upp harvests underutilized parts of broccoli crops using a patented Automated Selective Harvester and machine learning to optimize harvest efficiency and reduce labor costs. The company provides food producers with hypoallergenic, plant-based protein and fiber ingredients, addressing the issue of food waste while lowering CO₂ emissions and food miles.
Funding
$610K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current methods of harvesting broccoli are labor-intensive and costly, often leading to significant crop waste due to the expense of multiple manual harvests. This inefficiency contributes to higher prices for consumers and reduces the financial sustainability of farming operations. Additionally, valuable nutrients in underutilized parts of the broccoli plant are often discarded.
Solution
UPP addresses these challenges by upcycling underutilized parts of broccoli crops into hypoallergenic, plant-based protein and fiber ingredients for food producers. Their patented Automated Selective Harvester, combined with machine learning, optimizes harvest efficiency and reduces reliance on manual labor. This technology allows for the collection of nutritious stalks that would otherwise be left in the field. These stalks are then processed into ingredients that can be incorporated into a variety of food products, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional protein and fiber sources.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes food producers seeking sustainable, hypoallergenic, and cost-effective plant-based protein and fiber ingredients, as well as farmers looking to improve harvest efficiency and reduce waste.
Features
- Patented Automated Selective Harvester ('Harvesta') for efficient broccoli harvesting
- Machine learning algorithms to optimize harvesting and minimize crop loss
- Production of hypoallergenic vegan ingredients (Prota, Fiba, Necta, and Ova) from broccoli side-streams
- Ingredients suitable for 'hybridizing' meat products, soups, smoothies, breads, cakes, pet food and hair care products
- Data portal ('Intellia') providing farmers with insights to support precision agriculture
- Low CO₂ footprint due to the use of upcycled crops and regional production