N

NDrip

Energy · Yehud Monosson, Israel · Founded 2017

N-Drip, an Israeli agricultural technology firm established in 2015, offers a micro-irrigation system powered by gravity, aiming to transform traditional flood irrigation practices. The company was founded by Professor Uri Shani, a former director of Israel's Water Authority, alongside Dr. Ariel Halperin and Ran Ben-Or. Professor Shani, who serves as the company's Chairman and CTO, has a deep-rooted background in water solutions, having grown up on a kibbutz and dedicated his academic and professional life to soil physics and water management. His experience includes serving as Israel's water commissioner, where he spearheaded significant initiatives in water recycling and desalination. The core of N-Drip's business is a patented system designed to operate without the need for external energy sources or pressure-based filters, making it a cost-effective alternative for farmers. This technology addresses the high water wastage associated with flood irrigation, a method still used on 85% of the world's irrigated land. The system utilizes a uniquely designed dripper that functions with low pressure and can handle dirty water, which reduces operational costs for farmers. N-Drip's clients are farmers of various scales, from smallholders to large commercial operations, across diverse geographical markets. The company generates revenue through the sale of its irrigation systems and has established key business hubs in Australia, India, and the southwestern United States. A significant partnership with PepsiCo aims to scale the technology across their global agricultural footprint. N-Drip's product is a comprehensive solution that goes beyond the physical hardware. It includes the expertise of agronomists and irrigation specialists who work with farmers to optimize water savings, reduce fertilizer use, and increase crop yields. The system reportedly saves up to 60% of water while increasing yields by at least 15%. A complementary software component, N-Drip Connect, allows for the continuous monitoring of fields, providing data on water usage and fertilizer application. The company has secured substantial funding to support its global expansion, with its Series C round in June 2023 raising $44 million, bringing its total funding to approximately $80 million. Keywords: micro-irrigation, gravity-powered irrigation, water conservation, agricultural technology, agtech, flood irrigation alternative, drip irrigation, sustainable farming, water management, crop yield optimization, fertilizer reduction, Uri Shani, N-Drip Connect, precision agriculture, smart farming, water-saving technology, low-energy irrigation, sustainable agriculture, farm equipment, soil physics