VCG.AI offers the Value Chain Generator, a platform that helps companies transform organic byproducts and waste into valuable resources. Leveraging artificial intelligence and extensive databases, the platform identifies suitable waste materials and evaluates hundreds of conversion technologies and business models. The goal is to create profitable and sustainable circular solutions for industries such as agriculture, food, and forestry while reducing their carbon footprint. Jon Goriup, co-founder & CEO VCG.AI, answered our questions and described the main idea of the startup. 

Can you explain, in simple terms, what your platform offers and how it works?

VCG.AI is an AI platform for companies to develop and launch circular products and business models faster and more efficiently. Our proprietary AI achieves this by analysing millions of global data points in real-time— technological and scientific advancements, market trends, feedstock availability, and active companies in the field. This enables the development of technically viable and profitable circular products and business models based on the latest global intelligence.

By connecting feedstocks, suppliers, technologies, and market applications, VCG.AI makes it easier to develop new circular products, find high-value uses for industrial by-products, and uncover actionable circular market opportunities. This reduces time and costs while increasing the success rate of circular innovations. Essentially, we provide centralised data intelligence to turn circular economy ideas into viable business solutions.

What specific challenges did the companies you worked with face before using vcg.ai?

Developing and launching bio-based circular products using traditional methods often fails due to several key challenges.

Rapid technological advancements, shifting markets, and evolving regulations make it difficult for companies to stay ahead. R&D demands significant time and financial investment, yet many organisations lack critical data on feedstock availability, novel technologies, and market demand for new materials.

As a result, many circular products and businesses struggle to succeed, and numerous innovations never reach the market. VCG.AI removes the guesswork, providing companies with data-backed strategies to develop circular products and business models that are market-ready and commercially viable.

Could you share a specific example from your case studies that demonstrates how your platform works and delivers measurable impact?

One of our clients, a large biorefining company, wanted to find higher-value applications for their by-products. They used VCG.AI to gain insight into the currently most relevant value-adding technologies for their feedstock, market trends, and the highest-paying processors for their materials.

With global circular intelligence at their fingertips, they received a directly applicable strategy— identifying which feedstocks to sell, to whom, and which technologies to invest in to maximise their future returns. By leveraging VCG.AI, they will implement viable circular initiatives with maximum time and cost efficiency, achieving results in months rather than years.

You currently focus on Europe with plans to expand into the USA and Latin America. Why exactly these countries?

Our solution is already used by industry leaders, R&D institutions, investors, and public authorities in 15 European countries. In the coming years, we plan to expand to the U.S. and Latin America, where demand for accelerating the circular bio-based industry is growing fast, and feedstock availability is there to support the industrial-scale deployment of circular business models. We also have strategic market partners in these regions, which will help us enter these new markets more smoothly.

With plans to begin fundraising in Q3 2025, what are the next milestones you hope to achieve with the funding?

Our next funding round, planned for Q3 2025, will focus on strengthening our technological advantage, developing solutions for a broader scope of industries, and supporting our expansion beyond Europe in the coming years.

What opportunities do you see in the German market and being a part of the RootCamp acceleration program?

Germany is one of our core strategic markets, with well-developed, relatively mature, and well-connected industries. The transition to a circular economy in such markets can drive economic growth, create new green jobs, and unlock new opportunities. RootCamp Accelerator and its excellent mentors are opening new doors for us, helping to enhance our recognition and market access in our key markets.

Join Join our program and get equity-free support with a grant to help bring your idea to life
 - application deadline is on 19th of March. Apply here.

Open Climate Solutions develops and implements nature-based climate protection measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They focus on projects that combine regenerative aquaculture with agriculture to restore coastal ecosystems, improve soil quality, and create sustainable jobs. The startup adopts open-source principles, making knowledge and technologies freely accessible to accelerate the spread of effective climate protection solutions. Discover how this brave team uses seaweed to cut emissions and promote biodiversity.

Can you explain why you chose seaweed? What is the power of Seaweed in Agriculture?

We chose seaweed because it is a highly sustainable and regenerative resource that offers significant benefits for agriculture. Our biostimulant is derived from novel seaweed species that are regeneratively cultivated, rather than wild-harvested. This ensures a sustainable and renewable source of biomass, avoiding the exploitation of natural marine ecosystems.
By cultivating seaweed instead of harvesting it from the wild, we can tightly control and monitor the quality of our feedstock. This enhances product quality by optimizing cultivation conditions to boost bioactive compounds. It also improves consistency and predictability in crop performance, tackling a common challenge with biological inputs.

Seaweed is a natural biostimulant, rich in polysaccharides, phytohormones, trace minerals, and antioxidants, which improve plant resilience, increase nutrient use efficiency, and enhance soil health. Unlike conventional fertilizers, our seaweed-based biostimulant helps crops withstand stress conditions such as drought and poor soil quality while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs.This makes our solution scalable, regenerative, and farmer-friendly, providing a reliable alternative for improving agricultural productivity in a sustainable way.

