BACK

Cultivating the Future: Spain's Top 10 Early-Stage Agricultural Startups

Introduction: The Rise of Agrotech in Spain

Spain, one of Europe's largest agricultural producers, plays a crucial role in supplying fresh produce to northern Europe, especially during the off-season. The country is renowned for its production and export of high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts. With the advent of Agrotech, the Spanish agricultural sector has embraced new technologies that support and improve digital processes across agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. These innovations are revolutionizing traditional farming methods, making them more efficient and sustainable.

How These Startups Are Shaping Spanish Agriculture

Emerging Trends

Sustainability: Vertical and insect farming reduce land, water use, and environmental impact.
Water Managemen: Drip irrigation and desalination optimize water use in agriculture.
Going Global: Italian investors remain dominant, but there's a growing presence of European and North American players.
Advanced Technologies: AI and robotics streamline farm management and operations.
Data and Transparency: Big Data and Blockchain ensure efficient, transparent food supply chains.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Focus on reducing carbon footprint and using renewable energy.
Efficiency: Automation and microbial solutions enhance productivity and soil health.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite facing high input costs, unpredictable weather, and economic pressures, the Spanish agricultural sector is ripe with opportunities. The demand for organic and traceable food is rising, and precision agriculture techniques such as drones and sensors are optimizing production. Advances in food processing are improving preservation and distribution, while agritourism is generating new revenue streams. With high-quality products and strong export potential, Spain is reinforcing its position in global markets. Enhanced collaboration in research and development (R&D) is driving further innovation and progress in the sector.

