data collected by the sensors is seamlessly integrated into the xFarm Platform, where it can be visualized and analyzed to gain valuable insights into crop performance. This real-time information empowers farmers to optimize their farming practices, improve resource allocation, and mitigate risks. That is the very reason it has been included in Hexgn’s prestigious ranking of the Top 10 Agritech Startups in Europe and Central Asia Region for 2023.
xFarm also recognizes the importance of knowledge transfer and continuous learning in the agri-food sector. To this end, they have developed xFarm Academy, a training program for farmers and other agriculture professionals. The academy offers courses on various topics, such as digital farming, data analysis, precision agriculture, and sustainable farming practices. By equipping farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to leverage digital technologies effectively, xFarm Academy supports their professional development and helps them stay at the forefront of the industry.
With over 130,000 customers in more than 100 countries, xFarm has established itself as a leading provider of digital solutions for the agri-food sector. By empowering farmers with user-friendly software, cutting-edge sensors, and valuable training programs, xFarm is driving the digital transformation of agriculture and enabling farmers to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.
NatureMetrics (The United Kingdom): DNA-Based Biodiversity Monitoring
Preserving biodiversity is crucial for the health and sustainability of our planet. NatureMetrics, a UK-based company, is using innovative DNA-based biodiversity monitoring services to help businesses, conservation organizations, and researchers track and protect the natural world.
NatureMetrics specializes in environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, which involves collecting and analyzing DNA samples from the environment to identify and quantify different species present in a particular ecosystem. This non-invasive approach allows them to survey a wide range of species, including those that are difficult to see or track using traditional methods.
One of NatureMetrics’ primary services is environmental impact assessments. By analyzing eDNA samples, they can assess the impact of development projects on biodiversity, providing valuable data to inform decision-making and ensure sustainable practices. This helps businesses minimize their ecological footprint and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
NatureMetrics is also renowned for its expertise in specific areas of biodiversity monitoring. For example, they offer Great Crested Newt eDNA surveys, which accurately determine the presence or absence of this protected species. By providing reliable data on the distribution and abundance of Great Crested Newts, NatureMetrics helps guide conservation efforts and facilitates responsible land use planning.
Furthermore, NatureMetrics supports rewilding initiatives by providing monitoring solutions. They use eDNA analysis to track the progress of rewilding projects, allowing organizations to assess the restoration of biodiversity and measure the success of their conservation efforts. This data helps shape rewilding strategies and contributes to the recovery of natural habitats and ecosystems.
NatureMetrics actively engages the public through citizen science projects. By involving volunteers in biodiversity monitoring, they raise awareness, promote scientific literacy, and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment. Citizen science initiatives enable individuals to contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts, making biodiversity monitoring a collaborative endeavor.
In collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), NatureMetrics is also developing the eBioAtlas, a global database of eDNA data. This database serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and conservationists, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and providing insights into the status of freshwater biodiversity worldwide. This is precisely why it has made the cut as one of Hexgn’s Top 10 Agritech Startups in Europe and Central Asia Region for 2023.
With their innovative eDNA technology and commitment to ethical sampling, NatureMetrics is playing a crucial role in biodiversity monitoring and conservation. By leveraging the power of DNA analysis, they enable businesses and organizations to make informed decisions, protect threatened species, and preserve the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Nofence (Norway): Revolutionizing Livestock Management with Digital Fencing
Traditional physical fencing has long been used to confine and protect livestock. However, Nofence, a Norwegian agritech startup, is challenging this conventional approach by offering a digital fence system that provides a safe and effective alternative for livestock management.
Nofence’s digital fence system utilizes a collar worn by the animal and an accompanying app that allows farmers to define a virtual fence. When the animal approaches the virtual boundary, it receives an audio warning. If the animal continues to approach the fence, the collar administers a mild electric shock, effectively deterring it from crossing the boundary. This technology ensures that livestock remains safely within the designated area without the need for physical barriers.