How do your seaweed farming and biostimulant production support regenerative carbon removal and ecosystem restoration while remaining economically viable for farmers?

Our mission is to develop a regenerative agricultural solution that not only supports farmers but also removes carbon and restores ecosystems. As we scale, the environmental benefits grow—improving soil health, strengthening crop resilience, enhancing marine biodiversity, and increasing carbon sequestration.

Seaweed plays a key role as a natural carbon sink, absorbing significant amounts of CO₂ as it grows. After extracting bioactive compounds for our biostimulant, we convert the remaining algae residue into biochar, a stable form of carbon. Since this biochar comes from regeneratively cultivated seaweed, it represents a truly additional carbon removal solution.
Our approach to regenerative aquaculture prioritizes farmed seaweed over wild harvesting, helping to preserve marine ecosystems while improving water quality and reducing eutrophication. At the same time, regenerative agriculture benefits from stronger, more resilient crops, reduced reliance on chemical inputs, and lower agricultural emissions.

By integrating carbon removal, soil health, and economic sustainability for farmers, we are building a scalable, circular system where regenerative seaweed cultivation directly drives agricultural and environmental impact. Linking regenerative aquaculture with regenerative agriculture strengthens food system resilience while actively removing CO₂.

What challenges have you faced, and how are you addressing concerns or skepticism from potential customers?

Like any agricultural innovation, introducing cultivated seaweed biostimulants comes with challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is farmer skepticism, as many are reluctant to partially replace conventional fertilizers with biostimulants. To overcome this, we prioritize scientific validation and field trials that demonstrate clear improvements in yield and crop resilience.
Another challenge is the need for proper application knowledge. Farmers must understand how and when to use biostimulants to achieve the best results. To support them, we are developing application intelligence tools that ensure ease of use, minimize risks, and maximize impact.

Regulatory approval is another obstacle, as agricultural inputs must meet different standards across various markets. We are addressing this by collaborating with research institutions and regulatory experts to streamline compliance and accelerate market entry. By working directly with farmers, conducting on-field demonstrations, and providing transparent data, we are building trust and ensuring that our solution is both practical and beneficial.

With successful field trials on winter wheat in Germany and potted plant trials, what have you learned from these experiments?

Our trials have provided valuable insights into the performance of our seaweed-based biostimulant under different conditions. In controlled potted plant trials, we observed significant positive effects, such as higher chlorophyll content and improved stress tolerance. However, we recognize that results from controlled environments do not always directly translate to field conditions due to variations in soil, weather, and farming practices.

Field trials on winter wheat in Germany have reinforced the importance of real-world testing, helping us understand how biostimulants interact with complex environmental factors. Some benefits observed in potted trials are less pronounced in open-field conditions, highlighting the need for more extensive field testing to optimize consistent performance.
To address this, we are expanding our field trials to gather more real-life data while continuing potted plant trials in parallel. Controlled trials remain essential for testing specific hypotheses, while field trials provide the necessary validation for farmers looking to integrate our product into their operations. By running both simultaneously, we aim to refine our formulation, optimize application methods, and ensure reliable benefits across different crops and growing conditions.

Why do you choose open source?

We fundamentally believe that collaboration drives innovation, and open-source principles allow us to maximize impact. By sharing knowledge and best practices, we accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture and help build a more resilient food system. Open science fosters trust and enables researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders to improve upon our work, ultimately leading to better agricultural solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Climate change cannot be solved if we work in silos. We can only improve our agri-food system quickly enough by working together.

Meet Open Climate Solutions team and other startups from Batch#6 in person on February 25th for the RootCamp Demo Day in Hannover: Register here. 

Plantilizer develops nature-based solutions for agriculture to boost plant growth and increase yields. Their flagship product combines biochar and microorganisms to improve soil quality and reduce the use of mineral fertilizers. The products are entirely organic, locally produced, and help conserve resources by utilizing unused biomass. Learn how their innovative bio-fertilizer combines biochar and plant growth-promoting microorganisms to improve soil health and productivity efficiently.

What inspired the creation of Plantilizer, and how did you identify the need for bio-fertilizers in the agricultural market?

Plantilizer was inspired by the pressing need to sustainably enhance agricultural productivity to meet the demands of a growing global population, projected to reach 10 billion by 2050. Recognizing that traditional mineral fertilizers alone are ultimately not sustainable and can degrade soil quality over time, Plantilizer identified the potential of bio-fertilizers to preserve and improve soil health efficiently and sustainably.

How does your patent-protected formulation stand out compared to other bio-fertilizers on the market?

