Norwegian Kilter raises $8.6 million for expansion

Norwegian agtech company Kilter has raised $8.6 million in a Series A funding round led by impact investor Pymwymic and crop protection firm Nufarm, with additional support from SBG Invest, Natural Ventures, and ProAgInvest. The funding will enable Kilter to further develop its autonomous weeding technology and expand into new markets, including Australia and New Zealand.

Advancing weeding efficiency with targeted technology

Kilter’s AX-1, an autonomous weeding robot, employs a patented Single Drop Technology that delivers herbicides in precise, single droplets, reducing chemical use by up to 95%. The system maps fields into 6×6 mm grids to ensure targeted application, preventing crop damage and minimizing herbicide waste. With its deep-learning vision system, the AX-1 can accurately detect and treat weeds within crop rows and open fields, reducing labor dependency and operational costs.

Kilter’s CEO, Anders Brevik, explained that the funding will support efforts to improve agricultural productivity while addressing environmental concerns by reducing reliance on chemical herbicides.

Tackling key challenges in global agriculture

The agricultural industry is under pressure from rising herbicide resistance, stricter regulatory frameworks, and labor shortages. The AX-1 is designed to address these challenges by offering a more efficient, sustainable method of weed control, particularly for high-value crops such as carrots, onions, and swedes, where precision is essential.

Kilter’s technology not only aims to address environmental concerns by reducing chemical inputs but also to improve farm productivity. The AX-1 supports farmers in meeting regulatory requirements while enhancing crop health and profitability.

Expanding through strategic collaborations

Kilter, which began in 2015 as a robotics project within Adigo Mechatronics and became an independent company in 2020, has established a presence in Norway, Sweden, and Germany. The company is now extending its reach through a partnership with Nufarm, leveraging Nufarm’s expertise in precision agriculture to bring the AX-1 to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Rico Christensen, Group Executive of Portfolio Solutions at Nufarm, noted that the collaboration aims to introduce robotic solutions to horticultural markets, helping farmers manage rising operational costs and labor shortages.