Oslo-based Saga Robotics, which develops autonomous robots that help farmers boost yields and reduce chemicals through UV-C crop protection and precision farming, has secured €9.5 million in equity capital led by Nysnø Climate Investments.
- Established in 2016 by Pål Johan From and Lars Grimstad, Saga Robotics develops autonomous agricultural robots for strawberry and grapevine production.
- Its flagship platform, Thorvald, uses UV-C light to control powdery mildew without chemicals and can also perform tasks such as flower and fruit counting for yield prediction, dispensing predatory mites, and cutting runners.
- The modular, self-navigating system operates in fields and polytunnels, and is designed to work at night to minimise disruption to crops and farm operations.
- Thorvald is deployed on more than 150 units globally, covering over 1,300 acres of vineyards in California and treating around 20% of the UK strawberry market.
- The company employs about 50 people and maintains operations in Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with its technology also integrated into California’s CORE incentive program for sustainable farming equipment.
Details of the deal
- The investment was led by Nysnø Climate Investments, with participation from Aker Capital ASA, Blystad Group, Praesidium Agri-Food Tech, Hatteland, Melesio, Sanden, MP Pensjon, Cibus Capital, and Rabo Investments.
“The Thorvald robot has moved from a prototype to a fully commercially deployed autonomous solution, already servicing thousands of acres in 2025. We’re investing in Saga Robotics because they have the right team, the right tech, proven technology, and a clear path to scale in high-value, underserved agricultural sectors," claims Alice Laurora, Vice President at Praesidium Agri-FoodTech.
- The funding will be used to accelerate growth in the UK and US, expand the use of the company’s autonomous Thorvald robots in strawberry and wine grape farming, continue replacing chemical pesticides with UV-C light technology, and boost crop yields while promoting more sustainable food production
