Oxford-based agritech innovator Gardin Agritech has secured $4.5 million in Seed 2 funding to propel its global expansion. The investment round was led by Navus Ventures, with participation from Oxford Innovation Finance and existing backers including LDV Capital, MMC Ventures, Seedcamp, and Alchimia Investments, as well as a group of angel investors.
Gardin’s cutting-edge technology employs optical sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor plant photosynthesis in real time. This breakthrough allows growers to gain unprecedented insights into crop health and development, facilitating swift interventions, enhanced yields, and more efficient use of resources such as water and energy. Since its commercial launch in June 2023, Gardin has deployed its sensors across a diverse range of over 20 crop species, from algae to tomatoes, in various environments including greenhouses in Canada and polytunnels in Spain and Morocco.
The company’s focus for 2025 is on optimizing light and energy efficiency, with trials already demonstrating potential energy savings of 20-30 percent for growers. The fresh funding will be used to bolster Gardin’s commercial team and further develop its platform.
Gardin’s founder, Sumanta Talukdar, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously co-founded and exited optics firm WaveOptics in a deal exceeding $500 million. The company’s growing customer base includes UK fruit grower Agriculture Investments, which has committed to a multi-year contract. David Moore, Director of Agriculture at Agriculture Investments, praised Gardin’s technology, stating, “We have been long believers that to truly optimise food production we need to be able to change the greenhouse climate to adapt to the crop’s needs but there was no solution on the market that could solve this with high confidence and scalably, until we met Gardin. Gardin’s unique sensor + AI is able to detect changes in crop photosynthesis and provide clear, actionable insights based on that. As a result, within a couple of months of trialling Gardin’s product we decided to sign a multi-year contract.”
Talukdar expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Navus Ventures, highlighting their expertise in the agricultural sector. Jaap Zijlstra, Director at Navus, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Gardin’s unique and affordable technology that provides growers with real-time insights into their crops and business.
The implications of Gardin’s technology are far-reaching. By enabling growers to make data-driven decisions, it has the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices, leading to increased productivity, reduced resource waste, and ultimately, a more sustainable food production system. As the global population continues to grow, such innovations will be crucial in meeting the increasing demand for food while minimizing environmental impact.
