Oxford Innovation Finance backs sustainable viticulture startup

By Daniel Face

1 February 2024

Share

The Business Magazine article image for: Oxford Innovation Finance backs sustainable viticulture startup

Oxford Innovation Finance and OION Angel Network have invested in Deep Planet, an agritech startup using AI technology to help winemakers and growers tackle the challenges of climate change.

The company uses satellite imagery and machine learning to provide winemakers with data, helping them to ensure grape quality, accurately predict yields and harvest at the right time.

This is all the more challenging as climate change brings about rising temperatures and periods of both drought and excessive rainfall.

Winemakers can use Deep Planet’s prediction SaaS platform to make informed decisions on soil health, disease control, irrigation and nutrient management.

Visit Hampshire Biz News for bright, upbeat and positive business news from the county

Co-founder and CEO David Carter said: “Deep Planet was founded with the goal of using machine learning to address environmental risk for the benefit of the planet.

“Our AI technology is transforming sustainable farming with precision viticulture, assisting growers and winemakers to increase harvest efficiency, enhance yield resilience and drive sustainable production.

“This latest investment enables us to achieve our global vision and scale our technology across Europe and America.”

The £680,000 will help the business scale its AI technology in France, Spain, Italy, the US and South America, as well as supporting further development of its SoilSignal service to help users measure, report and verify the impact of regenerative farming.

Richard Cooper, MD of Oxford Innovation Finance, added: “Deep Planet’s prediction SaaS platform is transforming how vineyards operate.

“With the potential for application in regenerative agriculture practices that cover a broad range of crops, we look forward to helping Deep Planet realise their significant growth potential and supporting the development of their initiatives that can overcome the challenges of our future.”

By Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL.

Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.