Corvus Drones

In recent years, drone technology has become increasingly visible, it has found uses in entertainment, delivery services and has even been seen lighting up the sky in mesmerising light shows. But more than that, one area where drones will make a significant impact is agriculture. As the world grapples with the challenges of feeding a growing population while minimising environmental impact, Corvus Drones is an innovative scale-up that is harnessing the power of drone technology to revolutionise greenhouse management.

Digitizing greenhouse crops

Corvus Drones, a scale-up founded by Frans-Peter Dechering and Gerhold ten Voorde, holds a bold mission "to digitise every plant in every greenhouse worldwide", using cutting-edge drone technology to improve crop monitoring and management. While IoT-integrated (Internet-of-Things) farming equipment is starting to be introduced that can detect crop health in fields, significantly decreasing pesticide use, a similar kind of technology is still lacking for greenhouses. Corvus' ambitious vision aims to change this, as Frans-Peter explains, "There's an enormous need to better monitor crops. The more you monitor your crops, the better you can keep an eye on them and the more sustainably you can cultivate."

Success in the Food Valley

Corvus Drones' journey began in Wageningen, where the company participated in StartLife, a leading accelerator programme for agri-food start-ups in Europe. This programme provided the necessary support and resources for the company to take off. As the company grew it moved to Ede, which is a mere 6 kilometres from Wageningen.

They found an inspiring new home in the Roots Innovation Hub at the World Food Center, a vibrant part of the Dutch Food Valley ecosystem. "Without this ecosystem, we wouldn't be where we are now," acknowledges Frans-Peter. Corvus Drones collaborates with local farmers and uses their greenhouses to test and validate their programmed drones, further strengthening the company's ties to the region. He emphasises the unity of Wageningen Campus and the Food Valley region, viewing them more or less as a single entity.

Frans-Peter believes a broader agri-food cluster is essential for technological development leading to productive and sustainable future food production, contributing to the transitions seen in the agri-food sector; "The international ecosystem of public and private parties that is established here, combined with the enthusiastic attitudes of individuals is a great asset." Reflecting on their collaborations, he mentions their early enthusiasm for drones. While they focused on drone controls, Track32, an enthusiastic AI-based computer vision software, assisted in converting drone images into valuable agricultural data. This highlights that the Dutch Food Valley ecosystem is much more than the sum of its parts, offering fertile ground for a wide range of technologies beyond traditional agriculture. Frans-Peter confidently states, "I wouldn't just recommend the Dutch Food Valley; I believe you are twice as likely to succeed here than anywhere else.”

Global growth

Looking to the future, Corvus Drones aims to be globally recognised by growers within ten years, with a team of about 25 people and a revenue to match. They plan to stay rooted in the Food Valley region, appreciating its inspiring work environment and proximity to technical universities. Frans-Peter's advice for other agri-tech companies is clear: "For horticultural companies, a foothold in the Dutch Food Valley is ideal for a jumpstart." The region's blend of academic expertise, large industry connections, and start-up support makes it a fertile ground for innovation in agriculture and food technology.

As Corvus Drones continues to soar higher, their story serves as a compelling testament to the Dutch Food Valley's power to empower agri-tech start-ups. It's not just about finding a place to do business; it's about being part of an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, fosters collaboration, and propels companies toward global success. The Dutch Food Valley welcomes every type of organisation with open arms, regardless of their stage in growth, offering a vibrant space for all to thrive.