Spatialise, a company based in Noordwijk, South Holland, has announced a €350,000 investment from UNIIQ, an investment fund focused on the proof-of-concept phase. This strategic move aims to bolster Spatialise’s mission to utilize satellite data and artificial intelligence for monitoring soil health. The company’s innovative platform seeks to provide accurate estimates of soil nutrients, helping farmers optimize their use of fertilizers, reduce emissions, and cut costs. Such advancements are crucial in supporting the global push toward sustainable agricultural practices.
UNIIQ’s recent investment patterns indicate a strong focus on sustainable technology ventures. In recent months, the fund has also invested in other agtech companies like Bionomic, demonstrating a commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture. Additionally, UNIIQ’s partnership with TNO underscores its strategic approach to fostering innovation in applied research. By directing resources toward early-stage financing, UNIIQ positions itself as a key player in advancing technologies that address environmental challenges in agriculture.
Why Monitor Soil Health?
Monitoring soil health is essential for assessing the carbon footprint of food production systems. Spatialise aims to provide valuable data that can inform practices from farm to fork, enhancing transparency and efficiency in agricultural value chains. The company’s platform uses satellite data and AI to measure soil organic carbon and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These insights enable farmers to make informed decisions about fertilizer application, ultimately contributing to more sustainable farming methods.
What Does UNIIQ Offer?
UNIIQ, a €50 million fund, assists entrepreneurs in South Holland in bringing innovative ideas to market. By focusing on the “proof-of-concept” phase, UNIIQ aims to accelerate the development of promising technologies. The fund is managed by experts from prominent institutions such as Innovation Quarter, Leiden University, Erasmus MC, and TU Delft. Resources are allocated strategically to ensure projects align with the goals of sustainability and technological advancement.
Spatialise’s founder, Soufiane el Khinifri, underscores the importance of digital soil analysis technology in measuring soil health accurately.
“Our mission is to make regenerative agriculture accessible worldwide through AI-driven technology.”
This approach not only benefits farmers by reducing costs but also plays a role in the broader goal of minimizing agriculture’s environmental impact.
Expressing enthusiasm for the investment, Jasper Geselschap, Fund Manager of UNIIQ, stated,
“Spatialise is taking a big step in making the agricultural sector more sustainable through advanced AI technology.”
The investment highlights the fund’s dedication to supporting companies that provide tangible solutions to environmental challenges.
The recent financial backing from UNIIQ allows Spatialise to advance its soil monitoring solutions, a crucial step in promoting global agricultural sustainability. This collaboration represents a significant move toward integrating technology with traditional farming practices, enhancing efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Such initiatives are critical in addressing the growing demand for food production amid climate change challenges.
