1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program: An Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), serves as a vital support mechanism for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union. Its primary focus is on fostering innovation in deep tech and high-impact sectors, encouraging companies to scale operations, bring innovative products to market, and improve competitiveness. The program is particularly geared towards businesses with breakthrough ideas that have the potential for significant societal and economic impact.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a dual funding structure comprising grants and equity investments:

This dual funding approach not only helps alleviate financial burdens but also facilitates access to further investment opportunities, empowering companies to develop and scale their innovative solutions.

Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European startup ecosystem by bridging the gap between early-stage development and market launch. Its focus on deep tech provides essential support to companies tackling complex challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and robotics. By providing substantial funding, expert mentoring, and networking opportunities, the EIC Accelerator helps these startups gain visibility and credibility in the competitive landscape.

Additionally, the program encourages collaboration between public and private sectors, fostering a strong investment climate in Europe. By supporting companies in scaling their innovations, the EIC Accelerator not only enhances the competitiveness of these firms but also contributes to the overall economic growth of the EU.

Case Study: Smart Farm Robotix OOD and the RoboAIweeder Project

Company Overview: Smart Farm Robotix OOD, based in Bulgaria, is an innovative startup focused on revolutionizing agricultural practices through advanced robotic technologies. The company aims to leverage artificial intelligence and automation to address pressing challenges in modern farming.

Project Acronym: RoboAIweeder

Project Description: The RoboAIweeder is a fully autonomous, solar-powered lightweight weeding robot designed to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability. Utilizing advanced AI algorithms, the robot can accurately recognize different plant species, enabling it to perform precision weeding through both contact and contactless methods. This capability is particularly advantageous for farming in hard soils, hilly terrains, and arid climates, where traditional weeding methods often prove ineffective.

Technology Basics: The RoboAIweeder employs a combination of computer vision and machine learning techniques to identify crops and weeds in real-time. The system utilizes high-resolution cameras coupled with sophisticated image processing algorithms to differentiate between various plant types. This enables the robot to execute targeted weeding strategies, minimizing damage to desirable crops while effectively eliminating unwanted vegetation.

The use of solar power further enhances the sustainability of the RoboAIweeder, allowing it to operate efficiently in remote agricultural settings without reliance on traditional energy sources. This aspect not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with the increasing demand for environmentally friendly farming solutions.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program represents a crucial resource for innovative startups like Smart Farm Robotix OOD, enabling them to secure the necessary funding and support to bring transformative technologies to market. The RoboAIweeder project exemplifies how advanced robotics and AI can address complex agricultural challenges, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and efficient farming practices. Through initiatives like the EIC Accelerator, Europe is fostering a vibrant ecosystem that promotes innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the deep tech sector.

2 The Funding Rounds

Smart Farm Robotix OOD Overview

Smart Farm Robotix OOD, based in Bulgaria, is a pioneering company in the agricultural robotics sector, focusing on developing fully autonomous, solar-powered weeding robots. The company's mission aligns with enhancing sustainability and efficiency in farming practices, particularly targeting organic herb producers and challenging terrains in Southern Europe.

Financing and Funding Rounds

As of the latest updates, Smart Farm Robotix has successfully secured significant funding:

• Pre-Seed Rounds: Initially raised €130,000 from private investors during the pre-seed rounds.
• Seed Round: Currently in the seed funding phase, aiming to raise €500,000.
• EIC Funding: Secured €2.36 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) in 2024, following the November 2023 EIC Accelerator cut-off. This funding is expected to attract additional private investment, potentially up to €1.5 million by the end of 2025.

Investor Information

While specific investor names for the private funding rounds are not detailed, the company has received substantial support from the European Innovation Council. The EIC funding is a blend of grants and equity, reflecting a strong commitment to innovative technologies.

Company Valuation

There is no publicly available data on the current valuation of Smart Farm Robotix OOD.

Exit Events

No information is available on any exit events such as IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions for Smart Farm Robotix OOD.

Future Plans

Smart Farm Robotix intends to expand its technology beyond weeding, focusing on data collection for soil quality, pest presence, pathogens, and biodiversity. Large-scale field tests are planned in Bulgaria and Italy, with an emphasis on hiring additional engineering and sales support staff to accelerate research and development.

Sources

• Investors - Smart Farm Robotix
• Bulgarian Smart Farm Robotix Harvests €2.36M EIC Funding
• Bulgarian Startup Smart Farm Robotix Wins €2.4M EU Grant for AI-Powered Weeding Robot

3 The Press Releases

Since Smart Farm Robotix OOD, a Bulgarian company, received the EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023, here are key details and updates about the company:

Company Overview

Smart Farm Robotix is a pioneering startup in the agricultural technology sector, specializing in the development of fully autonomous solar-powered weeding robots. These robots are equipped with AI for precise weed detection and utilize both contact and contactless methods for weed removal. The company primarily targets organic herb producers, addressing the specific needs of small and medium-sized farmers in Southern Europe, particularly in semi-mountainous terrains where conventional weeding solutions are often inadequate.

