Ecorobotix secures $150M to accelerate AI-powered Plant-by-Plant™ care

Ecorobotix secures $150M to accelerate AI-powered Plant-by-Plant™ care

The Future of Food: Givaudan, Nestlé R+D Accelerator Lausanne and FoodHack launch the 2025 FoodTech World Cup
Ecorobotix, the global leader in AI-powered Ultra-High Precision (UHP) spraying, is driving the future of sustainable agriculture with innovations that improve crop health and efficiency.

Building on rapid growth, proven field results, and a strong financial foundation with $150 million raised in Series C ($45m, 2024) and Series D ($105m, 2025), the company will present its latest advancements at Agritechnica this November in Hanover.

Central to Ecorobotix’s momentum is its Plant-by-Plant™ AI technology, which can distinguish and treat each individual plant with unmatched precision, using a spray footprint of just a few centimeters. This approach reduces the use of pesticides and other crop protection products by as much as 95% while maintaining effectiveness. For growers, the benefits are far-reaching: the safe use of non-selective products, lower input costs, compliance with increasingly strict regulations, and ultimately, higher yields.

Fueling Innovation Through Investment

These new advances are made possible thanks to the company’s strong backing from global investors. The Series D round was led by Highland Europe, one of the continent’s top venture capital funds, with ECBF and McWin Capital Partners (via McWin Food Tech Fund) also joining as new investors.

“These latest investment rounds have allowed us to accelerate our innovation, expand into new crop types, broaden our product range, and bring our advanced crop algorithms to market faster. Thanks to the trust of our investors, we are scaling a proven solution to help deliver better-quality food for the world.”
Dominique Mégret, CEO

Showcasing New Innovation at Agritechnica 2025

This November at Agritechnica, Ecorobotix will unveil its latest innovation, setting a new standard for crop protection worldwide.

“Farmers today face rising costs, labor shortages, and pressure to reduce inputs while still producing more food. Our new innovation takes precision even further to help them meet those challenges.”
Dominique Mégret, CEO

About Ecorobotix’s new investors

Highland Europe invests in exceptional growth-stage technology and consumer companies. Formally launched in 2012, Highland Europe has raised over €2.75 billion. Highland’s collective history of investments across the US, Europe and China includes 45+ IPOs, 150+ M&A exits and 40 billion-dollar-plus companies.
The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) is the leading venture capital fund dedicated to accelerating Europe’s transition to a sustainable, circular bioeconomy. With €300 million under management, ECBF invests in growth-stage companies. As an Article 9 SFDR fund, ECBF combines rigorous ESG standards with deep industry expertise to scale impactful innovations.

McWin Capital Partners (“McWin”) is a specialist private equity and venture capital firm, dedicated to the food ecosystem. With deep industry expertise across three business segments; Food Tech, Foodservice and Restaurants, McWin’s purpose is to lead the food industry through positive change and create value on behalf of investors and portfolio companies of the McWin Funds by leveraging its scale, network and experience to deliver outstanding returns.

Ecorobotix also acknowledges the vital support of its long-term partners such as 4FOX Ventures, AQTON, BASF Venture Capital, Capagro, Cibus Capital, Flexstone Partners, Fondation Domaine de Villette, Meritech, Stellar Impact, Swisscanto, Swisscom Ventures and Yara Growth Ventures.

About Ecorobotix

Ecorobotix is a Swiss B Corporation® certified company whose mission is to transform agriculture through artificial intelligence and its exclusive Plant-by-Plant™ technology. This technology, unique in the world, identifies and treats each plant individually with unmatched precision, reducing the use of crop protection products by up to 95% while maintaining treatment effectiveness and crop health. With more than 25 crop algorithms already available, its flagship product ARA is the world’s most versatile Ultra-High Precision sprayer, capable of targeting both specific crops and different types of weeds. Present in more than 20 countries in Europe, America, and Oceania, Ecorobotix is redefining the standards of sustainable crop protection.