The Nofence system is currently available in multiple countries, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Spain. This widespread adoption demonstrates the system’s effectiveness and the value it brings to farmers worldwide.
The virtual fence offered by Nofence provides several notable advantages over traditional physical fencing. Firstly, it offers flexibility in defining boundaries, allowing farmers to easily adjust the grazing areas according to their specific needs and land conditions. This flexibility enables farmers to optimize land usage, prevent overgrazing, and promote healthier pastures.
Real-time location tracking is another valuable feature of the Nofence system. Farmers can monitor the whereabouts of their animals in real time, ensuring their safety and promptly addressing any issues that arise. This capability is particularly useful in remote or expansive grazing areas, as it simplifies the process of locating animals and enhances overall herd management.
The Nofence app provides notifications to farmers if their animals approach the virtual fence or stray outside the designated area. These timely alerts enable farmers to quickly respond and ensure the well-being and security of their livestock. The app also provides valuable insights and analytics, allowing farmers to track animal behavior, monitor grazing patterns, and make informed decisions regarding herd management.
The Nofence collar boasts a long battery life of up to 30 days and can be easily recharged using a standard USB charger. This ensures that the system remains operational without significant downtime, providing continuous protection for livestock. It is due to this reason that it has garnered a place among the elite selection of Hexgn’s Top 10 Agritech Startups in Europe and Central Asia Region for 2023.
With its innovative digital fence system, Nofence is transforming livestock management practices. By replacing physical barriers with virtual boundaries, Nofence offers farmers a safer, more flexible, and cost-effective solution for confining and protecting their livestock. The system’s ease of use, real-time tracking, and enhanced herd management capabilities make it an appealing choice for farmers seeking modern and efficient livestock management solutions.
Better Origin (The United Kingdom): Insect Farming for Sustainable Protein Production
As the global population continues to grow, the demand for sustainable protein sources is increasing. Better Origin, a UK-based agritech company, is addressing this challenge through its innovative insect farming technology. By converting food waste into insect biomass, Better Origin is providing a sustainable and efficient solution for protein production.
Better Origin’s flagship product, the Better Origin X1, is an AI-powered insect farm designed to convert food waste into insect biomass. The X1 utilizes automated processes and artificial intelligence to create optimal conditions for insect growth and reproduction. This technology enables the X1 to process up to 300 tonnes of food waste per year, turning it into high-quality insect biomass.
The use of insects as a protein source offers numerous environmental benefits. Firstly, the X1 reduces food waste by diverting it from landfills. Food waste in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By repurposing food waste as insect biomass, Better Origin helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a circular economy.
The Better Origin X1 operates with zero emissions, making it an environmentally friendly protein production method. Unlike traditional livestock farming, which is associated with significant carbon emissions and land use, insect farming has a considerably lower environmental footprint. Insects require less water, land, and feed compared to traditional livestock, making them a more sustainable protein source.
Furthermore, the Better Origin X1 contributes to forest conservation efforts. Traditionally, the production of animal feed, such as soy, has led to deforestation, particularly in regions with high biodiversity. By utilizing insects as a protein source, Better Origin reduces the demand for soy and its associated environmental impacts, protecting valuable forest ecosystems.
Insects are highly nutritious and can serve as an alternative protein source for animal feed and human consumption. In addition to being protein-rich, insects offer beneficial nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids. By incorporating insect biomass into animal feed, Better Origin supports sustainable livestock production and reduces reliance on resource-intensive protein sources like soy or fishmeal.
Better Origin’s innovative technology and commitment to sustainability position them as a leader in the emerging field of insect farming. By converting food waste into valuable insect biomass, Better Origin is addressing the global challenges of food waste, emissions, and deforestation while providing a sustainable protein source for a growing population. That is one factor contributing to its recognition as one of Hexgn’s Top 10 Agritech Startups in Europe and Central Asia Region for 2023.
