AI startup that decodes electrical signals of plants receives investment
The Electric Plant startup has raised $11.2 million in funding for its Bombadil AI model and sensors, which interpret the electrical signals of plants and communicate their needs to growers.
Electric Plant, a startup founded by Justin Mast and neuroscientist Lee von Kraus, has completed an $11.2 million seed funding round for its system that uses AI to interpret microvolt-level electrical signals emitted by plants and convey them to growers. Led by Onto Ventures and Climactic, the investment round saw participation from numerous funds and individuals.
Inspired by research examining electrical signals in plant tissues, the founders of Electric Plant have spent the past three years collecting data to develop a large language model called Bombadil. Capable of interpreting the electrical signals of approximately 125 different plant species, the model operates with stainless steel screw sensors that cost tens of dollars, compared to existing tools costing thousands. Data collected through these sensors attached to plants is transmitted wirelessly to a base station, processed by Bombadil in the cloud, and the results are sent back to the growers. The system promises to reduce water usage by 20 percent or more while increasing yields.
Sources
- techcrunch.com · Link