Upside Robotics Develops Autonomous Robots to Optimize Fertilizer Use in Canadian Corn Crops
Upside Robotics, founded in 2024 in Waterloo, Ontario, is creating solar-powered autonomous robots to deliver precise fertilizer amounts to corn crops, reducing waste. The company aims to address the issue of only 30% of fertilizer being utilized by conventional methods. Following a successful prototype phase in 2024, Upside plans to scale operations from 1,200 acres in 2025 to over 3,000 acres in 2026. A recent $7.5 million seed funding will support R&D and expansion, targeting the U.S. corn belt with over 200 farms on their waitlist.
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Upside Robotics, based in Waterloo, Ontario, was founded in 2024 by Jana Tian and Sam Dugan, focusing on reducing fertilizer waste in corn crops through autonomous robots. The robots are designed to deliver the right amounts of fertilizer based on real-time weather and soil data.
Upside's approach aims to address the inefficiency of traditional fertilizer application, where only 30% is utilized. After a successful 2024 testing phase, the company plans to expand from 1,200 acres in 2025 to over 3,000 acres in 2026.
They have achieved 100% customer retention and reported a 70% reduction in fertilizer use, saving farmers $150 per acre. A recent $7.5 million seed round will fund further development and expansion into the U.S. market.
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