Funding and Investment

Smart Farm Robotix secured €2.36 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. This investment is crucial for further developing their technology and expanding operations. The company anticipates that this funding will help attract an additional €1 to €1.5 million in private investment by the end of 2025.

Technology Advancements

The company's weeding robot features advanced AI-driven plant recognition, allowing it to distinguish between weeds and desired plants effectively. It operates autonomously using a combination of multi-GNSS receivers and cameras, eliminating the need for costly RTK equipment. The robot is designed to work continuously, powered by solar panels, and is lightweight, enabling ease of transport and deployment.

Partnerships and Expansion Plans

Smart Farm Robotix plans to conduct large-scale field tests in Bulgarian farms and an organic nursery in Italy. The company is focused on accelerating its R&D efforts, including expanding its technology to collect data on soil quality, pest presence, and biodiversity. This expansion is aimed at enhancing the resilience and productivity of farming operations across a broader spectrum of crops.

Press Releases and Updates

There is limited information available regarding specific press releases on Smart Farm Robotix's website or social media accounts. However, the company's achievements have been highlighted in various media outlets, emphasizing its innovative approach to sustainable agriculture through autonomous weeding technology.

Team Updates

The company is planning to hire additional engineers, AI specialists, and agri-tech sales support experts to support its growth and technological advancements.

Sources

• Investors - Smart Farm Robotix
• Bulgarian Smart Farm Robotix Harvests €2.36M EIC Funding for a
• Bulgaria's Smart Farm Robotix gets 2.4 mln euro EU grant
• A fully autonomous solar-powered lightweight weeding robot, using AI for plant recognition
• The EIC accelerator startups: Smart Farm Robotix
• Smart Farm Robotix company information, funding & investors

4 The Technology Advancements

Current Capabilities and Advancements of Smart Farm Robotix OOD

Smart Farm Robotix OOD, a Bulgarian robotics engineering startup, has been at the forefront of innovation in agricultural technology. The company specializes in developing autonomous solar-powered weeding robots, designed to address the challenges of weed control in organic farming. These robots utilize advanced technologies such as cameras, positional sensors, and AI for weed detection and autonomous navigation, making them particularly suited for terrains common in Southern Europe.

Recent Advancements

Since securing the EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023, Smart Farm Robotix has made significant advancements. The funding of nearly €2.4 million has been instrumental in driving the company's growth and development. This investment is aimed at further enhancing their technology and expanding its capabilities.

• Technological Improvements: The company plans to integrate additional features into its robotic systems, including data collection on soil quality, pest presence, pathogens, and biodiversity. This expansion will position their technology as a comprehensive tool for sustainable farming practices.
• Market Demonstration: Smart Farm Robotix intends to conduct large-scale field tests this spring in two Bulgarian farms and an organic nursery in Italy. These pilots will demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of their weeding robots in real-world settings.

Technology Demonstrations and Market Presence

While there is no specific information on new patents or scientific studies published since the funding, the company's focus on practical demonstrations and pilots indicates a strong commitment to proving the viability of their technology in the market.

Future Plans

Smart Farm Robotix aims to attract additional private funding, potentially up to €1.5 million, by leveraging the credibility and exposure gained from the EIC funding. This strategic approach will help accelerate research and development, further solidifying their position in the agri-tech sector.

Sources

• Smart Farm Robotix: Home
• Bulgaria's Smart Farm Robotix gets 2.4 mln euro EU grant
• Bulgarian Smart Farm Robotix Harvests €2.36M EIC Funding for a Solar-Powered Weeding Robot
• Futuristic fields, how robotics and automation are slowly revolutionising agriculture
• Bulgarian robotics start-up Smart Farm Robotix wins €2.4 million

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Smart Farm Robotix OOD's Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Funding

Partnerships and Customers
While specific customer names are not disclosed, Smart Farm Robotix’s primary focus is on organic herb producers in Southern Europe, particularly those operating in semi-mountainous terrains where existing weeding technologies are less effective. The company plans large-scale field tests in 2024 at two Bulgarian farms and an organic nursery in Italy, indicating early collaborations with regional agricultural stakeholders.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) serves as a critical partner, providing €2.36 million in combined grants and equity to accelerate R&D. This funding is expected to attract an additional €1–1.5 million in private investment by 2025, though specific new investors or partners have not yet been publicly named.