Our patented formulation uniquely combines biochar with plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPR). Biochar that is made of waste products like sewage sludge provides a porous matrix that enhances soil structure, water retention, and offers a protective environment for microbial development. The biochar made from sewage sludge has a phosphate high content. The incorporated microorganisms fix atmospheric nitrogen, solubilize phosphates, and produce phytohormones, collectively promoting plant health and productivity. This synergistic combination distinguishes Plantilizer from other bio-fertilizers on the market. This approach can also be applied with modifications for other applications, for example in remediation challenges.

What challenges are there in terms of regulations, product development or scaling your pilot production plant?

Navigating the bio-fertilizer market presents several challenges, including stringent regulatory requirements for product approval (EBC, CE and carbon credit certification), the need for rigorous product development to ensure efficacy and safety, and scaling production to meet market demand. Establishing a pilot production plant involves addressing technical complexities, securing funding, and developing efficient manufacturing processes.

Given your dual focus on traditional farming and hydroponics, how do you tailor your
products to meet the unique demands of each market segment?

To cater to both traditional farming and hydroponics, Plantilizer develops crop-specific products tailored to different soil types and cultivation methods. This customization ensures optimal nutrient availability and supports plant health across various agricultural practices including traditional as well as high-tech farming techniques like hydroponics. As our initial results with hydroponic cultures were of great success and quite astounding, it motivated us to increase the range of application in hydroponics.

Sustainability is central to your mission. How do you integrate circular economy principles,
such as using biochar from waste materials, into your broader business model?

Sustainability is central to our mission. We integrate circular economy principles by utilizing locally produced biochar made from waste products, which either would be incinerated or thrown away. The pyrolysis procedure of producing biochar recycles phosphate and other micronutrients while reducing carbon footprint. Our production process emphasizes the use of organic materials and microorganisms, contributing to long-term soil health and environmental sustainability. Along with this, our team is currently developing products for niche problems like – remediation of soil to improve its fertility, specifically designed products for enhancement of special medicinal compounds in the plants for the higher yield and development of specific pathogen resistant bio-stimulant/bio-fertilizer.

What feedback have you received from farmers during your product testing phases, and
how has it influenced your product development?

We are still in progress to connect more farmers in the year of 2025 and integrate their feedback to be instrumental in refining our bio- fertilizers.

Why did you choose the RootCamp acceleration program?

We chose the RootCamp acceleration program because its mission to support start-ups in AgTech and bioeconomy at all stages aligns perfectly with our vision. RootCamp’s extensive network, expertise, and industry experience provide us with invaluable resources for pilot projects with industrial partners, helping us accelerate the development of our bio-fertilizer solutions while fundraising simultaneously. Most importantly, RootCamp’s excellent mentorship, individually tailored course infrastructure, and deep understanding of our goals have been instrumental in propelling us forward. The opportunity to connect with top-tier mentors, industry leaders, and fellow innovators through RootCamp’s vast network nurtures an invaluable exchange of knowledge and experience. Their hands-on guidance, strategic insights, and commitment to supporting AgTech pioneers make RootCamp an unparalleled accelerator, which we wanted to be a part of. This journey will equip us with everything we need to scale successfully and drive meaningful change in sustainable agriculture.

Meet Plantilizer team  and other startups from Batch#6 in person on February 25th for the RootCamp Demo Day in Hannover: Register here. 

Ammonia is a cornerstone of global agriculture and industry, but its production remains highly energy-intensive and environmentally harmful, primarily relying on the traditional Haber-Bosch process. This century-old method alone is responsible for approximately 450 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually, accounting for nearly 1.8% of global emissions. Nium, a promising startup from our Batch 6, aims to change this process by using nanotechnology to enable clean, decentralized ammonia production.

Using their patented nanocatalyst technology, Nium facilitates efficient on-site ammonia production, drastically reducing CO₂ emissions and energy consumption. Their approach not only addresses the environmental challenges of traditional ammonia production but also holds the potential to transform industries reliant on ammonia. Learn how they are making sustainability and efficiency a reality.

Can you explain how your nano-catalyst technology works and what sets it apart from traditional processes?

Traditional processes like Haber-Bosch require extremely high pressure and temperature to synthesize ammonia. This process is emissions-intensive and difficult to decouple from fossil fuels due to the scale and uptime required for plants to be efficient.

Nium's breakthrough nano-catalyst introduces a critical dimension: increased surface area. This allows us to synthesise ammonia at far lower pressures and temperatures. Our process uses less energy, plugs directly into electrolysers (eliminating the need for expensive hydrogen storage and compression), and delivers the flexibility required to integrate with renewable energy sources. As a result, we reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Our technology delivers a decarbonised, decentralised, and democratised future for ammonia production.

What have been the key drivers of interest in your technology? Are there particular industries or regions that have proven more open to adopting your solution?

