NutriSen Launches Smart Fertilization Technology to Reduce Environmental Impact and Costs for Farmers

NutriSen Launches Smart Fertilization Technology to Reduce Environmental Impact and Costs for Farmers

(IN BRIEF) NutriSen, a TUM spin-off, is revolutionizing agriculture with its smart fertilization technology, which provides precise and data-driven fertilizer recommendations. By combining plant data with satellite imagery, the technology helps farmers reduce fertilizer use by up to 20%, benefiting both the environment and their bottom line. The start-up, founded in 2023, is currently in the second phase of field trials with nearly 100 farms, with plans to launch the product next year.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 28-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — NutriSen, a start-up spun off from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), is revolutionizing the agricultural sector with its innovative approach to smart fertilization. The company has developed a measuring device and application that provide farmers with highly precise and data-driven fertilization recommendations, helping to reduce nitrogen input and protect the environment. By combining on-site plant measurements with satellite data, NutriSen enables farmers to optimize fertilizer use, minimizing environmental impact and cutting costs.

The process begins with farmers collecting plant stalks from their fields, which are then crushed. The released substrate is applied to biosensor strips, and the measuring device calculates the phosphate and nitrate values of the plants. In just a few minutes, the NutriSen app generates a high-resolution map of the field using satellite data from the European Copernicus earth observation program. This map offers specific fertilizer recommendations for each section of the field, potentially reducing fertilizer usage by up to 20 percent.

A Laboratory in the Field

The NutriSen team, led by Débora Moretti, Alaa Oughli, Tobias Vöpel, and Professor Nicolas Plumeré, has turned their vision into reality with the goal of bringing a “laboratory in the field” to farmers. As Moretti explains, “Our aim was to democratize data-supported agriculture, making precise fertilization accessible to all farmers.” The technology was developed through the LiveSen-MAP research project, which was funded by the EIC Transition program.

From Concept to Field Test

In 2021, the team received funding from the EXIST research transfer program, which enabled them to expand their research and further develop their technology. In 2023, NutriSen was officially founded to test and commercialize the technology. The team also participated in the XPLORE program at UnternehmerTUM, which helped them prepare for entrepreneurship, expand their network, and receive valuable feedback when applying for funding from the European Innovation Council.

Currently, NutriSen’s technology is in its second phase of field testing with almost 100 farms. “The feedback from the initial phase has been instrumental in improving both the sensors and the app,” says Moretti. Based on the results of these trials, NutriSen plans to launch the nitrate measurement product in the market next year.

Further information and links

The innovation ecosystem with TUM at its center is considered one of the most successful deeptech hubs in Europe. Its particular strengths are its strong, diverse network and extremely specific support. In initiatives and co-labs, start-ups work on innovations with established companies, experts, investors and administration. TUM and UnternehmerTUM, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, support start-up teams with programs that are precisely tailored to the individual phases of the start-up and the teams. The TUM Venture Labs offer direct access to cutting-edge research, technical infrastructure and market expertise in twelve fields of technology. Most recently, more than 100 companies were founded at TUM in one year and more than 1,100 start-up teams were supported by UnternehmerTUM and the Venture Labs. UnternehmerTUM, which invests with its own venture capital fund, has twice been voted Europe’s best start-up center by the Financial Times.

Media Contact:

Corporate Communications Center
Linda Schinnenburg
presse@tum.de

SOURCE: Technical University of Munich