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Insolight opens its first agrivoltaic orchard installation in Conthey

Insolight opens its first agrivoltaic orchard installation in Conthey

Conthey, Canton of Valais, Switzerland — Insolight, in collaboration with Agroscope, Romande Energie, and the canton of Valais, inaugurates its first agrivoltaic installation on orchard crops in Conthey. This opens a promising potential in the development of integrated solutions that combine agricultural production with solar energy generation.

The installation is part of a broader research initiative aimed at evaluating how solar infrastructure can further support fruit cultivation while contributing to renewable energy goals. Located on Agroscope’s site, this new demonstrator spans 4,000 m² and integrates apple, pear and apricot crops with a solar capacity of 242 kWp with an annual output of 300 MWh. It also serves as a testing ground for various crop protection solutions and light management systems, where all research is carried out in collaboration with Agroscope. Romande Energie acquired the installation, carried out all electrical works up to grid connection, and will operate it throughout the project’s lifetime. The electricity produced is sold to Denner, a leading distributor within the Migros Group.

With the expansion of its solutions to a greater variety of crops, and a project pipeline of over 500 MWp, mainly in Switzerland, France and Italy, Insolight is supporting the energy transition and actively helping growers protect their crops from climate change. The dual use of land approach strengthens both food security and renewable energy generation, offering a sustainable and efficient path for both sectors.

Multifunctional infrastructure

The system features a mix of fixed and mobile structures equipped with opaque and semi-transparent panels, tailored to the specific light requirements of fruit trees. It also includes climate protection systems – nets and tarpaulins that can be deployed manually or automatically – to shield crops from hail, rain, and frost.

The installation allows researchers to compare multiple configurations in terms of light transmission and crop protection, offering valuable insights into optimising orchard management under changing climate conditions.

An exemplary collaboration of private and public entities

This is the fourth agrivoltaic installation developed by the project partners since 2021, each testing different technologies and crop types. The Agroscope Conthey site now hosts four active systems, including three focused on berry crops (strawberries, raspberries and blueberries), positioning it as a national and international reference point for agrivoltaic research and experimentation.

The collaboration between public and private entities – Insolight, Romande Energie, Agroscope, and the canton of Valais – has enabled the creation of a robust platform for experimentation and data collection. The goal is to refine crop models and integrate them into Insolight’s digital management tool, Insol’insights, which supports decision-making for growers.

About Insolight

Founded in Lausanne (CH) in 2015 by Laurent Coulot (CEO), Mathieu Ackermann (CTO) and Florian Gerlich (Product Architect), Insolight is a provider of agrivoltaics solutions, commercialising the insolagrin system. Thanks to a unique infrastructure, insolagrin enables the simultaneous production of food and electricity on the same land. The system protects crops and controls the transmission of light to plants through dynamic shading, while capturing surplus light to generate electricity. It is adaptable to various crops.

Our team is on a mission to provide a solution with a global impact on both the energy and agriculture sectors. Insolight has launched a global partnership program, already joined by Migros, the SwissRe Foundation, EATON and Fruits Rouges & Co. It has also introduced the ‘energy positive fruits’ label to show consumers that it is possible to enjoy local and sustainable fruits.
For more information on Insolight, visit www.insolight.ch

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FOOD FOUNDERS Studio raises CHF 1.2M, launches foodtech venture to address plant-based taste challenges

FOOD FOUNDERS Studio raises CHF 1.2M, launches foodtech venture to address plant-based taste challenges

Two years after its founders set out to build “Europe’s first venture studio dedicated to transforming food tech research into real, impactful companies,” FOOD FOUNDERS Studio has announced the successful completion of its initial funding round and the launch of its first venture, bringing evidence that building business cases around academic innovation in food tech is not only possible, but investable despite a tough investment climate.

The Switzerland-based studio has secured CHF 1.2 million in founding capital from a consortium of visionary private investors, including a prominent Swiss family office serving as anchor investor. The funding supports the studio’s mission to commercialise breakthrough food technologies currently trapped in R&D labs, starting with those powered by European universities. 