The key drivers of interest in Nium's technology are its environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to various hydrogen inputs and renewable energy sources. Regions with stringent environmental regulations and high renewable energy penetration, such as Europe, Australia, and the Americas, have shown particular interest.

The largest use case for ammonia today is fertiliser, and we're seeing significant interest from agricultural co-operatives eager to decarbonise and take control of their supply chains. We also have considerable traction with large energy companies now entering the ammonia market as other use cases for their green hydrogen begin to diminish.

What specific milestones are you aiming to achieve, and what kind of partners are you looking for?

Our priorities for the Series A funding focus on scaling our pilot projects to achieve commercialization, producing catalysts to meet the initial phase of market demand, and securing pre-orders for our 10TPD modules as well as larger plants.

To accelerate our growth, we are looking to establish strategic partnerships with hydrogen producers, clean energy companies, and industry leaders who can support scaling our technology and integrating it into existing supply chains. Additionally, we are seeking technical advisors and engineers with expertise in developing first-of-a-kind (FOAK) pilot plants to help bring our vision to life.

Ammonia is already a $243 billion industry projected to triple by 2050. How does Nium plan to position itself as a leader in this growing market, and what role do you see ammonia playing in the broader push for global decarbonization?

Ammonia powers half of global food production but is also responsible for 2% of global emissions, so there’s already a huge market that needs decarbonising. Nium’s competitive edge lies in our technology’s low energy consumption and ability to integrate seamlessly with hydrogen feedstocks and renewable energy sources.

The flexibility of our system allows us to source the cleanest, cheapest hydrogen globally and decentralise ammonia production. So, in addition to providing a cost-effective pathway to decarbonisation, this decentralised model reduces supply chain risks and empowers industries to take control of their emissions.

Given we use less energy in ammonia synthesis and can source the cheapest hydrogen, we’re positioned to offer the cheapest, cleanest ammonia on the market. In terms of ammonia’s broader role, it is seen as the optimal vector for hydrogen over long distances, and its potential as a clean fuel gives it a key role in the IEA's vision for a future of decarbonised shipping. If either of these opportunities are even partially realised, ammonia’s impact on global decarbonisation will reach far beyond the 2% of emissions it’s currently responsible for.

Why did you choose to participate in the RootCamp accelerator program?

Nium’s decision to join Batch#6 stems from Rootcamp’s focus on agri-tech and sustainability, providing us access to a network of industry experts, potential partners, and relevant investors. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our strategic goals, allowing us to fine-tune our applications in the agricultural sector and expand our reach.

Meet Keith  and other startups from Batch#6 in person on February 25th for the RootCamp Demo Day in Hannover: Register here. 

Verdancy is a spin-off from the Schwaneberg Group at RWTH Aachen University and DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials. The startup from RootCamp Batch#5  is committed to enhance plant protection in response to our dynamic biodiversity loss. Central to their mission is the advancement of environmentally friendly and highly efficient methods to promote plant health. We spoke with founder Nikola Mijailovic about how Verdancy is reshaping pesticide delivery, ensuring effective crop protection while addressing environmental challenges in agriculture.

Agriculture is one of the world's largest producers of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the widespread adoption of climate-friendly practices could transform agricultural soils into one of the largest carbon sinks in the world, effectively removing carbon from the atmosphere. In response to this urgent need for climate action, Regen Insight from RootCamp Batch #5 aims to help farmers make the transition to regenerative agriculture. The developed MRV (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification) platform helps farmers understand their carbon footprint and develop actionable plans funded by carbon credits linked to their environmental impact. Using advanced technologies, including satellite and soil data, Regen Insight accurately measures emissions reduction and carbon storage on farms, ensuring the credibility of sustainable actions. Learn how Regen Insight empowers farmers to transition to regenerative practices and discover their future plans in our interview with CEO and founder Etienne Variot.

Why did you decide to start a startup, and how did the idea for Regen Insight come about?

After 5 years working in finance, I wanted to use my skills for a cause that mattered to me: protecting our environment and restoring our natural ecosystems. Launching a start-up was clearly the most action-oriented approach and offered interesting challenges. Following eight months of discussions with experts, deep dives into climate change, biodiversity, and natural capital, and exploration of various solutions, my co-founder Samuel and I came to understand that farmers would play a key role in meeting our collective environmental ambitions. We realized that farmers did not have any simple solution to understand and track their carbon footprint, and they faced a financing gap to transition to regenerative agriculture.

Can you explain the process of how your MRV platform works and how it benefits farmers?

The Regen Insight platform is designed for any farming organization to onboard and assist farmers in transitioning to carbon farming through a white-label solution. We strengthen and support their relationship. Within the platform, farmers can calculate their carbon footprint, devise action plans, and track their progress. Our partners can engage with farmers at every stage, offering guidance on pertinent farming practices. Additionally, once the transition project is underway, partners can generate and trade carbon credits to reward farmers for their carbon performance.

