Norway’s Kilter secures €6.5 million to scale autonomous precision weeding technology; prepares for Series B

Kilter, a Norwegian AgTech startup developing autonomous precision weeding solutions, has secured €6.5 million in new financing and a strategic investment from Kubota Corporation, an Osaka-based manufacturer of agricultural machinery and a global distributor with operations across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania.

In addition to Kubota, the current funding round was backed by SBG Invest, Pymwymic, Nufarm, Halden Pensjonskasse, ProAgInvest, Natural Ventures, and other smaller shareholders. 

According to Kilter, the majority of the capital in this round has been provided by Kilter’s existing shareholders. The investment supports Kilter’s next phase of growth, and the company indicates that it is advancing toward a Series B financing round. 

“The continued backing from our existing shareholders is a strong signal of long-term confidence in Kilter. Combined with Kubota’s strategic involvement, we now have an ownership structure that supports both disciplined growth and global ambition as we move into our next phase,” said Kristoffer Magnor, Managing Director at Kilter.

Kilter’s journey began in 2015 as a robotics project within Adigo Mechatronics, an innovation and design company. Recognising the potential of its nozzle technology, Kilter spun out as an independent company in 2020.

It was founded to address the growing challenges of labour shortages, rising input costs, and increasing regulatory pressure on chemical use. According to the company, it combines robotics, artificial intelligence, and precision spraying technology to enable more sustainable, efficient, and scalable field operations.

Kilter develops autonomous weeding robots to improve farming practices and accelerate the transition to a sustainable food system. The company claims that its flagship system, AX-1, is designed for selective application in row and bed-based crops, allowing farmers to reduce chemical usage while maintaining crop yield, crop health, and operational efficiency.

The AX-1 is Kilter’s first ultra-high precision weeding robot for vegetables that applies micro droplets of herbicide. It uses advanced imaging technology, AI, and patented droplet technology to target weeds with 6x6mm accuracy. 

“The technology behind AX-1 enables ultra-precise spot spraying using Single Drop Technology with 6 mm accuracy. That means each weed is targeted individually, without exposing the crop to harmful chemicals. The result? Up to 95% reduction in pesticide use, with yields maintained—or even improved,” the company mentioned in a press release. 

Kilter states that this partnership with Kubota goes beyond capital and brings industrial expertise, market insight, and global distribution experience, further strengthening Kilter’s ability to scale internationally.

“We believe that Kilter offers an outstanding solution to help farmers manage weeds more efficiently and sustainably. We are excited to work alongside Kilter and our co-investors to support the company’s next phase of growth. This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to strategically investing in and actively supporting innovative startups from Kubota’s global perspective,” said Miquel Albareda, Manager Corporate Development, Kubota Corporation.

According to the company, it has been in commercial operation with farmers since 2021 and currently serves customers across Northern Europe, with ongoing expansion into additional international markets. It claims that growers in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands are already using AX-1 in carrots, onions, salad, and beets.

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