Fotenix, based in Manchester, UK, focuses on crop monitoring with advanced multispectral imaging and AI-driven solutions. Established as a spinout from the University of Manchester, the company is on a mission to empower growers with precision tools that enhance sustainability and profitability.
"Growers are at the core of everything we do," says Charles Veys, CEO of Fotenix. "We understand the immense pressure they face to deliver high-quality produce while dealing with rising costs and environmental challenges. Our spectral imaging technology enables farmers to detect early signs of crop stress, such as pests and diseases, long before they escalate into significant issues." For horticultural growers, this means reduced crop losses, optimized resource use, and consistent quality to meet market demands.
How the technology works
Fotenix's technology integrates nondestructive imaging with artificial intelligence to deliver actionable insights for growers. Our spectral imaging captures highly detailed images of crops, diagnosing issues like nutrient deficiencies, diseases, and stress before they become visible to the naked eye," explains Molly Poulter, Fotenix's Trials Coordinator. This enables predictive problem-solving, shifting the focus from reactive to proactive crop management."
The benefits for growers are tangible: waste reduction through targeted intervention, enhanced yields from early detection of crop issues, and support for sustainability goals. "Our approach empowers growers to make precise, informed decisions that directly impact their bottom line," she says. "It's about using technology to our advantage in creating value at every step of the production process."
Widely adaptable
Fotenix's expertise is highly adaptable, addressing the needs of both greenhouse growers and vertical farms. "Our technology is designed to reduce reliance on chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, directly lowering the environmental footprint of farming operations," Molly explains. "By providing data-driven insights, we help growers improve water and energy efficiency, critical in regions facing resource scarcity."
The company was founded to tackle pressing challenges in modern agriculture, including labor shortages, inefficiencies in traditional crop monitoring, and mounting sustainability pressures. "Manual monitoring is not only time-consuming but also prone to human error," she adds. "Our AI-powered imaging solutions provide growers with an advanced, reliable way to optimize their operations while minimizing waste."
Discovering what the market looks like
The horticultural market constantly changes due to the demand for sustainable practices and the need to optimize resource use. According to Molly, Fotenix is meeting these demands. "The recent investment from Fund:AI not only strengthens and assists our operations but also aligns with the importance of precision agriculture in today's competitive market," she notes.
Fotenix remains focused on a grower-first approach, ensuring its innovations address real-world challenges. "Our mission is to help growers protect their profits while meeting the demands of a sustainable agricultural industry," she emphasizes.
Practical applications
The past year has been transformative for Fotenix, marked by big highlights such as securing a major investment from River Capital's Fund:AI. "This funding will accelerate the deployment of our solutions in the largest UK greenhouses and beyond," Molly proudly states.
Molly highlights the company's commitment to scaling its technology. "The investment allows us to expand our team and operations, ensuring that more growers can benefit from our solutions. We're looking to reach new markets in 2025, extending our impact on sustainable agriculture globally."
"We aim to drive measurable results for our clients by enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable farming practices," she concludes.
For more information:
Fotenix
Molly Poulter, Trials Coordinator
[email protected]
fotenix.tech