Picketa Systems, a promising agtech startup based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, has successfully raised a seed round of $1.4 million CAD to further its mission of revolutionizing plant tissue analysis in agriculture. The funding round was led by the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, an independent non-profit organization that supports innovative ventures. Several investors specializing in the agricultural sector, including Tall Grass Ventures, Emmertech, and Koan Capital, also participated in the funding. Notably, well-known financial institution Desjardins Group and members from angel groups East Valley Ventures and Startup TNT joined the investment as well. Picketa Systems focuses on the development of advanced technology for plant tissue analysis, aiming to streamline and enhance the agricultural testing process. Traditional methods of plant tissue testing are often time-consuming, involving manual sampling from various locations in the field, collection of plant leaves, and subsequent shipment to laboratories for analysis. Recognizing the need for a more efficient approach, Picketa Systems has developed an innovative solution that integrates real-time plant tissue analysis into the workflows of agronomists and agricultural professionals. By doing so, the company aims to significantly reduce costs and save valuable time for farmers. To ensure the effectiveness and practicality of its solution, Picketa Systems collaborated closely with farmers in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island during the development phase. The result is a technology platform that enables on-site processing of plant tissue data, eliminating the need for reliance on third-party laboratories with longer turnaround times. Through its user-friendly web platform, Picketa provides users with access to the collected data and analysis results in real-time. Beyond its immediate benefits to farmers, Picketa's technology also contributes to the broader field of precision agriculture. This tech-based farming strategy allows for the monitoring of crop field variability, and its implementation can lead to a reduction in nitrous oxide emissions and other greenhouse gases—an important environmental consideration. As the global demand for food continues to rise, producers are increasingly relying on agricultural testing technologies to maximize their output and ensure the efficient use of resources. Research conducted by Facts and Factors indicates that the market for these products is projected to exceed a valuation of $1.26 billion USD by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6 percent. While several Canadian tech startups offer soil testing technologies, such as ChrysaLabs, Terramera, and Croptimistic, Picketa Systems is poised to carve out a niche in the emerging field of real-time analysis for plant tissues. With a current focus on potato farming, the company has plans to extend its technology to other crops, including corn, onions, carrots, and blueberries. By expanding its reach across various agricultural sectors, Picketa aims to address the diverse needs of farmers and contribute to increased productivity and sustainability. The recent funding injection of $1.4 million CAD will be instrumental in enabling Picketa Systems to deploy 10 units of its cutting-edge technology across Canada and the United Kingdom. This expansion will significantly increase the accessibility of real-time plant tissue analysis, benefitting farmers and supporting the advancement of precision agriculture on a broader scale. With a total funding of $1.8 million CAD to date, including a $300,000 CAD pre-seed investment round in 2022, Picketa is well-positioned for growth and poised to make a meaningful impact in the agricultural industry.