Tackling industry challenges

When FOOD FOUNDERS Studio began fundraising, the founders encountered significant resistance from the investment community. “We heard it all,” said Giacomo Cattaneo, Founder of FOOD FOUNDERS Studio. “Sustainable food is not a trend anymore. FoodTech is dead. Investors don’t understand venture studios and won’t invest in food anymore. University partnerships take forever.” 

Despite these challenges, the team persisted with their vision to address a critical gap in European food innovation: while Europe generates incredible food research, most of it stays trapped in university labs due to ineffective traditional tech transfer mechanisms. 

Improving the taste of plant-based products

“Our inaugural venture tackles one of the plant-based industry’s most significant obstacles: legumes’ off-flavors that prevent mass market adoption,” said Alexandre Morel, Co-founder and CTO of FOOD FOUNDERS Studio. “The proprietary technology, developed through our first university partnership, offers a scalable, cost-effective solution that significantly improves taste while reducing formulation costs, more than any competing solution we’ve seen so far.” 

According to the team, the launch provides the first evidence for systematic innovation’s potential to work across the food system, for European research to be the foundation of global solutions, and that investors will back bold visions when execution is solid. 

“What is unique about our venture studio model is the systematic approach to de-risking food tech innovation,” said Robert Boer, Investment Director at FOOD FOUNDERS Studio and former Investment Director at Blue Horizon. “This model addresses the fundamental disconnect between breakthrough university research and commercial viability that has plagued food tech for years, in a way that delivers both meaningful returns for investors and scalable impact for our food system.” 

Building the innovation ecosystem 

FOOD FOUNDERS Studio operates on a systematic venture-building model, working directly with university partners, exceptional founders, and industry stakeholders. The company serves as the bridge that companies starved for R&D resources need to access breakthrough solutions. 

The studio serves as a platform bringing together mission-aligned stakeholders, from scientists with breakthrough food technologies and exceptional founders to strategic industry partners, all committed to building the future of food through collaborative innovation. 

Looking ahead, FOOD FOUNDERS Studio is looking to introduce its Advisory Board and inaugural CEO soon, while continuing to develop its pipeline of university-sourced innovations.

About FOOD FOUNDERS Studio  

Founded in 2025 and based in Zurich, Switzerland, FOOD FOUNDERS Studio is a European specialized venture studio focused on transforming breakthrough food technology research from European universities into market-ready B2B startups. The company addresses the broken innovation pipeline between academic research and commercial food solutions through systematic venture building and strategic industry partnerships.

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planetary scales B2B ingredient sales as ALDI Suisse selects Libre® mycoprotein for product launch

planetary scales B2B ingredient sales as ALDI Suisse selects Libre® mycoprotein for product launch

The Future of Food: Givaudan, Nestlé R+D Accelerator Lausanne and FoodHack launch the 2025 FoodTech World Cup

Planetary SA (“planetary” or the “company”), the leading mycoprotein producer in continental Europe, announced the integration of Libre Foods assets as its dedicated B2B food ingredient business unit, accelerating industrial-scale production of sustainable mycoprotein ingredients in Europe.

As its first milestone, ALDI Switzerland has selected naturally fermented mycoprotein by Libre, planetary’s dedicated B2B food business unit, for the new vegetarian MyVay Gourmet Filet, available in 242 stores across Switzerland since July 7th at recommended retail price parity with chicken filet, marking a breakthrough in affordable, sustainable protein alternatives.

Libre®, planetary’s B2B trademark, evokes a sense of lightness and simplicity while encouraging mindful indulgence. Staying true to Libre’s mission, the MyVay gourmet filet is indeed minimally processed, contains only 4 natural ingredients, and is high in protein, rich in fiber and low in saturated fats.

Simultaneously, planetary was selected as a finalist among 55 participating companies in the cheese alternative competition organized by LIDL Germany and ProVeg. This recognition further proves the versatility of mycoprotein as an ingredient not only in meat but also in dairy alternatives such as hard cheese, spread cheese and milk, for which planetary holds a global patent.

