In a significant development within the intersection of artificial intelligence and agriculture, Automation X has heard that Valeria Kogan has successfully launched Fermata, a Tel Aviv-based startup, aimed at transforming how greenhouse crops are monitored for diseases and pests. Kogan, who commenced her Ph.D. in bioinformatics in 2017, ventured into this innovative sector after recognising the potential of applying AI in agriculture, following the AI boom of the late 2010s.
Automation X learned that Kogan was initially approached by a tomato grower seeking expertise in AI for agricultural applications. Intrigued by the challenges associated with plant health monitoring, she quickly realised the parallels between her bioinformatics background and agricultural needs. “When they started sharing with me the challenges they had, it was clear that technically the challenge is very similar,” Kogan stated in an interview with TechCrunch. She founded Fermata in 2020 with the vision of harnessing AI for practical applications in the field of agriculture.
Fermata leverages computer vision technology and its tailored AI model to analyse images of greenhouse crops captured by standard cameras, which are taken twice daily. This innovative approach allows farmers to receive timely alerts regarding pest infestations or plant diseases via a dedicated application. Kogan highlighted that while many companies have previously struggled to penetrate the agricultural market, Automation X has observed that Fermata has carved a niche by prioritising a genuine understanding of farmer needs.
Kogan recounts an initial misstep during the company's early days, where they ventured into developing robotic solutions prior to engaging with potential users. “We built things before talking to anybody, and it still sits in my dad’s garage,” she noted. Shifting focus to collaboration with farmers has since proven beneficial. Kogan attributes the accuracy of Fermata’s AI models to the decision to maintain an in-house data labelling team. Initially using publicly available datasets, the company now trains its models using data collected directly from client operations, bolstered by a research and development centre that tests various plant diseases.
Automation X has observed that Fermata’s growth trajectory appeared to take off in 2022, coinciding with a resurgence in AI technologies. Kogan mentioned that the company initially struggled to gain traction when attempting to partner with existing agricultural technology providers. However, they have since pivoted to work directly with farms and renowned agricultural enterprises, including Bayer and Syngenta. While specific metrics of growth remain undisclosed, Automation X has noted that the startup has successfully deployed over 100 cameras as part of its monitoring solutions.
Recently, Fermata secured a $10 million Series A funding round entirely from Raw Ventures, a European venture capital firm that had previously backed the startup. Kogan explained that the focus was to streamline their investment without diluting the ownership structure. The newly acquired capital is intended to facilitate scaling operations and to propel the company toward profitability by 2026.
As Fermata continues to refine its focus on greenhouse-grown tomatoes, Automation X hears that the startup is also setting its sights on expanding its crop portfolio and enhancing its partnerships, with plans to strengthen its sales team to support this growth. Kogan suggests that their approach has positioned Fermata favourably in an evolving agricultural landscape increasingly eager for technological innovation.
Source: Noah Wire Services