What makes your solutions stand out from the existing ones on the market?

We have two major strengths. Firstly, we've invested over two years exclusively in refining the user experience, resulting in a seamless process where farmers independently create their action plans in under an hour. This breakthrough enables partners to rapidly scale operations and significantly reduce technical support costs on farms. Partners can focus primarily on advising farmers rather than data collection. Our pilot project in France showcased remarkable results, with one partner effortlessly engaging 60 farms in just three months.

Secondly, we boast one of the largest scientific teams in the field. As the first Tier 3 MRV (the highest ranking) in Europe and pioneers in utilizing satellite imagery to automatically verify regenerative practices implementation, we quickly aligned with leading carbon accounting standards such as ISO 14-064 and the GHG Protocol. This creates trust in the carbon credits we generate.

Could you share some success stories or case studies of farms that have benefited from Regen Insight's services?

Our pilot project in France showcased remarkable results, with one partner effortlessly engaging 60 farms in just three months. They achieved this with very limited costs, as only two part-time technicians offered farms this new service, seizing the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with farmers. To illustrate this success story with clear figures, their carbon program covers nearly 25,000 hectares and allows for the generation of 30,000 carbon credits per year. In terms of value, this new commodity represents over €1 million per year that will be paid to their farms.

The RootCamp Accelerator program is almost over. How has the program been helpful to you?

RootCamp has been a valuable partner over the past few months as we've initiated our expansion across Europe. Not only is RootCamp a gateway to Germany, providing numerous introductions to local players, but it has also offered highly relevant advice, particularly in refining and communicating our value proposition. Despite being a team of seasoned entrepreneurs, with almost 5 years into the project now, the level of expertise from participating experts enabled us to keep improving.

What's coming up next? 

We started our European expansion with rooted operations in France and Eastern Europe. We are pleased to support new partners eager to begin producing and benefiting from this new carbon commodity. Additionally, we are closely monitoring the evolution of the CRCF (the European framework for carbon credits in agriculture), with the intention of deploying it across Europe as soon as it comes into force. We are thrilled to witness our vision coming to life as more and more farmers confidently engage in regenerative agriculture.

Benefit from the RootCamp Accelerator program like the startup Regen Insight. Startups from the Agtech and Bioeconomy sectors can apply for the new batch until May 30th. 

The Berlin-based startup Farmula, led by a team of researchers, is incorporating biochar into new sustainable farming products through a revolutionary formula. Their innovative approach aims to develop solutions for farmers facing challenges such as dry soils and water scarcity. This not only accelerates the global transition to regenerative agriculture but also contributes to climate protection. We talked with the founder, Johannes Musiol, to delve into the origins of Farmula's mission and explore the potential impact of their approach on sustainable agriculture.

Explain how Farmula's seed-coating solution works, and what sets it apart from traditional methods?

Typically, farmers drill seeds into the ground, apply fertilizer several times, and spray chemicals for plant protection. However, this way of farming comes with three downsides: Firstly, plants only receive macronutrients such as NPK and do not enjoy valuable growth enhancers such as biostimulants, mycorrhiza, and other microorganisms. Secondly, much of the fertilizer applied is lost due to leaching and evaporation, which is not only a huge economic loss but also a massive climate burden. Lastly, current plant protection products greatly harm our soils, making them less fertile.

Our seed coating tackles all those problems at the same time. While normal seed coatings have very thin layers and do not offer a lot of space for agricultural inputs, our coating, which is based on biochar, offers tremendous space for everything the plant needs. As a result, we are able to apply all necessary nutrients as well as other growth enhancers directly to the seed. Everything applied is used by the plant and cannot leach or get lost in any other way. This way, we are able to increase yields and reduce costs while cutting CO2 emissions at the same time.

What impact does Farmula's technology have on reducing CO2 emissions in agriculture?

Our impact on climate stems from two primary sources. Through the application of biochar and microorganisms to the soil, we bolster natural carbon sequestration, fostering healthier soil and promoting humus buildup. Additionally, our coating ensures fertilizer remains intact, minimizing wash-off and loss. This approach anticipates a reduction of mineral fertilizer application by over 50%, translating to roughly 1 ton/ha for corn. Consequently, this not only saves costs and enhances soil health, but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

What advantages does your seed coating have for farmers?

They'll enjoy higher yields thanks to growth enhancers such as biostimulants, microorganisms, and mycorrhiza, as well as from healthier soils in the long run, which contain more humus and provide better protection against high temperatures. Additionally, they can streamline operational processes, reducing costs associated with fuel, personnel, and machinery. Lastly, we anticipate eligibility for CO2 certificates due to reduced mineral fertilizer usage and more sustainable farming practices.

Currently, our product is not yet available for sale. However, farmers should expect to be able to purchase our products in 2025, initially focusing on corn and rapeseed, either directly through us or via our partners.