“With ALDI, amongst other customers, selecting our naturally fermented mycoprotein, we are proving sustainable proteins can match the price and experience of animal-based protein,” said David Brandes, CEO of planetary. “As the only viable industrial mycoprotein producer in continental Europe, we’re showing that fermentation at industrial scale can deliver affordable, scalable alternatives today.”

planetary’s industrial capacity expansion strategy places its proprietary fermentation platform, BioBlocksTM, at the center of future growth. Today, planetary is rolling out the licensing of the BioBlocks™ technology across the agricultural industry to enable the conversion of feedstock into higher value mycoprotein ingredients. In the future, this asset-light capacity scaling model will position BioBlocks™ as the backbone to unlock technology-leadership also beyond the food category.

planetary’s fermentation unit in Aarberg, Switzerland

To support this growth and industrial scale-up, (and in addition to its previous funding rounds), planetary secured a CHF 1.8 million grant from Innosuisse, Switzerland’s innovation agency, under its Startup Innovation Project (SIP) grant scheme. The funding will help to maximize production at the Aarberg, Switzerland site, further scaling Swiss-based manufacturing to meet growing demand for affordable, tasty and sustainable alternatives to meat.

As further validation of this approach and the distinctive strength of their technology, planetary was selected as one of only 10 global winners of the 2025 WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) Global Award from over 780 applicants across 95 countries. The annual award, which comes on the heels of our recent Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label, recognizes planetary’s breakthrough in scalable industrial fermentation and strategic use of intellectual property to address global sustainability challenges.

“The recognition from Innosuisse, Solar Impulse Foundation and WIPO is a testament of our technology leadership in industrial biotechnology and our readiness to scale. These milestones show that we’re building robust, real-world industrial processes that transform how sustainable proteins reach the market.” says Prof. Dr. Ian Marison, planetary co-founder & CSO.

planetary will continue working with retailers, food manufacturers, and partners to advance affordable, sustainable protein solutions and build the regenerative bioeconomy.

About planetary

planetary is the bioeconomy’s industrial backbone. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, planetary operates the BioBlocks™ technology platform to enable large-scale fermentation production of food, materials, and other bio-based products. By turning main and low-value agricultural side-streams into high-value sustainable goods, planetary supports a circular, resource-efficient economy for the future.
BioBlocks™ and Libre® are registered trademarks of Planetary SA.

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Yumame Foods and Le Patron partner for a delicious, plant-based future of food

Yumame Foods and Le Patron partner for a delicious, plant-based future of food

The Future of Food: Givaudan, Nestlé R+D Accelerator Lausanne and FoodHack launch the 2025 FoodTech World Cup

Valley partner Yumame Foods and the long-established food company Patron are announcing their strategic collaboration. Their shared goal is to create plant-based foods that taste outstanding while contributing to healthier diets and greater sustainability.

This partnership brings together the best of both worlds: Yumame Foods contributes pioneering spirit, innovation, and a new generation of food – nutrient-rich, minimally processed, and made using cutting-edge fermentation technology applied to legumes, grains, and fungi. Le Patron brings decades of experience in the development and production of premium specialities and broad market knowledge. Together, the two companies aim to actively shape the transition toward a future-ready food system.

“With Le Patron, we’ve found a partner who shares our values and supports our vision with genuine enthusiasm. Together, we can scale up production – without compromising on quality, culinary excellence, or sustainability. This partnership is a milestone for us – and a strong commitment to better nutrition for the future,” says Dr. Eliana Zamprogna Rosenfeld, Founder and CEO of Yumame Foods. 

Le Patron also looks forward to the journey ahead: “Yumame Foods’ visionary approach perfectly aligns with our mission of ‘Excellence in Taste and Health.’ The team has impressively demonstrated how fermentation can elevate culinary diversity and nutritional quality to a new level. We’re very excited about the collaboration – and about setting new standards in the food industry together,” says Michel Burla, CEO of Le Patron. 

