Utrecht-based agtech startup Aurea Imaging has raised €2.8 million in a Series A round to expand the adoption of its sensor systems in orchard agriculture.
Founded in 2016, Aurea offers agricultural intelligence products for precision management of orchards at individual tree level.
To maximize productivity by customizing treatment for each tree, the startup developed TreeScout, a tractor-mounted sensor system.
TreeScout uses 3D computer vision and edge computing power to scan trees as a tractor drives through the orchard, then collects and uploads the data to the cloud.
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TreeScout assesses each tree, looking at factors such as flower density and health, and creates a digital map to guide tractor equipment such as sprayers. Aurea says this method can increase yields by up to €3,500 per hectare and reduce labour costs and pesticide use by up to 90%.
The startup is also developing drone technology for crop breeders: the drone system will track plant numbers, plant growth and overall health, helping breeders optimize trials, cultivate superior crop varieties and accelerate breeding cycles.
Aurea plans to use the new funding to develop new applications for TreeScout and accelerate its deployment. The startup is currently working with customers across the EU, North America, New Zealand and South Africa.
Existing investor Pymwymic supported the funding round alongside a consortium of agtech and impact investors including ROM Utrecht Region, Knop Ventures, Goeie Grutten Impact Fonds and BarUni Family Fund.
“Precision agriculture has great potential to create the sustainable orchards of the future,” said Joyce Hautermann, investment manager for the ROM Untrecht region.
“With TreeScout, Aurea has demonstrated that it has unique, economically-validated technological solutions to optimize production while minimizing environmental impact.”
As one of the world’s largest agricultural producers, the Netherlands has a strong agtech startup scene. Notable companies in this space include Growy, Smartkas and AgroExact.