How did you come up with the idea for your product?

We have been working with biochar for many years and have always been amazed by its ability to improve soils and increase yields. Biochar is particularly relevant due to its capacity to enhance soil health, sequester carbon, and promote sustainable agriculture practices. After developing several fertilizer-related products, creating a seed coating utilizing biochar seemed like the logical next step.

How has RootCamp supported your startup along the way?

RootCamp has been an amazing experience, and we have particularly benefited from the vast network and expertise of its mentors. As a startup, you cannot receive enough feedback to focus on the things that are truly important.

Update 2024: 
Farmula GmbH has successfully closed its pre-seed funding round, with significant investment from several business angels including Ingo Schütte. 

➡️ Do you want to level up your startup like Farmula and benefit from the unique ecosystem of innovation hub RootCamp? Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn to not miss the next application deadline. 

Meet Proofminder, a Budapest-based startup founded in 2023 by Norbert Havas and Ambrus Vancso and Simon Levente currently part ofRootCamp Batch #5. Proofminder's technology integrates advanced AI with drone-acquired visual data, providing precise insights at the leaf level across extensive agricultural areas. It enables meticulous plant monitoring, accurately identifies stress factors, diseases, and weeds, while also supporting various agricultural needs such as stand counting, weather damage analysis, and nitrogen assessment. Delve in this interview into their innovative approach to tackling agricultural challenges through AI-powered precision solutions.

How does your AI-powered platform actively address the challenges in agriculture that you aim to overcome?

According to the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy, the amount of chemical pesticides and more hazardous pesticides should be reduced by 50% by 2030, while at least 25% of agricultural land in the EU should be under organic farming. Today’s intensive agriculture requires proactive and constant usage of chemicals to protect the yield and quality from different pests. The FAO estimates that annually between 20-40% of global crop production is lost to pests.

For this reason, various kinds of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc. are constantly used during the growing season on fields and in horticulture. Pesticide usage was between 350,000-400,000 tons per year between 2011 and 2019. The amount did not decrease substantially despite the communicated directives of the European Union. One reason for this could be that in the case of traditional, non-differentiated spraying, chemicals are not sprayed where their effect is required on the plants, mainly due to technological constraints and because the infected area is unknown. This can result in a huge waste of chemicals, further increasing their negative impact on the environment.

How does Proofminder differentiate itself from existing precision agriculture solutions? 

Mainstream precision agriculture concentrates on fields and zoning, mainly based on satellite imagery or digital scouting, and cannot address many agricultural challenges. Proofminder brings precision agriculture to the next level by enabling growers to shift their focus from plots to individual plants. The platform extracts insights from visual data, mostly drone images, using AI to provide growers with valuable information and actionable reports about every square centimeter of their fields throughout the season. The number of use cases is almost unlimited, and thanks to a complete infrastructure, new use cases (or AI models) can be trained in a few days and scaled to as many hectares as needed. With an end-to-end approach, growers can innovate production processes without specialized knowledge. Our proven use cases show increased ROI (2-5x), improved food quality, and resource savings up to 80%, including reduced inputs, chemicals, labor costs, and CO2 emissions.

Moreover, our reporting flexibility integrates seamlessly with leading industry solutions. For example, hyper-precise spot spraying maps can be easily uploaded to equipment like John Deere sprayers or DJI spraying drones for efficient implementation.

Can you share specific use cases illustrating the environmental benefits of integrating AI, especially in missed tassel detection and intelligent weed mapping in agriculture?

Examples include geo-referenced plant population analysis, hyper-precise weed detection, and spot spraying maps, wildlife or weather damage analysis, yield assessment or loss, among others. Once a grower identifies the use case, we cover the entire journey – from image gathering to providing time-sensitive and hyper-precise reports in various formats.

                          Use case of missed tassel detection for corn seed production. Photo: Proofminder

We collaborate extensively with crop producers, orchards, tree farms, and seed production companies. Our most popular high-ROI use cases involve missed tassel detection in hybrid corn to enhance seed quality and weed detection maps that can be exported to any spraying machine or drone, allowing for intelligent field spraying and saving up to 80% on chemicals and budget. 

In 2023, we processed over 1000 hectares in the system and executed projects on three continents, spanning various countries in Europe, South Africa, and India. In December 2023, we expanded our presence by hiring representatives in Brazil and Australia to explore new markets and are currently seeking pilot projects in these locations. Our customer base includes top seed companies and large farms, with some names undisclosed due to NDA agreements. However, we showcase the logos and case studies of the rest on our website.