PlanetWatchers (The United Kingdom): Satellite Imagery for Crop Insurance
Crop insurance plays a vital role in mitigating risks for farmers, ensuring their financial stability in the face of unpredictable weather events and other challenges. PlanetWatchers, a UK-based company, is leveraging satellite imagery and cutting-edge technologies to provide accurate and efficient crop insurance services.
One of the key services offered by PlanetWatchers is acreage reporting. Traditionally, farmers manually report the area of their crops for insurance purposes. This process is time-consuming, prone to errors, and often relies on subjective estimation. PlanetWatchers utilizes satellite imagery and remote sensing techniques to provide accurate and objective acreage reporting. By leveraging high-resolution images and advanced analytics, they offer forecasted acreage reporting ahead of time, automate the collection of acreage data, and validate manually reported acreage. This streamlines the insurance process, reduces overheads, and improves customer service.
Claims validation is another critical aspect of crop insurance, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for losses. PlanetWatchers employs satellite imagery to validate crop insurance claims. By comparing pre- and post-loss images, they can accurately assess the extent of damage and verify the validity of claims. This technology enables insurance companies to efficiently process claims, reduce fraud, and provide farmers with timely support during difficult times.
In addition to acreage reporting and claims validation, PlanetWatchers offers crop monitoring services. They utilize satellite imagery to track crop growth, health, and phenology. This data helps farmers make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, ultimately improving yields and reducing the risk of crop failure. By providing real-time and historical information on crop conditions, PlanetWatchers empowers farmers to optimize their practices and maximize their productivity.
PlanetWatchers has built a strong reputation in the crop insurance industry by leveraging their expertise in satellite imagery and remote sensing. Their advanced technologies enable accurate and reliable data collection, streamlining insurance processes, and ensuring fair compensation for farmers. By harnessing the power of satellite imagery, PlanetWatchers is making a significant impact on the crop insurance sector and helping farmers manage risks more effectively. It’s the rationale behind its inclusion in Hexgn’s esteemed Top 10 Agritech Startups in Europe and Central Asia Region.
eAgronom (Estonia): Empowering Farmers with Cloud-Based Farm Management
Efficient farm management is essential for maximizing productivity, reducing costs, and promoting sustainability. eAgronom, a cloud-based farm management software from Estonia, is empowering farmers in Central and Eastern Europe with a comprehensive suite of tools and services to optimize their operations.
At the core of eAgronom’s offerings is data collection. The software allows farmers to collect and manage data on various aspects of their farms, including crops, livestock, and finances. By centralizing this data in one place, eAgronom provides farmers with a holistic view of their operations, enabling them to track yields, costs, and performance indicators effectively.
Farm management is another critical feature of eAgronom. The software provides tools for crop planning and scheduling, inventory management, and financial tracking. With eAgronom, farmers can streamline their workflows, plan their planting and harvesting schedules, manage their resources efficiently, and make informed decisions based on real-time data. This enhances overall operational efficiency and helps farmers achieve better outcomes.
Sustainability is a key focus for eAgronom. The software offers tools to help farmers track their carbon footprint, implement sustainable farming practices, and earn carbon credits. By monitoring and reducing their environmental impact, farmers can contribute to a more sustainable future while potentially benefiting financially from carbon credit markets.
eAgronom’s user-friendly interface and multilingual support make it accessible to farmers in Central and Eastern Europe. Available in languages such as English, French, German, Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian, the software caters to the diverse agricultural community in the region. Farmers can access eAgronom from any device with an internet connection, providing flexibility and convenience in managing their farms.
By using eAgronom, farmers can enjoy several benefits. Improved productivity is one of the key advantages, as the software enables farmers to track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. This leads to optimized resource allocation, reduced waste, and increased efficiency.
Reduced costs are another significant benefit of eAgronom. The software helps farmers track their expenses, identify areas where they can save money, and negotiate better prices with suppliers. By optimizing their input usage and reducing unnecessary expenses, farmers can improve their bottom line and financial sustainability.