Top 10 Early-Stage Agriculture Startups in Spain

1. 1. Neboda - Advancing Crop Quality with Vertical Farming Technology.
  - Headquarters - Vigo, Galicia, Spain
  - Founders - Iván García, Roberto Estévez
  - Establishment year - 2019
  - Latest Funding(in USD) - NA
  - Sector Focus - Sector Agnostic
  - Investor/s - Spain Foodtech, MAPA
2. Néboda is an innovative indoor vertical farming company that leverages a scientific approach and a strong foundation in industrial automation to deliver high-quality crops efficiently. Central to Néboda's operations is their fully automated proprietary robot, which plays a crucial role in streamlining the cultivation process. This cutting-edge technology allows Néboda to optimize production, ensuring that crops are grown in an environmentally sustainable and economically viable manner. Through their advanced system, Néboda is redefining modern agriculture and contributing to the future of food production.
1. 2. Ekonoke - Revolutionizing Hop Cultivation with Sustainable Practices.
  - Headquarters - Boadilla Del Monte, Madrid, Spain
  - Founders - Ana Saez García, Ines Sagrario, Javier Ramiro Moreno, Antonio Rojas García
  - Establishment year - 2016
  - Latest Funding(in USD) - $ 4M
  - Investor/s - Eatable Adventures, Leanox Impact Capital
2. Ekonoke aims to remove risk from brewing by targeting its most uncertain component: hops. Traditional hop cultivation faces unpredictability due to weather and harvest variations, but Ekonoke's indoor farming platform offers controlled conditions with precise automation and harvest forecasting. Utilizing SIEMENS equipment, Ekonoke integrates IoT and automation to ensure consistent, global production. Their Indoor Hops Alliance is dedicated to creating climate-resilient hops, enhancing biodiversity, conserving water, and eliminating chemicals. By replicating ideal growing conditions, Ekonoke delivers high-quality, eco-friendly hops, ensuring reliable supply and sustainability for breweries.
1. 3. Zetrack - Leading the Green Transition in Agriculture with Smart Technology.
  - Headquarters - Amorebieta, Pais Vasco, Spain
  - Founders - Carlos Bergera, Iñaki Rezola
  - Establishment year - NA
  - Latest Funding(in USD) - $ 1.1M
  - Investor/s - Spri, Seed Capital Bizkaia
2. Zetrack is transforming agriculture with its smart, zero-emission vehicles that represent the future of farming. By integrating IoT technology and advanced battery performance, Zetrack brings the green and energy transition to life, leading the way in Agriculture 4.0. Their e-Farming solutions boost productivity and efficiency, tackling labor shortages while cutting fuel and maintenance costs. This focus on electrification and smart machinery aligns with new regulations, reducing the carbon footprint of farming operations. Zetrack’s innovation meets sustainability demands and attracts customers and investors interested in eco-friendly practices.
1. 4. Ixoriguè Technologies - Enhancing Beef Cattle Farming with Data-Driven Solutions.
  - Headquarters - Madrid, Madrid, Spain
  - Founders - Alfredo Poves Luelmo (CEO)
  - Establishment year - 2019
  - Latest Funding(in USD) - $ 1M
  - Investor/s - Crowdcube, Finaves, ESADE BAN, Borja Moreno de Los Rios, Araelec
2. Ixoriguè Technologies delivers an all-in-one solution for beef cattle farming, aimed at improving daily operations and increasing profitability. The platform focuses on animal welfare through data-driven insights that enhance care and fertility. It supports efficient fattening by monitoring weight gain and feeding. The user-friendly app simplifies tasks, with features such as an operating logbook, sanitary control with veterinary records, and optimized campaign monitoring for better reproduction rates. Users can track individual animal performance, manage reproduction schedules, and analyze livestock density to make informed decisions and boost overall farm efficiency.
1. 5. Enkitek - Enhancing Indoor Farming Efficiency with Advanced Software.
  - Headquarters - Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
  - Founders - Victor Cantón Ferrer, Eric Mora Juan, Eugeni Llagostera Saltor
  - Establishment year - 2021
  - Latest Funding(in USD) - NA
  - Investor/s - Ship2B
2. Enkitek Software Solution aims to revolutionize indoor farming by seamlessly integrating their technology into existing systems for enhanced productivity and efficiency. Their Farm Management System (FMS) is a customizable, hardware-agnostic solution for managing materials, processes, and orders. The platform offers IoT integration with a unified dashboard for controlling light, irrigation, and environmental factors. Enkitek's automation capabilities use robotic precision and AI to optimize processes and improve yields. Through multi-sensor data and advanced AI, their system provides comprehensive insights and efficient management from a single platform.
1. 6. InsectBiotech - Transforming Agricultural Waste into Valuable Resources.
  - Headquarters - Jaén, Andalucia, Spain
  - Founders - Ben Brown, Ignacio Gavilan
  - Establishment year - 2023
  - Latest Funding(in USD) - $ 480.2K
  - Investor/s - NA
2. InsectBiotech specializes in converting agricultural and food byproduct residues into valuable products that are essential for sustainable agriculture. Utilizing Black Soldier Fly larvae, the company efficiently transforms crop residues into protein, fertilizer, and materials with minimal environmental impact. Currently focused on olive crop residues, InsectBiotech plans to build large-scale manufacturing plants, starting in Andalusia, Spain. This region's rich supply of raw materials will enable the rapid production of low-carbon, sustainable products. Through these efforts, InsectBiotech aims to support the future of food and regenerative agriculture.
1. 7. Mmmico - Innovating Ingredient Development with Advanced Fermentation and AI.
  - Headquarters - Sevilla, Andalucia, Spain
  - Founders - Javier Vina
  - Establishment year - 2023
  - Latest Funding(in USD) - $ 179.7K
  - Investor/s - Spain Foodtech
2. Mmmico is a pioneering platform that discovers new natural ingredients using fermentation, directed evolution, and AI. Their innovative technology, 'Directed Evolution,' accelerates natural processes, allowing them to develop unique ingredients swiftly. One of their key products, ROSASTA®, is a versatile ingredient made from astaxanthin and carotenoids, known for its powerful antioxidant and natural colorant properties. ROSASTA® is ideal for use in food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feed, enhancing both health and visual appeal. Mmmico's advancements in ingredient development are redefining industry standards.
1. 8. Azolla Projects - Turning Farms into Resilient Carbon Sinks.
  - Headquarters - Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
  - Founders - Jerónimo Pellicer Hummelsheim, Orson Acosta Romero de Tejada
  - Establishment year - 2020
  - Latest Funding(in USD) - NA
  - Investor/s - Think Bigger Capital
2. Azolla Projects is committed to advancing regenerative agriculture to counteract the negative impacts of current agro-industrial practices. By focusing on natural carbon sequestration, restoring water cycles, and enhancing biodiversity, the organization aims to transform farms into resilient carbon sinks. Azolla Projects fosters innovation, builds alliances, and shares knowledge through conferences and its Regenerative Transition Services. Their mission is to scale regenerative agriculture to restore Earth’s natural balance and ensure long-term planetary health.
1. 9. FertigHy - Revolutionizing Fertilizer Production with Low-Carbon Solutions.
  - Headquarters - Madrid, Madrid, Spain
  - Founders - Jose Antonio de las Heras Alonso(CEO)
  - Establishment year - 2023
  - Latest Funding(in USD) - NA
  - Investor/s - EIT InnoEnergy, Heineken, InVivo, Siemens Financial Services, Ric Energy
2. FertigHy is revolutionizing the fertilizer industry with affordable, low-carbon options designed for European farmers. By tackling food security issues heightened by supply chain disruptions and natural gas volatility, FertigHy uses a sustainable water electrolysis method for hydrogen production instead of the conventional steam methane reforming. This eco-friendly approach, powered by renewable energy, drastically cuts CO2 emissions and avoids the price and geopolitical risks associated with natural gas. FertigHy's technology provides both an environmental benefit and increased economic stability in hydrogen production.
1. 10. Brioagro Technologies - Innovating Farm Management with Intelligent Irrigation.
  - Headquarters - Tudela, Navarra, Spain
  - Founders - Antonio Santos, José Luis Bustos Jiménez
  - Establishment year - 2015
  - Latest Funding(in USD) - NA
  - Investor/s - SODENA, The WBAF Fund
2. BrioAgro's technology ensures that irrigation occurs only when plants need it, optimizing resources and boosting production. The system leverages automatic calibration through soil sensors and satellite images, seamlessly integrating with existing irrigation setups at an affordable monthly rental. By enhancing farm productivity and reducing the consumption of water, energy, fertilizers, and phytosanitary products, BrioAgro offers a comprehensive solution. Farmers can track their operations and receive alerts for issues like pipe failures or diseases through a mobile app.

Conclusion: Spain's Growing Influence in Global AgTech

Despite facing challenges Spain's agricultural sector remains resilient. The innovative efforts of these early-stage startups are crucial in driving the sector forward, positioning Spain as a significant player in the global or mainly Europe’s Agricultural landscape. As these companies continue to grow and evolve, they will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of agriculture worldwide.