Nature of Relationships and Strategic Goals

• Technology Validation: Field tests with Bulgarian and Italian farms aim to refine the robot’s performance under real-world conditions, particularly for perennial crops like herbs, which are underserved by current solutions.
• R&D Expansion: The EIC funding supports hiring engineers, AI specialists, and agri-tech sales teams to enhance autonomous navigation, weed-detection algorithms, and multi-functional data collection (e.g., soil quality monitoring).
• Market Differentiation: By targeting niche agricultural segments—such as organic herb growers—the company avoids direct competition with larger robotics firms focused on row crops or flatter terrains.

Market Positioning Through Partnerships
Collaborations with early adopters reinforce Smart Farm Robotix’s focus on sustainability-driven automation for small-to-medium organic farms. Integrating sensor-based data collection could position the company as a provider of holistic farm management tools beyond weeding alone. The EIC’s backing also enhances credibility when scaling into EU markets impacted by labor shortages and climate-driven regulatory pressures.

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Sources

• Smart Farm Robotix: Home
• Investors - Smart Farm Robotix
• Bulgarian Smart Farm Robotix Harvests €2.36M EIC Funding

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Smart Farm Robotix OOD: Growth and Team Development Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Smart Farm Robotix OOD, a Bulgarian company, received EIC Accelerator funding on November 8, 2023. This funding has likely positioned the company for significant growth, enabling it to enhance its innovative farming solutions.

Current Headcount and Team Size

As of now, specific details about the current headcount or team size of Smart Farm Robotix OOD are not publicly available. However, it is reasonable to assume that the EIC funding would support hiring and team growth to develop and market their weeding solutions more effectively.

Hiring Status

While there is no explicit information on whether Smart Farm Robotix is currently hiring, companies that receive such funding often expand their teams to utilize the resources effectively. The company's focus on developing cheaper, better, and reliable weeding solutions suggests a need for skilled engineers, researchers, and possibly sales and marketing professionals.

Growth and Expansion

The EIC Accelerator funding marks a significant milestone in Smart Farm Robotix's growth journey. This support will likely be instrumental in scaling their technology and expanding their market reach. As the global agricultural robots market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.0% from 2025 to 2030, Smart Farm Robotix is poised to capitalize on this trend by offering efficient farm management solutions.

Key Positions and New Team Members

Although specific key positions recently hired are not detailed, the company would likely focus on strengthening its technical team, including roles like agricultural engineers, AI specialists, or robotics experts. New team members would play a crucial role in enhancing the company's product offerings and helping them scale by improving existing technologies and developing new ones.

Management Changes

There is no publicly available information on any major changes in management or the founding team since receiving the EIC funding. Founders like Rossen Kolev and Veselin Georgiev continue to lead the company, with Kolev as the CEO and Georgiev as the CTO, driving the strategic direction and technological advancements of Smart Farm Robotix.

Future Implications

The new team members and the EIC funding will significantly contribute to Smart Farm Robotix's future by enhancing its ability to innovate and expand its market presence. As the company grows, it is likely to become a key player in the agricultural robotics sector, offering valuable solutions to farmers worldwide.

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Sources: - Smart Farm Robotix: Home

• Team - Smart Farm Robotix
• Agricultural Robots Market Size, Share & Trends Report 2030

7 The Media Features and Publications

Media Features and Publications Smart Farm Robotix OOD has been featured in multiple tech and agriculture-focused publications following its €2.36 million EIC Accelerator grant in February 2024. Coverage highlights its solar-powered autonomous weeding robot designed for organic herb producers and semi-mountainous terrains in Southern Europe. Key articles include analyses of its AI-driven weed detection, contactless weeding methods, and plans for large-scale field tests in Bulgaria and Italy. The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) later cited the company’s participation in PARAi’s robotics incubator and its role in addressing labor shortages through automation.

Podcasts or Interviews
No direct interviews or podcast appearances by Smart Farm Robotix team members were identified within the available data. However, industry-related podcasts like AgTech360 have discussed similar agricultural robotics advancements, though without specific mentions of the company.

Conference Participation and Event Involvement
The company participated as an exhibitor at Wolves Summit CEE 2024 (May 8–9, Warsaw), though no direct presentation details are confirmed. Its involvement with PARA Incubator events since 2022 is documented, including prototype development support. PARAi’s Vice President Yonko Chuklev highlighted Smart Farm Robotix during the Robotics Strategy Forum (RSF2024) preview as a key example of Bulgarian innovation supported by EU funding.

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Sources

• Bulgarian Smart Farm Robotix Harvests €2.36M EIC Funding
• Bulgaria's Smart Farm Robotix gets 2.4 mln euro EU grant
• AI-Powered Weeding Robot Grant Announcement
• BTA Report on Bulgarian Robotics Growth