We do see the awareness and adoption of technologies on farms of all sizes, which is great. A few years ago, having a drone on the farm or utilizing AI in the production process sounded like rocket science, and now growers who implemented precision AgTech solutions see great outcomes and are willing to scale. Every day, we speak with growers and drone service providers, hearing ideas for new use cases. We are open to joint innovations and dedicate slots for this each month. Recently, we launched new UI and self-service features in the platform. These new features will make it easier to start and use our platform, both for growers and drone service providers.

What do you want to achieve during the RootCamp acceleration program?

Reviewing our strategy, positioning, and company evaluation is a very good opportunity for us now. The key success indicators of our participation would be new industry connections, increased awareness, and piloting or joint innovation with a farm or seed production company. Also, we are currently raising the next round and are open to new connections with investors. 

For a closer look at Proofminder's platform, we invite you to join us during our upcoming Demo Day on April 10th at the RootCamp Headquarters. Here, you can meet the founders and explore the features and benefits in detail. Get a ticket Demo Day ticket here.

NoMaze was founded straight out of university by Finn Gaida and Jean-Pascal Lutze. The Munich-based startup accelerates plant breeding research using AI. The vision at NoMaze is grounded in the belief that data should provide answers, not questions. In this interview, we explore how NoMaze, a participant in RootCamp Batch #5, tackles the challenges of plant breeding data analytics under time constraints. Learn about their innovative software solution designed to streamline the plant selection process and discover how they contribute to sustainable agriculture.

How does NoMaze's solution empower researchers and breeders?

NoMaze enables plant breeders and researchers to optimize yield and make informed decisions through a suite of specialized tools. We have developed multiple field trial analysis use cases, such as head-to-head comparisons and General Combining Ability /Specific Combining Ability analyses. These are available as user-friendly, drag-and-drop blocks in our software, simplifying complex analyses. For more advanced needs, our marker-based genomic selection tool helps model Genotype-by-Environment interactions. This feature is crucial for uncovering patterns and insights that might be hidden or challenging to find without NoMaze. It enables a deeper understanding of how genetic factors interact with environmental conditions, leading to more precise breeding decisions. 

Looking to the future, we are working on predicting phenotypic values, such as yield or plant lodging, based on genetic sequences and environmental data, such as temperature. This predictive capability will be a significant milestone, allowing breeders to anticipate plant performance under various conditions, further aiding in yield optimization and informed decision-making.

What specific challenges in data analysis do researchers and breeders face?

In plant breeding, researchers and breeders often grapple with highly complex data derived from multiple sources. Addressing this challenge, our platform provides easy and intuitive tools for data visualization and handling, simplifying the complexity and allowing users to seamlessly integrate and interpret diverse data sets. Another significant challenge is the seasonal high time pressure in plant breeding. To alleviate this, the platform incorporates automation in key areas, speeding up processes and reducing manual workload. Recognizing the inefficiencies and frustrations caused by frequent back-and-forth communication between different departments, our solution offers a common communication layer and shared documents within the platform. This facilitates smoother collaboration, ensuring that all team members are on the same page and can access the information they need without delays. 

Can you elaborate on the broader impact that NoMaze has on addressing key challenges in agriculture, particularly in the context of improving plant breeding processes?

NoMaze provides enhanced insights that lead to significant improvements in crop breeding. Our startup contributes to the development of crops with higher yields and reduced risk of harvest loss. This not only helps in lowering food prices but also contributes to greater stability in food supply chains. Our impact extends even further, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By improving crop yields and breeding processes, NoMaze aids in addressing global hunger challenges and supports sustainable agricultural practices that are crucial for reducing emissions and capturing carbon. Additionally, as part of the Breedfides project by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, we are working to democratize genomic prediction. This initiative aims to make advanced genomic tools accessible to a broader range of researchers and breeders, especially in underrepresented and developing regions. By doing so, we're not only enhancing global food security but also promoting equity in the agricultural sector.

Could you share insights into the future roadmap for your startup, outlining any upcoming features or improvements?

Our upcoming roadmap includes a major design rework to enhance the user experience, making our data understanding tools more intuitive and accessible. Additionally, we're integrating machine learning predictions with our data visualizations, offering plant breeders more insights and predictive analytics alongside their genomic and phenotypic data. This integration will facilitate more informed decision-making. Moreover, we're continually expanding our use case library to address a wider range of plant breeding challenges and objectives, ensuring our platform remains versatile and highly relevant to our users' needs. These developments aim to empower plant breeders with advanced, easy-to-use tools for their research and practices.

Why did you apply for the RootCamp accelerator program?

We decided to join the RootCamp accelerator for a few key reasons. Firstly, it opens doors to an awesome network of partners in the agriculture sector. This is a big deal for us because it means more chances to collaborate and expand our reach. Secondly, having access to the investor and mentor network at RootCamp, along with their expertise and guidance, helps us. They understand what we're trying to do and can offer targeted advice to support us move forward. Lastly, the program is a great opportunity to meet other founders who are on a similar journey. It's both reassuring and holds us accountable to our goals, all while having a good time together.

