RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is in overdrive to achieve its ambitious goals of diversifying its economy and further uplifting the quality of life without compromising its commitment to sustainable living. Its measures have created a rich environment conducive to innovation and investment and witnessed mushrooming startups developing novel ideas supported by different institutions in
CAIRO: With its severe environments and large areas of unused land, the Middle East and North Africa region is in prime need of agricultural and technological advancement. Agri-tech, also called agtech, the use of technology in agriculture, horticulture, and aquaculture, is reshaping the traditional model of farming to improve yield, efficiency and profitability.
KAUST invests $3.5 million in Estonia s Natufia Labs
Natufia Labs, the Estonia-based automated kitchen garden startup, announced today that it is relocating to Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). KAUST is also leading a $3.5 million investment round in Natufia, awarding $2 million through the KAUST Innovation Fund. This brings the total amount of money raised by Natufia to $4.7 million.
Natufia makes an automated home gardening appliance about the size of refrigerator that automatically controls elements such as lighting, as well as water and nutrient dispensing. The $13,000 Natufia cabinet uses seedpods that are placed in a special unit to germinate before being transferred to pots to grow and be harvested. Right now, Natufia’s appliance can grow leafy greens, herbs and flowers.
KAUST invests $3 5 million in Estonia s Natufia Labs wamda.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wamda.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Estonian foodtech startup Natufia Labs, which was born at Garage48 competition in Tartu, is moving to Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), which is leading $3.5 million investment round with $2 million to Natufia through their venture capital investment arm.
Natufia says it has developed the world’s first smart indoor kitchen garden providing technology to harvest herbs, leafy greens and vegetables at home.
“We are delighted to welcome our latest spin-in partner, Natufia Labs, to the Kingdom and support their expansion in the region – and the world,” said Kevin Cullen, vice president of KAUST Innovation and Economic Development.