Picketa Systems deploys new LENS™ potato plant tissue analysis system with CAD 1.4M Seed Round

In a critical move towards advancing precision agriculture, AgTech startup Picketa Systems has successfully closed a CAD 1.445M Seed investment round. The funding will broaden the development and deployment of their real-time plant tissue analysis technology, called LENS™.

This revolutionary solution allows farmers and agronomists to diagnose real-time, geo-located, nutrient concentrations. This key information aids growers to minimize fertilizer applications while optimizing crop production.

Picketa Systems has collaboratively built its solution with farmers in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island since its inception in 2021. The new LENS™, Leaf Evaluated-Nutrient System, is being used in-field by 10 leading agronomists across Canada and the United Kingdom in 2023.

This will facilitate the delivery of real-time plant tissue sampling, enabling farmers to swiftly and accurately identify nutrient deficiencies, thus optimizing yield and crop quality.

The company, whose roots lie in the potato farming sector of Northwest New Brunswick, will broaden its scope with the fresh capital injection.

Xavier Hébert-Couturier, CEO of Picketa Systems:
 

"To date, we’ve had success and a solid footing in potatoes, but it is clear through our countless discussions with producers that the applicability of this technology extends beyond potatoes to multiple crops and use cases."

"We're already expanding trials to include crops like corn, onions, carrots, and blueberries this year with more coming in the future. In the process, we’re assembling the best team of technologists, researchers and agronomists to help us bring this to farmers everywhere."

This funding will catalyze the growth of Picketa’s technology and is validated by the participation of top Canadian agtech investors. The depth of experience and connectivity from investors across hardware, software development, and agriculture is notable and stands to be a growth multiplier for the company.

The round was led by the New Brunswick Innovation Fund, with Tall Grass Ventures, Desjardins, Koan Capital, Emmertech, and multiple angels from East Valley Ventures and StartupTNT.

Chris Edwards, Managing Partner at Tall Grass Ventures:
 

"We were impressed with the real-time capability of Picketa’s technology and believe in its ability to change how plant tissue analysis is used in modern agriculture. The team is energic, tenacious and driven, and we are looking forward to working alongside them."

Picketa Systems intends to serve a critical role in helping Canada and other nations achieve their food production and climate goals. Their platform helps clients reduce nitrous oxide and other emissions by enabling precision fertilizer application and enhancing soil health.

By encouraging 4R, (Right source, Right rate, Right time, Right place), LENS™ mitigates harmful nutrient runoff and contributes to sustainability efforts such as water source protection and food security.

Picketa Systems' ultimate objective is to equip the agricultural industry with in-depth crop nutrient information, facilitating the shift towards regenerative agriculture.