If you're eager to meet Finn  and Jean in person, be sure to save the date: February 7th for Batch#5's Partners & Mentors Day and RootCamp Ecosystem Party in Hannover. Don't miss out—secure your spot by registering here!

Spain holds the top position globally in olive oil production, yet a considerable portion of the olive often goes underutilized in the oil extraction process. This leftover material is commonly considered as "waste," posing a notable challenge for olive oil mills. Amata Green, a startup from RootCamp Batch #5, has developed a specialized procedure to convert this intricate waste material into high-quality biochar. In this interview, we delve into how Amata Green endeavors to introduce biochar to Spain, exploring the distinctive features that make their biochar valuable and understanding its substantial impact on farming practices. 

The Amata Green founders Mihaela Strungariu and Sandi Martin during the Welcome Week at RootCamp. © Amata Green

What agricultural challenges does your solution address, and why do you focus on Spain?

In southern Spain, the climate is arid and desert-like. Each year, the region experiences escalating heatwaves and droughts, resulting in dropped blooms, diminished yields, and reduced revenues for olive farmers. This challenge intensifies annually with the worsening impacts of climate change. Despite Spain's global leadership in olive oil production, only approximately 22% of the olive is utilized in the oil extraction process. The remaining portion is deemed waste, presenting a dual challenge for olive oil mills. Disposing of this waste is burdensome for the mills and environmentally unfriendly. Olive mill waste, is characterized by its extremely high moisture and oil content, posing significant difficulties in handling.

What is Eco-Mix, and what sets it apart from other products on the market?

We are currently launching “Eco-Mix” which is an agricultural soil amendment partly containing biochar made from olive mill waste. What sets our Eco-Mix apart from other similar products is its use of high-quality biochar and other sustainably sourced ingredients, all of which are natural, organic, and eco-friendly. Importantly, our product is suitable for use in organic farming. None of our ingredients are synthetic or mined. Our biochar, derived from olive mill waste, boasts exceptional richness in potassium and other beneficial elements, establishing it as a remarkable soil enhancer. Biochar plays a crucial role in enhancing water retention, promoting natural microbial activity, reducing erosion, and ensuring nutrient stability. These attributes collectively contribute to the cultivation of more drought-resistant plants and trees, fostering healthier soils and enhancing overall yields. Taking this high-quality biochar a step further, we blend it with sustainably sourced, ecologically friendly ingredients to craft a distinctive Eco-Mix soil amendment.

This year, the startup aims to make up to 50 tons of biochar available for pre-sale. © Amata Green

Describe the environmental benefits and impacts of using biochar.

The impacts and benefits of using biochar in agriculture are numerous. In addition to providing relief to farmers dealing with depleted soil, erosion problems, and coping with drought conditions, Spain suffers from toxic algal blooms in drinking water reservoirs and coastal aquaculture. As seen in the Gulf of Mexico's "Dead Zone," where nitrogen and phosphorus are washed into the Mississippi River from US farmland runoff, farming inputs do not stay confined to the land where they have been applied. This runoff triggers algal blooms that choke off the oxygen supply in the water, making it impossible for marine life to survive.

We believe that if every farm in the middle of the US were to add biochar to their soil, these agricultural inputs, including topsoil, would stay in place and not leach into freshwater systems—thus, restoring the Gulf of Mexico dead zone. In fact, our belief in biochar is so strong that, though it may sound audacious, we contend that, in theory, if every farming operation worldwide were to transition to organic/regenerative growing practices, we would not only halt climate change but also reverse it!

How do you intend to assist the European government in attaining its sustainability objectives?

Under the Green Deal's Farm to Fork strategy, the European Commission has set a target of at least 25% of the EU's agricultural land to be organic farming by 2030. To meet this objective, farmers need alternatives to chemical inputs, and Amata Green's Eco-Mix is the ideal solution. Furthermore, the European Union has set objectives to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and has established a new target for 2030, aiming to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%. Each ton of our olive mill waste biochar will reduce atmospheric carbon by approximately 3 tons. This reduction will be substantial once we scale up our own biochar production facilities.

What are your goals for the next months during the RootCamp accelerator program?

We are ramping up the production of our Eco-Mix and make it available in larger quantities to farmers in Spain, Portugal, and neighboring countries. Currently, we are welcoming angel investors to join in and be a part of this product launch.  Additionally, we are seeking investors or minority partners to assist us financially in next year's launch of our pilot biochar production facility. Our Eco-Mix is currently available to local Spanish farmers in small quantities and will be accessible to neighboring countries in large quantities in the next few months. 

If you're eager to meet the founders in person, be sure to save the date: February 7th for Batch#5's Partners & Mentors Day and RootCamp Ecosystem Party in Hannover. Don't miss out—secure your spot by registering here!