Startup Develops AI to Interpret Electrical Signals from Plants
Electric Plant is a startup that aims to interpret electrical signals in plants using an AI model called Bombadil. The company was founded by Justin Mast and Lee von Kraus, who believe their technology can help growers better understand plant needs such as water or light requirements. By attaching sensors to the cambium layer of plants, Electric Plant collects data on microvolt changes that are then analyzed in real-time via a cloud-based system. The startup recently raised $11.2 million in seed funding led by Onto Ventures and Climactic. The technology is designed to be more affordable than traditional tools like soil probes or satellite imagery while providing deeper insights into plant health. Electric Plant claims its solution can increase crop yields and reduce water usage by 20% or more. The Bombadil model has been trained on over 125 species, including tomatoes, redwoods, ferns, and dahlias, making it one of the most diverse models for interpreting biological electrical signals. The company envisions applications in agriculture, forestry, and beyond.
Topics: AI Funding Plant Communication Startups