3Farmate Robotics has been selected for Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian’s 776 Foundation climate cohort. As part of the fellowship, the company will receive a $100,0000 grant to support its mission to automate farming in Africa.
What problem is 3Farmate Robotics solving?
Mechanization and power utilization levels in agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa remain the lowest globally. This is evidenced by the stark disparity in tractor availability, with an average of only 28 tractors per 1,000 hectares compared to the global average of 241 tractors. While mechanization presents an avenue for increased farm yields, its widespread adoption faces significant challenges. These challenges include, but are not limited to, the high machinery cost, the complexity of operation for some equipment, a lack of readily available training and knowledge for farmers, and the absence of suitable, locally sourced alternatives.
3Farmate Robotics is building comparatively cheaper artificial intelligence-powered robotics that helps farmers plant, nurture and harvest crops. The company is developing self-driving electric robots for various agricultural tasks such as seed planting, fertilizer application, and mechanical in-row weeding. Leveraging advanced AI, the robots operate without needing GPS, enabling deployment anywhere in the world.
By democratizing access to AI-powered robots, the startup aims to equip farmers with tools that elevate their capabilities, enhance their productivity, and bolster their resilience against the evolving challenges of food production.
What will the investment be used for?
According to the CEO, Clinton Anani, “The funding from the 776 Fellowship will be pivotal in scaling up production and deploying our robots across key agricultural regions in Ghana. This will ensure we bring true automation to the Ghanaian crop production industry, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.”
Who is betting on the company?
3Farmate’s latest investor, 776 Foundation, is Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian’s family foundation, targeting to combat inequity worldwide through entrepreneurship. The serial entrepreneur has committed $20 million to climate action through the 776 Climate Fellowship, a two-year, full-time program that provides fellows with a $100,000 grant over two years to work on projects to fight climate change.
Source: 3Farmate