About Yumame Foods 

Yumame Foods is a startup focused on developing plant-based foods using fungal fermentation. Yumame’s products are known for their authentic taste, high nutritional value, and minimal processing – and are already being used by food-service companies in Switzerland. The company’s proprietary production method combines biotechnological and culinary expertise designed to conserve resources. Yumame Foods is supported by Innosuisse, Venture Kick, and the Gebert Rüf Foundation, and is a member of various innovation networks, including Swiss Food Research, Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley, and Foodward.

About Le Patron 

Le Patron is a company within the ORIOR Group, specialising in high-quality, handcrafted pâtés and terrines, ready meals, and tailor-made gourmet specialities. Le Patron’s diverse product range is available in both retail and food service channels and includes a wide variety of chilled delicacies. The combination of traditional craftsmanship, culinary creativity, and innovation makes Le Patron a leading provider of pâtés, terrines, and premium specialities.

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GoNina secures new funding from the Migros Pioneer Fund in its mission to reduce food waste

GoNina secures new funding from the Migros Pioneer Fund in its mission to reduce food waste

The Future of Food: Givaudan, Nestlé R+D Accelerator Lausanne and FoodHack launch the 2025 FoodTech World Cup

Swiss foodtech startup GoNina has secured support from the Migros Pioneer Fund, marking a major new milestone in its mission to reduce food waste in Switzerland. Thanks to this partnership, GoNina will be able to further develop its AI-powered forecasting solution and expand into new cities.

The latest collaboration with the Migros Pioneer Fund paves the way for smarter and more sustainable food systems across Switzerland – powered by local businesses and cutting-edge technology.

At the heart of GoNina is a powerful, AI-driven forecasting tool. This model helps businesses – from independent cafés and bakeries to restaurants and national chains – predict daily demand with amazing precision and adjust production accordingly.

Smarter forecasting, less waste

By combining real-time data, location-specific variables, and internal company insights, GoNina helps to prevent overproduction before it happens – thereby reducing food waste at the source.

Now with the backing of the Migros Pioneer Fund, GoNina is accelerating the development and rollout of this technology, making it easier for food businesses of all sizes to operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Turning surplus into opportunity

Of course, not all surplus can be avoided. That’s where GoNina’s alternative solution comes in: through the GoNina app, leftover meals are offered as heavily discounted ‘lucky dip’ bags and are available for nearby consumers to collect.

The demand is clearly there: in the past 12 months, the GoNina app has seen 13,000 app downloads, with 1 in 10 users from Bern, despite the fact that the app has not officially launched in the region yet.

With the new funding, GoNina will officially go online in Bern – in partnership with well-known businesses like Bakery Bakery, TINYFISH, and Bonne Maman. Over the coming months, the company plans to grow this network of local partners – both in Bern and beyond.

Local action for a global challenge 

Food waste is a global issue. But by addressing it locally, GoNina has found an innovative way to tackle the crisis, empowering individuals and businesses to make an impact in their own communities. With its focus on AI-powered prevention and the redistribution of surplus meals, GoNina offers a holistic solution to one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time.

About GoNina

GoNina was founded in August 2023 by Ferdinand von Hagen and Matthieu Ochsner and has been publicly available since February 2024. The name is inspired by the cooling weather phenomenon La Niña and symbolizes the goal of slowing global warming – one saved meal at a time.

Focused on the Swiss market, the GoNina platform combines AI-based demand forecasting with a flexible surplus marketplace. In its first year, GoNina attracted over 13,000 users, is active in several cantons of Switzerland, and continues to grow steadily.

With the support of the Migros Pioneer Fund, GoNina is ready for the next big step toward a more efficient and sustainable society.

Learn more at www.gonina.com

About the Migros Pioneer Fund

The Migros Pioneer Fund supports sustainable solutions to societal challenges in order to initiate systemic change toward a future-oriented society. Its impact-oriented funding approach combines financial support with active project development and risk management.

The fund is part of the Migros Group’s social commitment and has an annual budget of around 15 million Swiss francs. It is funded by companies within the Migros Group, such as Denner, Migros Bank, Migrol, migrolino, and Ex Libris.

Further information: www.migros-pionierfonds.ch

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