Increased profitability is closely tied to improved productivity and cost reduction. With eAgronom, farmers can track their revenues, identify areas where they can generate more income, and make informed marketing decisions. By optimizing their operations and implementing data-driven strategies, farmers can enhance their profitability and achieve long-term success.
Moreover, eAgronom’s emphasis on sustainability allows farmers to contribute to environmental stewardship. By tracking their carbon footprint, implementing sustainable practices, and potentially earning carbon credits, farmers can align their operations with the growing demand for eco-friendly agricultural practices. This is what led to its inclusion in Hexgn’s prestigious list of the Top 10 Agritech Startups in Europe and Central Asia Region for 2023.
With its cloud-based farm management software, eAgronom is empowering farmers in Central and Eastern Europe to collect data, streamline their operations, and improve sustainability. By providing comprehensive tools and services, eAgronom supports farmers in their quest for productivity, profitability, and environmental responsibility.
Sencrop (France): Precision Agriculture through Weather Monitoring
Weather conditions play a significant role in agricultural productivity and the success of crop cultivation. Sencrop, a precision agriculture company based in France, leverages weather stations and a collaborative weather application to help farmers detect risks to their crops and make informed decisions at the right time.
Sencrop’s weather stations are equipped with sensors that measure various weather parameters, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind speed. These stations provide accurate and real-time data that is sent to the Sencrop app, where farmers can access and analyze the information.
One of the primary benefits of Sencrop’s weather monitoring system is early detection of risks. By setting alerts for specific weather conditions, such as frost, high winds, or heavy rainfall, farmers receive notifications when these conditions are met. This early warning system allows farmers to take proactive measures to protect their crops, such as implementing frost protection methods, adjusting irrigation schedules, or securing their fields.
Sencrop’s data and analytics capabilities also contribute to improved decision-making in agriculture. Farmers can use the weather data provided by Sencrop to determine the optimal timing for various agronomic activities, such as irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. By aligning their practices with the prevailing weather conditions, farmers can optimize resource allocation, reduce waste, and maximize crop yields.
Increased yields are a direct outcome of Sencrop’s weather monitoring services. By leveraging accurate weather data, farmers can make data-driven decisions regarding crop management and respond promptly to potential risks. This proactive approach minimizes yield losses due to adverse weather conditions, ensuring higher productivity and profitability.
Sencrop’s collaborative weather application fosters knowledge sharing among farmers. The app allows farmers to connect with each other, share weather data and insights, and collaborate on strategies for managing weather-related risks. This community-driven approach to weather monitoring creates a supportive network where farmers can learn from one another and collectively improve their practices.
Sencrop’s weather stations have a user-friendly design and can be easily installed in fields. The stations are wireless, battery-powered, and require minimal maintenance, making them accessible and hassle-free for farmers. It is owing to this reason that it has achieved a position on Hexgn’s distinguished list of the Top 10 Agritech Startups in Europe and Central Asia Region for 2023.
By providing accurate weather data, early risk detection, and a collaborative platform, Sencrop empowers farmers to make informed decisions and mitigate the impact of adverse weather events. With their precision agriculture solutions, Sencrop contributes to sustainable farming practices and supports farmers in optimizing their yields and overall operational efficiency.
The agritech industry in Europe and Central Asia is witnessing a surge of innovative startups that are revolutionizing various aspects of agriculture. Breedr streamlines farm management and livestock trading, Basecamp Research discovers and designs new proteins for solving global challenges, Agriconomie provides e-commerce solutions for farmers, xFarm offers digital solutions for agri-food businesses, NatureMetrics employs DNA-based biodiversity monitoring, Nofence revolutionizes livestock management with digital fencing, Better Origin utilizes insect farming for sustainable protein production, PlanetWatchers leverages satellite imagery for crop insurance, eAgronom empowers farmers with cloud-based farm management, and Sencrop enables precision agriculture through weather monitoring.
These agritech startups are driving positive change in the agricultural industry, enhancing productivity, sustainability, and profitability while addressing key challenges and contributing to a more sustainable future.